Grade Eleven Science 20
Students will develop an understanding of four general units: Chemical Changes, Changes in Motion, The Changing Earth, and Changes in Living Systems.
Children’s early experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. Study after study has shown the value of exposing children with positive role models. Representation, including in the hours spent consuming media within the classroom, shape what they imagine to be possible for people who look like them, live where they live, or come from where they came from. Simply put, kids determine what they can be based on the examples around them. Therefore, we highly recommend you take 2-5 minutes everyday in your science class to introduce scientists of colour. We've made this easy for you by creating a presentation that you can use with a slide a day to showcase a new scientist of diverse background. You could do this on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or during a certain month. You could also make your own presentation and encourage this representation.
7 - 12 Scientists of Colour by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
Chemical Changes
Luis Federico Leloir
Before Argentine physician and biochemist Luis Federico Leloir did his groundbreaking research into the transformation of one sugar into another, combustion was well-understood, but synthesis remained a mysterious, largely guessed-at phenomenon. By isolating a new class of substances called sugar nucleotides, Leloir found the key to deciphering this voluminous backlog of unsolved metabolic reactions. A new field of biochemistry opened up virtually overnight, and Leloir received the 1970 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
Luis Federico Leloir
Before Argentine physician and biochemist Luis Federico Leloir did his groundbreaking research into the transformation of one sugar into another, combustion was well-understood, but synthesis remained a mysterious, largely guessed-at phenomenon. By isolating a new class of substances called sugar nucleotides, Leloir found the key to deciphering this voluminous backlog of unsolved metabolic reactions. A new field of biochemistry opened up virtually overnight, and Leloir received the 1970 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–A1.1sts: Explain how science and technology are developed to meet societal needs and expand human capability - Suggested use:
- Introduction to chemical change; combustion and synthesis
- Hispanic representation in STEM
- Discussion on sugar and its different forms/chemical states - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Alma Levant Hayden
Alma Levant Hayden (died 1967), a scientist in the then–National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, is demonstrating a technique called paper chromatography to screen for steroid substances. With paper chromatography, a drop of liquid containing a mixture of chemicals is placed on porous paper. The chemicals move at different speeds through the paper and give rise to different-colored marks.
Alma Levant Hayden (died 1967), a scientist in the then–National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, is demonstrating a technique called paper chromatography to screen for steroid substances. With paper chromatography, a drop of liquid containing a mixture of chemicals is placed on porous paper. The chemicals move at different speeds through the paper and give rise to different-colored marks.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–A1.1k: Explain how dissolving substances in water is often a prerequisite for chemical reactions and chemical changes - Suggested use:
- Introduction/representation of a Black female chemist and her work in development and creation of paper chromatography a common laboratory technique - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Mary Elliott Hill
Mary Elliott Hill was a chemist and teacher who worked alongside her husband, Carl Hill, for many years in the mid-1900s. The duo specialized in plastics, using Grignard reactions to form ketenes, highly reactive compounds used in the formation of esters, amides, and other challenging compounds. Hill was an analytical chemist, designing spectroscopic methods and developing ways to track the progress of the reactions based on solubility.
Mary Elliott Hill was a chemist and teacher who worked alongside her husband, Carl Hill, for many years in the mid-1900s. The duo specialized in plastics, using Grignard reactions to form ketenes, highly reactive compounds used in the formation of esters, amides, and other challenging compounds. Hill was an analytical chemist, designing spectroscopic methods and developing ways to track the progress of the reactions based on solubility.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–A1.2k: Differentiate, on the basis of properties, between electrolytes and nonelectrolytes - Suggested use:
- Introduction to polymers/monomers and chemical reactions involving plastic - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Norbert Rillieux
Norbert Rillieux (1806-1894), widely considered to be one of the earliest chemical engineers, revolutionized sugar processing with the invention of the multiple effect evaporator under vacuum. Rillieux’s great scientific achievement was his recognition that at reduced pressure the repeated use of latent heat would result in the production of better quality sugar at lower cost.
