Osaka International School

 

Middle/High School Course Descriptions

 

 Content                                                                                                                            

 Science 6

As the first year of the MYP, the sixth grade science program students learn to observe, describe and record result during many experiments and projects. They discover how to control variables, then predict and test how changing variables affect the outcome of the experiments. Students will interpret results and draw conclusions.  The program includes the following topics: Magnets and Motors, Microworlds (refinement of microscope use and observing skills), Forces, The Water Cycle, Ecology and Making and Separating Mixtures. Mathematics is integrated into the study of science wherever applicable.

 Science  7

As part of the MYP, the grade 7 science course is integrated within the science disciplines and, to the extent possible, across subject areas. The course consists of continued development of laboratory skills and science study through classroom and project work.  The areas of science covered and approximate time sequence are:

Autumn Trimester—Similarities and differences among organisms; Cycles of energy transformations for heat, light and sound; and Interactions of sun, earth and moon.

Winter Trimester—Landforms through time: Weathering, erosion, and deposition; Rock cycle; Planets; and Growth patterns in invertebrates and non-vascular plants.

Spring Trimester—Growth patterns in plants and seeds, animals and specifically human development; Populations, Communities and ecosystems; and Human effects on ecosystems.

 Science  8

As a continuation of the MYP, the grade 8 science course is integrated within the science disciplines and, to the extent possible, across subject areas.  The course consists of continued development of laboratory skills and science study through classroom and project work. The areas of science covered and approximate time sequence are:

Autumn Trimester—Matter, including particle theory, types of matter, and separating matter; and Weather.

Winter Trimester—Motion: velocity, acceleration, Newton's laws; and Inheritance.

Spring Trimester—Systems within organisms including morphology; Energy transformations: Kinetic energy, potential energy, energy transformations in form; and Living on land, living in water.

 Science  9

Biology 9

This is the first year of the three-term science cycles including biology, chemistry and physics. The emphasis is on the concepts, laws, theories, and the historical context of scientific development. Experimentation is a major component to assists students in refining laboratory skills and critical thinking.  Biology 9 includes the topics of ecology, evolution and cells.

Chemistry 9

This is the first year of the three-term science cycles including biology, chemistry and physics. The emphasis is on the concepts, laws, theories, and the historical context of scientific development. Experimentation is a major component to assist students in refining laboratory skills and critical thinking. Chemistry includes the topics: matter and energy, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. Mathematics at a basic algebra level will be used to quantitatively reinforce concepts.

Physics 9

This is the first year of the three-term science cycles including biology, chemistry and physics. The emphasis is on the concepts, laws, theories, and the historical context of scientific development. Experimentation is a major component to assist students in refining laboratory skills and critical thinking. Grade 9 Physics topics include: waves, sound and light. Mathematics at a basic algebra level will be used to quantitatively reinforce concepts.

 Science 10

Biology 10

This is the second year of the three-term science cycles including biology, chemistry and physics. The emphasis is on the concepts, laws, theories, and the historical context of scientific development. Experimentation is a major component to assist students in refining laboratory skills and critical thinking.  Biology 10 includes the topics of photosynthesis, respiration, genetics and life processes.

Chemistry 10

This is the second year of the three-term science cycles including biology, chemistry and physics. The emphasis is on the concepts, laws, theories, and the historical context of scientific development. Experimentation is a major component to assist students in refining laboratory skills and critical thinking. Chemistry includes the topics: nomenclature, chemical equations and chemical composition. Mathematics at a basic algebra level will be used to quantitatively reinforce concepts.

 Physics 10

This is the second year of the three-term science cycles including biology, chemistry and physics. The emphasis is on the concepts, laws, theories, and the historical context of scientific development. Experimentation is a major component to assist students in refining laboratory skills and critical thinking. Grade 10 Physics topics include: interactions of matter and energy; properties of matter; and mechanics, including Newton's laws, friction, and momentum. Mathematics at a basic algebra level will be used to quantitatively reinforce concepts.