SNC1W – Grade 9 De-streamed Science
Explore scientific concepts, develop investigation and problem-solving skills, and earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credit through flexible online learning at Ontario International School.
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About SNC1W – Grade 9 Science
SNC1W is Ontario’s Grade 9 de-streamed Science course. Students explore fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science while developing scientific investigation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The course emphasizes real-world applications of science, including environmental sustainability, technology, and STEM-related learning. At Ontario International School (OIS), students can complete SNC1W online as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) pathway.
SNC1W Course Information
- Science, Grade 9
- Course Code: SNC1W
- Grade: 9
- Course Type: De-streamed
- Credit Value: 1.0 OSSD Credit
- Prerequisite: None
- Curriculum: The Ontario Curriculum, Grade 9: Science, De-streamed Course (2022)
- Instructional Time: 110 Hours
- Delivery: Online
- OSSD Pathway: Counts toward the compulsory Science credit requirement
About SNC1W – Grade 9 De-streamed Science
SNC1W is Ontario’s compulsory Grade 9 de-streamed Science course. Introduced in September 2022, it provides a common Science curriculum that develops students’ understanding of scientific concepts and investigation skills.
The course explores biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science, emphasizing connections between scientific knowledge, technology, society, and the environment.
Students develop skills in scientific inquiry, experimentation, engineering design, coding, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are integrated throughout the course and applied to real-world scientific questions.
Successful completion of SNC1W earns one credit toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and supports further studies in Science.
What Will Students Learn in SNC1W?
By the end of the course, students will have opportunities to:
Apply scientific investigation, research, and problem-solving skills to explore scientific questions.
Use engineering design processes and introductory coding skills to investigate scientific concepts.
Explain relationships within ecosystems, including energy flow, matter cycles, and biodiversity.
Investigate climate change, its impacts, and approaches to environmental sustainability.
Explore the structure and properties of matter, including atoms, elements, compounds, and the periodic table.
Investigate static and current electricity, electrical circuits, and applications of electrical energy.
Examine the solar system, the universe, and scientific and technological developments in space exploration.
Evaluate connections between science, technology, society, and the environment.
Communicate scientific findings using appropriate terminology, evidence, and representations.
Explore how scientific knowledge and STEM skills connect to everyday life and future careers.
SNC1W Course Content: Ontario Curriculum Strands
The SNC1W curriculum is organized into five strands that develop scientific understanding, investigation skills, and connections to real-world applications.
Strand A: STEM Skills, Careers, and Connections
Students develop scientific research, experimentation, engineering design, and coding skills. They also explore scientific innovations, safe investigation practices, and connections between STEM learning and future careers.
Strand B: Biology – Sustainable Ecosystems and Climate Change
Students investigate ecosystem interactions, the movement of energy and matter through ecosystems, climate change, and approaches to environmental sustainability.
Strand C: Chemistry – The Nature of Matter
Students explore atomic structure, elements and compounds, the periodic table, and the physical and chemical properties of matter.
Strand D: Physics – Principles and Applications of Electricity
Students investigate electric charges, static and current electricity, and the social, economic, and environmental impacts of electricity production and consumption.
Strand E: Earth and Space Science – Space Exploration
Students study the solar system, the universe, the importance of the Sun to Earth, space exploration, and related technological innovations.
Assessment and Evaluation in SNC1W
Student achievement in SNC1W is assessed according to Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum expectations and provincial assessment and evaluation policies.
Students demonstrate their understanding through learning activities that may include scientific investigations, research assignments, written responses, problem-solving tasks, and other assessments.
Assessment Categories
The Ontario Grade 9 Science achievement chart identifies four categories:
Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrating knowledge of scientific concepts, facts, principles, and processes.
Thinking and Investigation: Applying scientific inquiry, experimentation, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Communication: Expressing scientific ideas and findings using appropriate terminology and formats.
Application: Applying scientific knowledge and investigation skills to familiar and new situations.
Final Grade Breakdow
Under Ontario’s updated 2026–2027 assessment policy, the Grade 9 mathematics evaluation framework is:
| Assessment Component | Weight |
|---|---|
|
Coursework completed throughout the course |
65% |
|
Mandatory written final examination |
20% |
|
Attendance and participation |
15% |
|
Total |
100% |
Final Examination and Proctoring
Students are required to complete a written final examination in accordance with applicable Ontario assessment requirements and OIS examination procedures.
