Welcome to our web-page. Student success and teaching excellence is our primary vision. The Science Department at Dunbarton High School offers a diversity of courses in the areas of general science, biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and in biotechnology. The faculty of the science department does not only deliver an interesting and innovative science programme; we also ensure that each student utilizes his/her full potential. Extra-curricular enrichment opportunities are also available for students wishing to further explore, and contribute to science and the community. Interested students may join The Environmental Club, and/or The BioTrek Society.
We are confident that our science programme will offer prospective students an enriched learning experience. To deliver a dynamic and innovative science programme, we strive to integrate the use of current technologies for teaching numeracy, literacy, and laboratory skills. Promotion of student critical thinking and digital citizenship skills is achieved with the implementation of various performance tasks, and laboratory activities. In addition, emphasis is also placed in increasing global issue awareness, in developing leadership skills, and blended learning. Feedback from our alumni indicate that our science programme prepares our students extremely well for succeeding in post-secondary science education.
Science students have also the opportunity to participate in a variety of contests in general science, in biology, in chemistry, and in physics. These contests are usually held during the second semester, and high scores usually promote students in obtaining scholarships to selected Ontario universities. Selected students also participate in the DDSB Science Olympics. Our students have performed exceptionally well in the Science Olympics over the last five years.
We wish all students every success with their science studies. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the corresponding teacher from the list found in the "Faculty" tab. Thank you for visiting our site.
Sincerely,
Mr. D. Melegos, B.Sc., B.Ed., OCT
Head of Science
2012-2013
The science department offers a diversity of courses in the areas of General Science (Grades 9 and 10), and specialized courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Grades 11, and 12), and Earth & Science. Urban Watershed Science (SVN 3M1/9), a grade 11 course, is usually offered in the second semester every year. This two-credit course gives students the opportunity to learn about local environmental problems and to participate in data collection, and analysis relating to environmental concerns.
Another unique grade 12 interdisciplinary course that our department offers is Biotechnology (IDC 4U5). In the latter course students have the opportunity to practise advanced laboratory techniques. In addition students explore issues that rise from the field of biotechnology and genomics. Please check the course calendar for the full description of courses offered by the science department.
For general school policies parents, and students should refer to the student agenda and/or the course calendar issued to the student at the beginning of the year. For specific subject course policies please consult the course outline given to the student on the very first day of class. If a student knows in advance that he/she will be absent on a day of an evaluation for a legitimate reason, he/she should make prior arrangements for evaluation with the teacher. Absences from days of an evaluation without prior notice require a note from a parent or guardian explaining the absence.
It is expected that all students taking science should be familiar with the laboratory safety guidelines outlined here.
Extra help is available to students. Extra help can be arranged with the corresponding teacher at a mutually agreeable time. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the extra help available, and to clarify any misconceptions about the course content early in the semester.
