Grade 9 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 9 science in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Life Science: Reproduction and Human Development (RE9.1–RE9.4): Examine the process of and influences on the transfer of genetic information and the impact of that understanding… Observe and describe the significance of cellular reproductive processes, including mitosis and meiosis. Describe the processes and implications of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and animals. (and 1 more outcome)
- Physical Science: Atoms and Elements (AE9.1–AE9.3): Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of common substances, including those found in household… Analyze historical explanations of the structure of matter up to and. Demonstrate an understanding of the classification of pure substances (elements and compounds), including the…
- Physical Science: Characteristics of Electricity (CE9.1–CE9.4): Demonstrate and analyze characteristics of static electric charge and current electricity, including historical… Analyze the relationships that exist among voltage, current, and resistance in series and parallel circuits. Assess operating principles, costs, and efficiencies of devices that produce or use electrical energy. (and 1 more outcome)
- Earth and Space Science: Exploring our Universe (EU9.1–EU9.4): Inquire into the motion and characteristics of astronomical bodies in our solar system and the universe. Analyze scientific explanations of the formation and evolution of our solar system and the universe. Examine how various cultures, past and present, including First Nations and Métis, understand and represent… (and 1 more outcome)
Easy ways to practise science at home
- Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?”
- Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives.
- Look up how a household machine works, such as a bike gear, a lamp or a fridge.
- Have your child draw and label a diagram of something they just learned.
What each unit covers
Cells from Cells
How cells copy their DNA and divide by mitosis, the stages in order, why cells divide for growth and healing, and what can go wrong when cell growth isn't controlled.
Reproduction
How organisms reproduce with one parent or two, why sexual reproduction creates variety, the parts of a flower, and the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
Inside the Atom
Protons, neutrons and electrons, how Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford and Bohr's models changed with evidence, atomic and mass numbers, and drawing the electron shells of the first 20 elements.
The Periodic Table
Groups and periods, metals, non-metals and metalloids, alkali metals, halogens and noble gases, and how valence electrons and shells explain the patterns.
Elements & Compounds
Elements, compounds and mixtures, reading chemical formulas, physical and chemical properties and changes, density, and common household chemicals, including why some should never be mixed.
Static Electricity
Positive and negative charges and the particles behind them, charging by friction, contact and induction, conductors and insulators, and electrical safety in a thunderstorm.
Circuits & Ohm's Law
Circuit components and their jobs, current, potential difference and resistance with their symbols and SI units, calculating with V = I × R, and how current, voltage and resistance behave in series and parallel circuits.
Electric Current
Static electricity, current, voltage and resistance, solving V = I × R, series and parallel circuits, electrical safety, and electricity generation in BC.
Electrical Energy
The difference between electricity and electrical energy, energy in joules and kilowatt-hours, cost of electricity, efficiency of devices, and the benefits and challenges of sources such as hydro, wind, solar, nuclear and gas.
Motion in Our Universe
How gravity keeps planets in orbit, rotation and revolution, the seasons, the Moon, the planets, stars, galaxies, and how light-years measure huge distances.
Origins of the Universe
The Big Bang and the evidence for it, how the solar system formed, star life cycles, and how different cultures, including First Nations and Métis communities, understand and represent the sky.
Exploring Space
Telescopes, satellites, space probes and rovers, the Canadarm, Canadian astronauts such as Roberta Bondar and Chris Hadfield, how space science helps life on Earth, and space careers.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Meeting is the goal for every outcome. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exemplary
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Saskatchewan report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 9 child with science?
Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?” Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 9 science in Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 9 science units include cells from cells, reproduction, inside the atom, the periodic table, elements & compounds, static electricity.
Free printable Grade 9 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.