Science is a fundamental and enjoyable way of exploring and understanding our world. Students learn the methods, language, and processes of science with dynamic hands-on experiments. Join us as we view something of the panorama of science, enjoy the subject, and appreciate the application of science to our lives and to society in general.
In Grades 9 and 10 science courses, students study units from each of four strands of science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth and Space Science. These courses are offered in both the academic and applied streams. As well, ESL students may take courses in either stream in classes with ESL accommodations. Grades 9 and 10 Science are also offered in designated gifted classes. Admission to these classes is based on an IPRC process where students have been previously identified as gifted. Grades 9 and 10 Essentials Level Science are also offered if enrolment is sufficient.
In Grades 11 and 12, students may specialize by taking courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All of these are offered at the University Preparation Level. Grade 11 College Preparation Level Biology is offered. It has a Grade 10 academic or applied stream prerequisite.
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology and Chemistry are offered in Grade 12. To qualify, students must take the respective Grade 11 Biology or Chemistry (Part 1 Grade 11 AP Course). If interested, students should sign up for this course during the course selection process. Following selection of this course, prospective applicants will be required to complete the Grade 11 - Part 1 Advanced Placement (AP) Program Application Form, available from the Guidance Department. One form covers all Grade 11 - Part 1 AP courses in all subject areas.
For AP Science courses, in particular, admission is by Science Department invitation only, following a recommendation from the Grade 10 Science teacher and completion of the Program Application. The AP teacher will seek the recommendations, not the students. Final decision re: acceptance to the program lies with the subject head. Successful completion of AP exams may result in earned credits or advanced standing at Canadian or international universities. Successful students will be well prepared to meet the challenge of university courses.
See the Science Courses Available at Thornhill S.S.
CoursesOpportunities
Contests
National Biology Competition (University of Toronto) (late April)
Gr 11 Chemistry - The Avogadro Exam (University of Waterloo) (May)
Gr 12 Chemistry - The Chem13 News Exam (University of Waterloo) (May)
Gr 12 CIC Canadian Chemistry Contest and Chemistry Olympiad
Sir Isaac Newton Physics Contest (University of Waterloo) (May)
York Biophysics Contest, deadline May (See Enrichment Opportunities file below for details)
OAPT Ontario Association of Physics Teachers Contest (May)
Canadian Association of Physicists CAP Secondary School Prize Exam (April)
Science Olympics
York Region District School Board Science Olympics (March) (Organized by YRDSB Regional Science Subject Heads’ Association).
Resources
Biology
The aim of the competition is to provide all high school students with an opportunity to test their knowledge and understanding of biology. We encourage participation of younger students, especially those in Grade 11. Top students receive cash prizes and certificates designating them as National Biology Scholars. Admission scholarships will be awarded to the top 10 students to register in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto (St. George), valued at $2,000. The top five schools each receive a Certificate of Excellence.
It consists of 50 multiple choice questions with approximately 60% Grade 12U and 40% 11U content. Previous exams are posted on the competition website. Thornhill S.S. has consistently done very well in this contest. Our teams achieved first place in 2003 and 2008. We have had several National Biology Scholars and entrance scholarships at the University of Toronto have been offered.
Chemistry
Gr 11 Chemistry - The Avogadro Exam
The exam will cover material that a well-read junior high school chemistry student is likely to have come across in the course of studies. Students may expect to find a few probing and demanding questions on some of the main topics of high school chemistry. Certain mathematical skills closely related to the study of chemistry will be tested, and there will be a few questions on chemical topics not normally covered in high school. The Avogadro Exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, some easy, some tough, under the general headings: structure of matter, bonding, reactions, solutions, and gases, and a general knowledge of current affairs.
Gr 12 Chemistry - The Chem13 News Exam
The exam will cover material that a well-read senior high school chemistry student is likely to have come across in the course of studies. Students may expect to find a few probing and demanding questions on some of the main topics of high school chemistry. Certain mathematical skills closely related to the study of chemistry will be tested, and there will be a few questions on chemical topics not normally covered in high school. The Chem 13 News Exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, some easy, some tough, under the general headings: organic, equilibria, kinetics, oxidation-reduction, bonding, structure, reactions, solutions, gases and a general knowledge of current affairs.
Gr 12 CIC Canadian Chemistry Contest and Chemistry Olympiad
Is chemistry one of your strengths? Then test your skills and measure yourself against fellow students who share the same passion. The Canadian Chemistry Contest (CCC) (parts A and B) is carried out in conjunction with the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad (CCO) (parts A and C). The Canadian Chemistry Contest is for high school.
The Canadian Chemistry Olympiad aims to identify high school students who have a talent for chemistry, and then to prepare the best of them to participate in the International Chemistry Olympiad. The national exam takes place in April each year.
Physics
OAPT Ontario Association of Physics Teachers Contest
Canadian Association of Physicists CAP Secondary School Prize Exam
Science Club and Tutoring
Science will be meeting every Wednesday from 3:20-4:30pm.
Student can receive science tutoring during this time.
No Appointment required.