Cluster 1: Interactions Within Ecosystems

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

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?

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

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

The ocean is full of very small but very useful creatures called microbes. Without them, none of the sea plants or animals you’ve seen would exist!

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

Learn how e-cigarettes and other vaping products work, and why scientists and health professionals have concerns about their safety.

Do an experiment with celery to learn about the structures that help plants take up water.

You can make your own terrarium for growing plants!

When a species ends up outside of its natural zone, the consequences on other species, ecosystems and human industries can be severe. Climate change and human activities can introduce species into new zones.

Green walls use plant processes to improve air quality in buildings.

Arctic animals have evolved to thrive in harsh arctic ecosystems, but the environmental footprint created by climate change is affecting their survival.

Scientists can observe birds to get useful information about the health of, and changes in, an ecosystem.

When fertilizers from agriculture get into lakes and rivers, big problems can result for aquatic ecosystems, food chains & webs!