Grades 9 and 10 is a transitional time for most students. Known as the intermediate years of school, these grades are a time where students are usually moving from elementary to secondary school. Students go from being older adolescents to young adults, and must often start thinking about what their postsecondary life will be like. These are exciting years where students will start to work toward academic goals that will impact their lives.
Students that love science often wonder what kinds of courses they should take in the senior grades. Grade 9 science in most provinces is a year where studies have not yet branched into the more specific, core areas of science, such as physics, chemistry and biology. The 'branching off' of science into different areas will happen in the senior grades 11 and 12, where there will suddenly be more course options beyond regular 'science.' When considering which courses to take after grade 9, students must determine whether or not they plan to attend university or college courses, and what the secondary course requirements are for the programs they want to enrol in. They must also consider how heavy they want their course load to be, and how prepared they are to engage in advanced scientific study.
If that sounds complicated and daunting for yourself or your child, you can relax somewhat in knowing that you are a step ahead if you are thinking about all of these things before grade 9 ends. This article is a guide to planning your course pathways after grade 9. We will first start by thinking about what it takes to be successful in this first and critical year of secondary school.
Starting secondary school is no walk in the park, especially if you are pursuing studies in chemistry. Learn more about balancing your academic learning and all the stressors that come with grade 9!
Where Can I Find a Grade 9 Chemistry Practice Test?
Canadian students that start secondary school in grade 9 (Quebec students follow a different grade system) often find that their teachers become more focused on summative assessment activities like exams and tests. This is because assessment and grading in the secondary years often looks different from practices in elementary schools. The focus, more often than not, tends to be on grades that are determined by the 'weight' of different assessments. Some teachers, for example, will base 30% of your grade on quizzes, 20% on a large exam or test, and the remaining 50% on projects and class participation.
Should a student happen to find themselves in a class where a significant weight is assigned to tests and exams, they may feel nervous and anxious as the test day nears. One strategy many take is to prepare by using a practice test.
In the age of information, there are plenty of sample tests and quizzes you can find on the internet. Here are some 'do's and don'ts' for finding a test to use for practice.
Practice Test Do's
- Find a practice test that is aligned with the curriculum in your own province.
- Use a variety of different tests and assessments to see all the different types of questions you might be asked.
- Ask your teacher to share what topics will be covered on the test if they haven't already provided a study guide.
- See if you can find examples of previous years tests from other students in the school that have already taken the course.
- Practice writing out short and long answer questions.
- Consider different strategies for exam or test writing, such as doing multiple choice questions last.
Practice Test Don'ts
- Don't assume that using a practice test will fully prepare you for a test or exam.
- Avoid studying practicing for your test at the last minute.
- Don't resort to creating 'cheat sheets' to bring into a testing environment.
- Don't miss sleep, exercise, or meals to prepare for a big test or assessment.
What is the Best Way to Get Help on a Grade 9 Chemistry Quiz?
To prepare effectively for a chemistry quiz, test, or exam, you should always try to work with others when possible. Why? Learning is powerful when it is part of a social process. When you work with classmates, you can get a different perspective or explanation of a concept, or benefit from having someone to share your own learning with. When we apply new academic vocabulary in our speech, we tend to consolidate that information much better. So find classmates who are similarly focused in their learning and start study groups when it's time for a big assessment.
Another way to get help is to simply ask your teacher about things you are unsure about. They may be able to help you after class, re-explain a concept during class time, or refer you to the appropriate resource. Another way to get help on your tests and quizzes is to work with a tutor - we will explore that option fully at the end of this article.
What exactly will you learn in grade 9 chemistry? Find out everything you need to know about intermediate science and chemistry classes.
Wondering what science and chemistry will be like in secondary school? Not sure what to expect when you start grade 9 science? The reality of secondary school chemistry may be much less daunting than you think.
How do I Choose my Courses after Chemistry Grade 9?
Chemistry in grades 9 and 10 is usually taught within a broad science curriculum. Because curricula varies from province to province, it is important to visit your province's ministry of education website to determine what course pathways are available to students of science and chemistry in the secondary years.
In most provinces, once you are finished general science courses you can choose to take more specialized courses such as chemistry, physics, biology, or other science-related subjects. You will also need to consider whether you want to pursue future studies in postsecondary in any of these areas. Most provinces will offer courses that prepare students for university or degree-programs, and separate science courses that are geared for students that are headed for the workplace, the trades, or are pursuing studies in a non-science related field.
The most important thing to consider is what your future goals are. While it may seem premature to be making career decisions while still a teenager, you want to avoid being in a position where you need a particular course to get into a program and you have not yet taken a course. In that scenario, you will likely have to take the course over summer school or night school, and possibly delay your postsecondary application.
Intermediate science and chemistry courses can be challenging. Learn the best ways to study and prepare for grade 9 chemistry classes.
What are Chemistry Lessons like in the Senior Grades?
In the senior grades, your chemistry classes will typically involve hands on work in a laboratory environment. What you learn will also vary depending on the stream of study you choose. For example, if you take a university track course you will find that much of the learning is theoretical and abstract. Academic stream chemistry courses are designed to prepare students for the rigour of postsecondary school, so prepared to be challenged if that is your goal. Topics studied in academic chemistry include:
- organic chemistry
- structure and property of matter
- energy changes and rates of reaction
- electrochemistry.
Applied chemistry courses in the senior grades will focus on real-life and practical applications of chemistry. You will learn about chemical reactions in a variety of contexts, such as firefighting, cosmetology, food preparation, and other workplaces.
Thinking of hiring a chemistry tutor? Read all the benefits of hiring a tutor for your science courses in secondary school.
Where Can I Find Chemistry Tutors Near Me?
Students that want to increase their likelihood of success in chemistry, are struggling in chemistry and want to improve their grades, or that simply want someone to keep them on task in their studies should consider finding a tutor. High school chemistry tutors may be professionals with science degrees, educators, or university students in advanced chemistry studies. They can help students prepare for tests, review challenging concepts. and provide feedback on high-stakes asseessments.
Finding chemistry tutors near you is easy thanks to Superprof Canada. Superprof is a site with hundreds of tutors from all different disciplines. In addition to chemistry tutors, you will find tutors for mathematics, English, French, biology, physics, and even hobbies like cooking or fitness. To find a tutor on Superprof, start by going to the site and using the search tool. You can type in "Chemistry Tutor Toronto" or "Chemistry Tutor Vancouver", or whatever city you live in. The site will generate profiles of chemistry tutors near you, and you can browse through them until you find one you are interested in. You can contact any tutor directly through the site, and find out if they will be a good fit for you.
Find a tutor on Superprof today!
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