Department Philosophy

The goals for CIC’s Science Department are to educate students to be able to

• experience the richness and excitement of knowing about and understanding the natural world
• use appropriate scientific processes and principles in making personal decisions
• engage intelligently in public discourse and debate about matters of scientific and technological concern
• increase their economic productivity through the use of the knowledge, understanding, and skills of the scientifically literate person in their careers.

Our Faculty

Catherine Symes – Department Head, MYP Physics, DP Biology & Chemistry
Christopher Wilkinson- MYP Science Grades 6-10, Webmaster & Yearbook Coordinator

Course Descriptions

Grade 6 Integrated Science, Christopher Wilkinson
This is the beginning of the MYP science curriculum that focuses on a balanced mix of the three major strands. The major concern is to develop students’ questioning skills, foster curiosity, and expand upon the inherent enthusiasm of young children. The concepts explored include themes related to Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science. The following topics are covered: Laboratory Safety, Scientific Method and Measurement, Astronomy, Plants and Wave Energy. Through our emphasis on research, hands-on activities, labs, presentations and group activities, students will better acquire the essential skills needed for continued scientific study. Students are challenged to observe, predict and defend their predictions and conclusions with authority and confidence.

Grade 7 Life Science, Christopher Wilkinson
Seventh grade science is an introduction to the study of Life Science. It is a year-long course that places a great deal of emphasis on the development of the students’ skills in carrying out laboratory investigations. The students are introduced to and expected to use, exclusively, System International units of measurement. Regular laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. The following topics are covered: Laboratory Safety, Characteristics of Living Systems, Cell Structure & Function, Heredity, Adaptations Over Time, and Ecology.

Grade 8 Physical Science, Christopher Wilkinson
Eighth grade science is an introduction to Physical Science. It is a year-long course and the curriculum builds on the skills that were emphasized in seventh grade science. The students are introduced to writing laboratory reports that follow the style that is required in IB science courses. At least one laboratory investigation is performed as a part of each topic that is covered. The following topics are covered: States of Matter, Elements & the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Solutions, Energy and Climate Change, Work and Simple Machines, Magnetism, and Electricity.

Grade 9 Biology, Christopher Wilkinson
This course is designed to be an introductory course in Biology. It is a year-long course and the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students with varying abilities and proficiency in the English language. The aim of the course is to provide secondary students with a broad understanding to the major topics of modern Biology. It is laboratory based and the students write laboratory reports that follow the IBDP science style. Emphasis is placed on the students developing a greater respect for all living organisms and an appreciation and respect for the environment. At least one laboratory investigation is performed with each topic that is studied. Topics covered are: Water, Biologically Significant Compounds, Enzymes & Metabolism, Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration, Mitosis & Meiosis, Mendelian Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Evolution, Botany, and Ecology.

Grade 10 Chemistry, Christopher Wilkinson
This course is designed as an introductory year-long course in Chemistry. The syllabus is aimed at students of varying abilities and has been developed to be relevant to the differing backgrounds and experiences of students throughout the world. In particular, students’ studies should enable them to acquire understanding and knowledge of the concepts, principles and applications of chemistry so that they may be suitably prepared to embark upon further studies in science as part of the IB diploma program. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: The Nature of Science: Paradigms; Water: Exploring resources; Materials: Structure and Uses; Air: Chemistry and the Atmosphere; Petroleum: Making and Breaking bonds.

Grade 10 Physics, Catherine Symes
10th grade Physics is a semester long course that focuses on some of the foundations of physics. Along with the physics studied in eighth grade this class should provide the framework for the Advanced Physics/ AP Physics course to build upon. The topics studied are forces and motion and energy, work, power and heat. There will also be a focus on developing the skills related to scientific thinking, investigation and writing. Students will also be encouraged to develop the attributes of the IB learner profile.

IBDP Biology 1, Catherine Symes
This course represents the first year of a challenging two-year program that leads to either an International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate, an IB diploma or a CIC certificate. The course can be taken at either higher or standard level. Topics include statistical analysis, cells, biochemistry, genetics and ecology. The development of analytical skills, scientific creativity and the ability to evaluate information are an important part of this course and will be developed through laboratories and a range of other activities in which data will be analyzed and commented on.

IBDP Biology 2, Catherine Symes
This course represents the second year of a challenging two-year program that leads to either an International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate, an IB diploma or a CIC certificate. The course can be taken at either higher or standard level. Topics include human physiology, ecology and conservation and neurobiology and behavior. The development of analytical skills, scientific creativity and the ability to evaluate information are an important part of this course and will be developed through laboratories and a range of other activities in which data will be analyzed and commented on. 76% of the final grade will be taken from an exam, at the end of the course, consisting of three question papers. The remaining 24% will come from assessed laboratories throughout the course.

IBDP Chemistry 1, Catherine Symes
This course represents the first year of a challenging two-year program that leads to either an International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate, an IB diploma or a CIC certificate. The course can be taken at either higher or standard level. Topics include atomic structure, bonding, measurement, data processing and the scientific method, periodicity, energetics, kinetics and equilibrium. The development of analytical skills, scientific creativity and the ability to evaluate information are an important part of this course and will be developed through laboratories and a range of other activities in which data will be analyzed and commented on.

IBDP Chemistry 2, Catherine Symes
This course represents the second year of a challenging two-year program that leads to either an International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate, an IB diploma or a CIC certificate. The course can be taken at either higher or standard level. Topics include acids and bases, redox, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry and medicines and drugs. The development of analytical skills, scientific creativity and the ability to evaluate information are an important part of this course and will be developed through laboratories and a range of other activities in which data will be analyzed and commented on. 76% of the final grade will be taken from an exam, at the end of the course, consisting of three question papers. The remaining 24% will come from assessed laboratories throughout the course.