Science is a way of knowing which seeks to describe and explain the natural and physical world. An important part in building scientific and technological literacy is an understanding of the nature of science, which includes an understanding of the following: what scientists, engineers, and technologists do as individuals and as a community, how scientific knowledge is generated and validated. Science addresses what benefits, costs, and risks are involved in using this knowledge and how science interacts with technology, society, and the environment.
The goals of the science and technology program is to relate science and technology to society and the environment. Science and technology is a subject in which students learn to consider both the knowledge and skills that will help them to understand and consider critically the impact of developments in science and technology on modern society and the environment.
The science and technology curriculum is divided into four strands:
Understanding Life Systems:Growth and Changes in Plants
Understanding Structures and Mechanisms:Strong and Stable Structures
Understanding Matter and Energy: Forces Causing Movement
Understanding Earth and Space Systems:Soils in the Environment
Review this list of vocabulary associated with the curriculum. Practice spelling, research definitions, and find these vocabulary words when engaging with the TVO resources or completing learning activities.
Students should understand and be able to apply these words in context.
Life Systems Growth and Changes in Plants
Structures and Mechanisms Strong and Stable Structures
Matter and Energy Forces Causing Movement
Earth and Space Systems Soils in the Environment
air
adaptation
environment
flower
fruit
germination
leaf
light
pistil
root
seed
space
stamen
stem
water
warmth
balanced
compression
durability
fixed
flexibility
form
force
framework
function
load
pull
push
stability
strength
structure
struts
support
tension
ties
bend
compress
decrease
distance
elastic
erosion
gravity
increase
landslide
load
magnet
material
pull
push
propel
propulsion
speed
stretch
twist
wind
clay
component
compost
earthworm
erosion
fertilizer
landslide
loam
nutrient
organism
pebbles
pesticide
sand
soil
Resources for Learning
Chosen by TVO educators, these resources support the curriculum outlined above. Review the below list of options along with the activities. Then, read, watch, listen or play to build understanding and knowledge.
Complete the suggested activities using these resources and other TVO resources.
Suggested Activities
Complete these activities to consolidate learning across all curriculum strands.
Research how a plant spreads its seeds like the maple tree example in the “Spinning Seeds” video.
What are the major parts of plants? How does each part contribute to its survival?
Choose a variety of plants and observe and compare their parts.
Germinate seeds and record similarities and differences as seedlings develop.
Research a structure built by animals and compare it to a structure built by humans. Compare the materials and features of the structures. (For example, beaver dam, nests, anthill).
Design and build your own strong and stable structure that serves a purpose.
Design and build a device that uses forces for controlled movement.
What are some of the forces in nature and how can humans reduce or enhance their impact? (For example erosion, how do humans cause it and how can they prevent it?).
Create your own definitions for 20 of the words in the vocabulary list.
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