The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9-12 - Ministère de l'éducation ...

D. Earth and Space Science: Space Exploration
D1. Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment
D1.1 research the challenges associated with space exploration, and explain the purpose of
materials and technologies that were developed to address these challenges and how these
materials and technologies are now used in other fields of endeavour (e.g., robotic arm
technology developed for the space program is used in industry to handle hazardous
chemicals; synthetic materials developed to protect astronauts are used in fire-fighting
equipment) [IP, PR, AI, C]
Sample questions: Why is radiation a particular hazard for astronauts? What sorts of
instruments are used to monitor radiation levels? What sorts of materials have been
developed to protect astronauts from radiation? What uses would such instruments and
materials have on Earth?
D3. Understanding Basic Concepts
D3.4 describe the characteristics of the sun and the effects of its energy on Earth and Earth’s
atmosphere
E. Physics: Electrical Applications
E1. Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment
E1. assess the major social, economic, and environmental costs and benefits of using
electrical energy, distinguishing between renewable and non-renewable sources, and
propose a plan of action to reduce energy costs
E1.1 assess social, economic, and environmental costs and benefits of using a renewable and a
non-renewable source of electrical energy (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, coal, oil,
natural gas), taking the issue of sustainability into account [AI, C]
Sample issue: The production of electricity at nuclear power plants generates very low
levels of greenhouse gases. However, the construction and maintenance of nuclear power
plants is expensive and the long-term storage of nuclear waste may have an impact on the
environment.
Sample questions: Which method of production of electrical energy generates the
greatest amount of greenhouse gases? Which generates the smallest amount? What are
the economic and long-term environmental costs of producing nuclear energy? Of using
solar energy? What are some of the social and environmental effects of oil production?
E1.2 propose a plan of action to decrease household energy costs by applying their knowledge
of the energy consumption of different types of appliances (e.g., front-load and top-load
washing machines; cathode ray tube [CRT] and liquid crystal display [LCD] computer
monitors) [PR, AI, C]
Sample questions: Which appliances in the home consume the greatest amount of
energy? What are some options for reducing the amount of energy they consume? How
cost-efficient is it to purchase a new energy-efficient appliance when a less efficient
appliance is still in good working condition?
104 Environmental Education, Grades 9−12: Scope and Sequence of Expectations, 2011