Foundational and learning objectives for Science and the Common Essential Learnings

Saskatchewan and the Environment

1. Recognize the diversity of the ecological regions of Saskatchewan.
   1. Map the distribution of the regions throughout the province.
   2. Compare the geological history, the climate, the terrain, and native plants and animals of the regions.
   3. Examine past and current land use in each of the regions.
   4. Observe and describe the characteristics of the local area.
   5. Examine the relation between agricultural activities and the physical characteristics of the regions.
       
2. Explore the effects of human activity on the landscape of Saskatchewan.
   1. List the various ways that the original landscape has been altered.
   2. Describe the effects that the infrastructure for agriculture has on the landscape.
   3. Describe the effects that the practice of agriculture and other resource industries have on the landscape.
   4. Describe the effect that the practice of agriculture has on the quality of the soil in Saskatchewan.
   5. Outline the effect that urbanization has on the landscape and on the practice of agriculture.
       
3. Develop compassionate, empathetic and fair-minded students who can make positive contributions to society as individuals and as members of groups. (PSVS)
   1. Recognize that the behaviour of an individual can affect the quality of an experience for others.
   2. Reflect upon the benefits of cooperative, respectful, or empathetic behaviours in actions which influence the biosphere.
   3. Recognize that a balance is needed between the rights of an individual and the well-being of both the human group and all lifeforms.
   4. Understand the need for some forms of authority in social situations, and the role of the individual in questioning authority where there appears to be a violation of fundamental moral values.

Diversity of Life

1. Understand how classification systems are created.
   1. Identify and describe the appearance, behaviour, and habitat of organisms in the locality of the school.
   2. Group organisms native to Saskatchewan in several different ways.
   3. Use a dichotomous key to identify some organisms.
2. Recognize the adaptive value of species diversity.
   1. Discuss the origins and adaptive value of a diversity of species.
   2. Compare intraspecies diversity and interspecies diversity.
   3. Identify those factors which tend to reduce diversity.
   4. Debate the implications of human alteration of the ecosystems.
3. Develop abilities to access knowledge. (IL)
   1. Identify and get help in using resources which are not familiar.
   2. Use resources individually, in a one-to-one relationship with another person, and in small groups.
   3. Contribute to a catalogue of available resources, such as people, equipment, sites, or experiences.
   4. Acquire information at one level and apply it in a different context.