Science 10
A course that bridges chemistry, physics, biology, and Earth science. Explore chemical reactions, energy transformations, living systems, and global climate — all connected through Alberta's Program of Studies.
Course Units
Energy & Matter in Chemical Change
Analyze chemical reactions, balance equations, explore conservation of matter and energy, and investigate how chemistry shapes technology and environment.
Energy Flow in Technological Systems
Investigate thermodynamics, heat transfer mechanisms, and how energy transformations apply to real-world engineering and technological design.
Matter Cycling in Living Systems
Examine cellular processes including photosynthesis, respiration, and the cycling of matter and energy through ecosystems from cell to biosphere.
Global Energy Systems
Understand Earth's energy balance, atmospheric dynamics, ocean circulation, and the science behind climate change and Alberta's role in global energy.
Alberta Curriculum Outcomes
What You Will Learn
Key knowledge and skills from the Alberta Program of Studies — Science 10
Balance chemical equations and predict reaction products using the law of conservation of mass
Classify chemical reactions and explain energy changes in exothermic and endothermic processes
Analyze energy transformations in technological systems and calculate efficiency
Explain conduction, convection, and radiation as mechanisms of heat transfer
Describe photosynthesis and cellular respiration and their roles in cycling matter and energy
Analyze how matter and energy flow through ecosystems, including trophic levels and biogeochemical cycles
Investigate factors affecting Earth's climate, including solar energy, the greenhouse effect, and ocean circulation
Evaluate the environmental and social impacts of energy use, extraction, and technology
Apply scientific inquiry and experimental design skills, including controls, variables, and data analysis
Incorporate Indigenous and local knowledge perspectives in understanding natural systems
Communicate scientific findings clearly using appropriate terminology, graphs, and reports
Demonstrate safe and responsible laboratory practices throughout all investigations
Student Resources
How to Study Effectively for Science 10
Active recall over re-reading. After reading a section, close your notes and write down everything you remember. This strengthens memory far more than highlighting.
Work through examples by hand. For chemistry equations and calculations, work every example yourself before looking at the solution. Writing activates deeper processing.
Teach the concept out loud. Try to explain a concept to yourself or a friend as if you are the teacher. Any gap in your explanation reveals exactly what to review.
Connect units to each other. Energy, matter, living systems, and climate are all connected. Look for the same molecules (CO2, H2O, glucose) appearing across multiple units.
Use the practice quizzes in each unit. Each unit page on this site has a knowledge check quiz, matching activity, and flashcards. Use them regularly, not just before tests.
Space out your studying. 20 minutes every day beats 3 hours the night before. Review older content regularly to keep it in long-term memory.
Draw diagrams and concept maps. Visual summaries of cycles (carbon cycle, water cycle, energy flow) help you see relationships that text alone cannot show.
Check your units and significant figures. In chemistry and energy calculations, a correct method with a unit error still loses marks. Always include and verify units.