Students must follow OIS’s proctor approval process and examination arrangements. Further details are available on the school’s Final Examination and Proctoring Procedures page.
Learning Accommodations
Ontario International School (OIS) recognizes that students have different learning needs. Students who require learning accommodations are encouraged to contact OIS to discuss their individual circumstances and available academic support options.
Where applicable, accommodations are considered in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education policies and the student’s documented learning needs.
Who Should Take SNC1W?
SNC1W is suitable for:
Students beginning Grade 9 Science in the Ontario curriculum.
Canadian and international students working toward the OSSD.
Students interested in biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science.
Learners seeking to strengthen scientific investigation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Students preparing for Grade 10 Science and future secondary school pathways.
Students who need a compulsory Science credit toward OSSD completion.
Students seeking the flexibility of studying Science online.
Prerequisite: None.
How Does SNC1W Contribute to the OSSD?
SNC1W is a one-credit Grade 9 Science course that counts toward the compulsory Science credit requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Students must also meet the other applicable OSSD graduation requirements, including an additional compulsory Science credit, other compulsory and optional credits, and provincial graduation requirements.
Completing SNC1W provides an important foundation for further Science courses and future academic pathways.
What Course Comes After SNC1W?
After successfully completing SNC1W, students may progress to Grade 10 Science courses, including:
SNC2D – Science, Grade 10 (Academic)
This course develops students’ understanding of biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science, emphasizing scientific investigation, theoretical concepts, and connections between science, technology, society, and the environment.
SNC2P – Science, Grade 10 (Applied)
This course emphasizes practical applications of scientific concepts, hands-on investigation, and connections between science, technology, society, and everyday life.
Students should select their next Science course based on their educational goals, course prerequisites, and intended Grade 11 and Grade 12 pathways.
OIS academic advisors can help students review their options and plan their next steps.
Study SNC1W Online at Ontario International School
Ontario International School (OIS) is a Ministry-inspected Ontario online private high school (BSID 881793) offering Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) courses and academic pathways to students in Canada and internationally.
Online Course Delivery
SNC1W is delivered online, allowing students to access learning materials, complete assignments, and develop scientific knowledge through OIS’s digital learning environment. Students can study from Canada or internationally while progressing through the course.
Academic Support and Guidance
OIS provides academic support and guidance to help students understand course expectations, monitor their progress, and address questions related to their studies and academic planning.
Ontario Curriculum Alignment
SNC1W follows The Ontario Curriculum, Grade 9: Science, De-streamed Course (2022). Students study the required curriculum expectations across biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and space science, and STEM investigation skills.
Individual Credits and OSSD Planning
Students may take SNC1W as an individual course or as part of their OSSD pathway. OIS can assist with course selection, credit transfer inquiries, and planning toward diploma completion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SNC1W is Ontario’s Grade 9 de-streamed Science course. It introduces students to biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and space science, and STEM investigation skills.
SNC1W can count toward the compulsory Science credit requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Ontario’s diploma requirements include two compulsory Science credits.
There is no prerequisite for SNC1W.
Yes. Ontario International School offers SNC1W online to students in Canada and internationally, subject to admission requirements.
SNC1W is worth one Ontario secondary school credit upon successful completion.
Students study sustainable ecosystems and climate change, the nature of matter, electricity, and space exploration. Scientific investigation, engineering design, and STEM-related skills are integrated throughout the course.
Yes. Scientific investigation is an important component of the Ontario curriculum. Students develop research, experimentation, engineering design, and problem-solving skills. Specific online activities and materials are determined by the course delivery plan.
Yes. Ontario’s 2026–2027 assessment policy requires a written final examination for Grade 9 Science. Students must follow OIS’s examination and proctoring procedures.
Yes. SNC1W develops foundational scientific knowledge and investigation skills that support further study in secondary school Science.
Enroll in SNC1W at Ontario International School
Start your Grade 9 Science studies online with Ontario International School. Whether you need an individual Science credit or are working toward your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), OIS can help you explore your enrollment options.
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