Norbert Rillieux (1806-1894), widely considered to be one of the earliest chemical engineers, revolutionized sugar processing with the invention of the multiple effect evaporator under vacuum. Rillieux’s great scientific achievement was his recognition that at reduced pressure the repeated use of latent heat would result in the production of better quality sugar at lower cost.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–A1.2k: Differentiate, on the basis of properties, between electrolytes and nonelectrolytes - Suggested use:
- Introduction/representation of a Black scientist and his contribution to increased quality of everyday products - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Lloyd Albert Quarterman
Lloyd Albert Quarterman, a chemist, was one of the few African American scientists and technicians to work on the Manhattan Project, the top secret effort to design and build the atomic bomb during World War II.
Lloyd Albert Quarterman, a chemist, was one of the few African American scientists and technicians to work on the Manhattan Project, the top secret effort to design and build the atomic bomb during World War II.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–A3.2k: Identify the physical characteristics of hydrocarbons, including trends with respect to melting and boiling points and solubility of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes - Suggested use:
- Relate his accomplishments to the chemistry behind the atomic bomb - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Paola Tello Guerrero
Paola Tello Guerrero, is a physicist, passionate about initiatives related to the energy transition, sustainability, and education. She was a 2018 participant of the largest Antarctic expedition of women scientists led by Homeward Bound, a global initiative that seeks to create a network of 1000 women scientists over 10 years working around climate change. She also is the founder and strategy leader of “Antarctica for the Brave,” #AntartidaParaValientes, an educational project for children that combines climate change and equality and promotes the passion, curiosity, and love of children for science, penguins, and Antarctica.
Paola Tello Guerrero, is a physicist, passionate about initiatives related to the energy transition, sustainability, and education. She was a 2018 participant of the largest Antarctic expedition of women scientists led by Homeward Bound, a global initiative that seeks to create a network of 1000 women scientists over 10 years working around climate change. She also is the founder and strategy leader of “Antarctica for the Brave,” #AntartidaParaValientes, an educational project for children that combines climate change and equality and promotes the passion, curiosity, and love of children for science, penguins, and Antarctica.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–A3.1k: Identify materials used in daily life that are based upon Alberta’s petrochemical industry and that involve changes in energy - Suggested use:
- Representation of woman in STEM
- Discussion on technology to observe climate change
- Have students research climate change overtime and how its been tracked - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Emmett Chappelle
Chappelle is a scientist and inventor who received over a dozen patents while working for NASA; he devised ways for scientists to measure plant health and detect bacteria in outer space.
Chappelle is a scientist and inventor who received over a dozen patents while working for NASA; he devised ways for scientists to measure plant health and detect bacteria in outer space.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–A2.2sts: Describe applications of science and technology that have developed in response to human and environmental needs - Suggested use:
- Introduction to natural occurring chemical changes
- Assign research project into natural occurring chemical changes
- Have a discussion on natural chemical changes that are indicators for more serious natural problems - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Changes in Motion
Annie Easley
Annie Easley worked at NASA as a “human computer,” performing complex mathematical calculations. She evolved with the technology -- becoming an adept computer programmer and helped develop and implement code for numerous projects.
Annie Easley
Annie Easley worked at NASA as a “human computer,” performing complex mathematical calculations. She evolved with the technology -- becoming an adept computer programmer and helped develop and implement code for numerous projects.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–B2.2sts: Explain that decisions regarding the application of scientific and technological development involve a variety of perspectives, including social, cultural, environmental, ethical and economic considerations - Suggested use:
- Use to highlight a Black woman in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Mae Carol Jemison
American engineer, physician and NASA astronaut, Mae Carol Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992.
American engineer, physician and NASA astronaut, Mae Carol Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–B1.1k: Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities, including distance and displacement, speed and velocity - Suggested use:
- Use to highlight a Black woman in STEM
- Investigate the mechanics behind space shuttles and their motion - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
C.V Raman
C.V. Raman was awarded the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the Raman effect, in which light that passes through a material is scattered and the wavelength of the scattered light is changed because it has caused an energy state transition in the material's molecules.
