Unit A - Mix and Flow of Matter

Unit Overview
The materials that we use, including natural and manufactured ones, often take the form of fluids. Fluids are composed primarily of liquids and gases, but may also include solids in a variety of forms. In investigating fluids, students discover that many common household materials are aqueous solutions or suspensions, in which the main component is water, and learn that such diverse substances as air and oil are fluids. Students learn that the properties of individual fluids are important to their use, including such properties as density, buoyancy and viscosity of the fluid and its response to changes in temperature and pressure. The particle model of matter is introduced to help students make a conceptual link between the nature of matter and the specific behaviour of fluids. 

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Unit B - Cells and Systems

Unit Overview
Living things take a variety of forms, as reflected in their structures, internal processes and ways of responding to their environments. Finding patterns within this diversity has been a major challenge for the biological sciences, and has led to development of ideas such as systems, cells, structures and functions - ideas developed from the study of all living things. Using these ideas, students learn to interpret life at a variety of levels, from individual cells to complex organisms. To develop their understanding, students investigate ways that components of a living system work together, and through these studies learn that healthy organisms - including healthy humans - function as balanced Systems within a life-supporting environment.

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Unit C - Light and Optical Systems

Unit Overview
Our understanding of the world is based largely on what we see-both directly, and aided by optical devices that improve and extend our vision. Tools such as the microscope and telescope have helped extend knowledge in a variety of science fields, from the study of cells to stars, to studies of the nature of light itself. In learning about light, students investigate its interactions with different materials and interpret its behavior using a geometric ray model. As students extend their investigations, the wave model of light is introduced and then used in interpreting colour and other electromagnetic phenomena. This knowledge is further applied in interpreting a variety of light-based technologies and envisaging new technologies we may use in the future.

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Unit D - Mechanical Systems

Unit Overview
Machines are used for many purposes in our daily lives, when we need to transfer energy into motion, or move materials in a controlled way. in learning about mechanical devices, students investigate how components are linked so that energy is transferred efficiently and desired functions are performed. A comparison of past and present technologies helps students recognize that different approaches have been used over time to meet common needs. Evaluation of efficiency, effectiveness and impacts on daily life, the community and the environment are important considerations in this unit.

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Unit E - Fresh and Salt Water Systems

Unit Overview
Earth is sometimes described as the water planet: over two-thirds of Earth's surface is covered by oceans and freshwater features. By exploring examples of aquatic systems, students come to appreciate their dynamic nature and learn about the interactions of these systems with climate, the biosphere and Earth's landscape. In the process, students become aware of conditions which have led to the development of aquatic systems, as they investigate factors that affect their characteristics and quality as part of a life-supporting environment.

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