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Unit 4: Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Systems

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

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.
Rendering of the human brain

Brain Architecture

Backgrounders

The human brain has many different parts. Each one plays a different function. But they all work together to manage complex thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Looking at a donut and a brain through a magnifying glass

How Sugar Affects the Brain

STEM Explained

Consuming sugary foods and drinks activates your brain’s reward system - the same system that can cause addiction.

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.

3D representation of a portion of human female brain

Clay-Adams Brain

Interactives

This brain model helped doctors better explain things to their patients. Learn about this Ingenium artifact and make your own version using 3D printing!

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.

Mitosis of kidney cells © Ian P Newton & Paul L Appleton [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons

What is Mitosis?

Backgrounders

Mitosis is an important part of cell division that helps organisms grow and repair themselves.

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.

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.

What is in blood?

What is in blood?

Hands-on Activities

Make a model of blood and learn about the function of each of the parts that makes up blood.

Like trees, brains grow and develop

Understanding the Teen Brain

STEM Explained

Teen brain development prepares teens for adulthood, but also affects their emotions.

Students studying outdoors on grass

The Benefits of Going Outside

STEM Explained

Spending time outside has important physical and psychological benefits. It can even help you learn better!