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Big Idea: Life processes are performed at the cellular level.

Tilia stem cross-section

Plant Cell Structures and Functions

Backgrounders

Learn about the many different structures that make up plant cells as well as what differentiates plant cells from animal cells.

Leaf and the Sun

Plant Functions

Backgrounders

Learn about the important plant functions of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration

Jillian Croke | Pharmacienne et pharmacienne gestionnaire

Jillian Croke

Pharmacist/Pharmacy Manager

Jillian Croke is a Pharmacist/Pharmacy Manager for Shoppers Drug Mart.
Jasraj Chahal | Ingénieure en contrôle des systèmes

Jasraj Chahal

Career Profiles

Control System Engineer

Jasraj Chahal is a mechanical engineer working in the aerospace industry.
Trevor Roote | Préposé à l'entretien des machines

Trevor Roote

Career Profiles

Mechanical Maintainer

Trevor Roote is a Mechanical Maintainer for Bruce Power.
Screen capture from video "The Wacky History of Cell Theory”

The Wacky History of Cell Theory

STEM Explained

It took several scientists building on each other’s discoveries to come up with Cell Theory - one of the cornerstones of biology.

Water droplets on succulent leaves

How Do Plants Survive in the Desert?

STEM Explained

Plants need to exchange gases and water with their environment as part of photosynthesis. Some plant cells have evolved specifically for this purpose.

Bread and wheat with a warning sign

Celiac Disease: When You Really Need to Stay Gluten-Free

STEM Explained

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. Gluten triggers an immune system response, seriously affecting nutrition.

Cartoon of people cleaning teeth

How can chemistry help you take care of your teeth?

STEM Explained

What are your teeth made up of? What chemistry is at work in your mouth? Why do some people get cavities even if they brush regularly?

Why do leaves change colour in the fall?

Why do leaves change colour in the fall?

Hands-on Activities

How do the green leaves of summer change to vibrant colours in fall? Explore plant pigments in this chromatography activity.

Suffering from a hangover

Why Do People Get Hangovers?

STEM Explained

Why does drinking too much alcohol make people feel so bad? Read about four theories.

Finger with a drop of blood

The Immune Response

STEM Explained

When you cut your finger, your immune system kicks in to protect you from pathogens.

man sick with the flu

The Surprising Reason You Feel Awful When You're Sick

STEM Explained

Viruses can make you feel awful! This article explains how feeling bad might be your immune system’s way of helping you heal.

An artist’s rendition of a bacteriophage

Phages vs. Antibiotics

STEM Explained

Many doctors prescribe antibiotics to cure infections. But should they be prescribing viruses instead?

Bottle of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine

Measles and Measles Prevention

STEM Explained

Learn about the measles virus, its impact and vaccination for prevention of the disease.