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Life Science – Interactions within Ecosystems (IE)

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.

Why is rain not salty?

Why is rain not salty?

Hands-on Activities

Make a model of the water cycle and find out how water moves around on planet Earth.

Hamilton, Ontario industrial area with Toronto skyline in the background

What are Greenhouse Gases?

Backgrounders

This backgrounder explains what greenhouse gases are and how they contribute to climate change.

Biofuel concept

What are the Pros and Cons of Ethanol Biofuel?

STEM Explained

Biofuels like ethanol might help fight climate change. But they can contribute to food insecurity and greenhouse gases in ways that might surprise you.

Solar panel project in Dakar, Senegal

What are Carbon Offsets?

STEM Explained

Can carbon offsets help you reduce your environmental footprint, practice sustainable living and fight climate change?

Nitrogen symbol from periodic table

Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle

STEM Explained

What is the nitrogen cycle? How do human activities such as using fertilizer affect the nitrogen cycle? How can this cause greenhouse gases?

Water

The Water Cycle

Picture Collections

1 diagram illustrating the water cycle

Magnified image of a ringwoodite crystal

Ringwoodite and the Deep Water Cycle

STEM Explained

The water in the oceans has travelled vast distances. It has even time spent deep below the surface of the Earth, trapped inside the mineral ringwoodite.

various marine microorganisms as they appear under a microscope

Marine Microbiology: Meet the Microbes of the Sea!

STEM Explained

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!

How does water move up a plant?

How does water move up a plant?

Hands-on Activities

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

Condensation on the window of the Apollo 12 Lunar Module, November 1969

Humidity on Earth and on the ISS

Backgrounders

Humidity is an important part of life on Earth and life in space. This backgrounder explains what humidity is, how it is measured and how it affects us both mentally and physically.

How do I construct a terrarium?

How do I construct a terrarium?

Hands-on Activities

You can make your own terrarium for growing plants!

 A forest damaged by pine beetles

How Do Introduced Species Affect Ecosystems and the Economy?

STEM Explained

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 in Harvard University

Green Walls

STEM Explained

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

Narwhals, polar bears and other common Arctic animals swim in the Arctic waters.  Image © id-work, iStock

How are Arctic Animals in Canada Affected by Climate Change?

STEM Explained

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