C.V. Raman was awarded the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the Raman effect, in which light that passes through a material is scattered and the wavelength of the scattered light is changed because it has caused an energy state transition in the material's molecules.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–B2.4k: Explain how an unbalanced force causes change in motion and apply Newton’s first law of motion to explain an object’s state of rest or uniform motion; e.g., movement of passengers in a moving car that accelerates or is coming to a stop - Suggested use:
- Discusses the Raman effect and the scientist who discovered it - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Lonnie Johnson
Lonnie George Johnson is an American inventor, aerospace engineer, and entrepreneur, whose work history includes a U.S. Air Force term of service and a twelve-year stint at NASA. He also invented the Super Soaker.
Lonnie George Johnson is an American inventor, aerospace engineer, and entrepreneur, whose work history includes a U.S. Air Force term of service and a twelve-year stint at NASA. He also invented the Super Soaker.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–B1.1k: Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities, including distance and displacement, speed and velocity - Suggested use:
- Notable physicist introduction to physics, aerodynamics
- Students could measure the velocity of the water spray coming from a super soaker - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Ibn Haitham (Alhazen)
al-Hassan Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) was born in Iraq in the year 965 AD, and is regarded as the father of the modern scientific method. He is often referred to as the worlds first "true scientist." His contributions to modern optics, light, planetary motions and other sciences have enriched our modern world in many ways.
al-Hassan Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) was born in Iraq in the year 965 AD, and is regarded as the father of the modern scientific method. He is often referred to as the worlds first "true scientist." His contributions to modern optics, light, planetary motions and other sciences have enriched our modern world in many ways.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–B1.1k: Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities, including distance and displacement, speed and velocity - Suggested use:
- Use to highlight BIPOC in STEM - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Changes in Earth
Luiz Alvarez
Alvarez identified orbital-electron capture, radioactive decay in which a nucleus absorbs an orbital electron. The following year, he and Felix Bloch pioneered measuring a neutron's magnetic moment, that is, its tendency to align with an applied magnetic field (an important clue that the neutrally charged particle is made of electrically charged fundamental particles). During World War II, he invented several radar applications, worked on the Manhattan Project and rode in a chase plane during the Enola Gay's Hiroshima bombing. After the war, he worked on the first proton linear accelerator and was awarded the 1968 Nobel Prize in physics for his work with elementary particles.
Luiz Alvarez
Alvarez identified orbital-electron capture, radioactive decay in which a nucleus absorbs an orbital electron. The following year, he and Felix Bloch pioneered measuring a neutron's magnetic moment, that is, its tendency to align with an applied magnetic field (an important clue that the neutrally charged particle is made of electrically charged fundamental particles). During World War II, he invented several radar applications, worked on the Manhattan Project and rode in a chase plane during the Enola Gay's Hiroshima bombing. After the war, he worked on the first proton linear accelerator and was awarded the 1968 Nobel Prize in physics for his work with elementary particles.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–C3.1k: Explain how knowledge of radioisotopes, radioactive decay and half-lives are used to estimate the age of minerals and fossils - Suggested use:
- Introduction to radioactive decay, and magnetic fields
- Discussion on atomic bombs and the science behind the reaction - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Changes in Living Systems
Ernest Everett Just
Ernest Everett Just was an African American biologist and educator who pioneered many areas on the physiology of development, including fertilization, experimental parthenogenesis, hydration, cell division, dehydration in living cells and ultraviolet carcinogenic radiation effects on cells.
Ernest Everett Just
Ernest Everett Just was an African American biologist and educator who pioneered many areas on the physiology of development, including fertilization, experimental parthenogenesis, hydration, cell division, dehydration in living cells and ultraviolet carcinogenic radiation effects on cells.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–D3.2k: Describe the adaptation of species over time due to variation in a population, population size and environmental change; e.g., bacterial resistance to antibiotics, giraffe neck length, gazelle speed - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of a pioneering Black scientist and his multiple contributions most notably the role of the cell surface in the development of organisms - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Miscellaneous - More scientists to introduce
Susan La Flesche Picotte
Video about the first Native American woman to obtain a medical school degree. La Flesche Picotte was also known for setting up a hospital on a reservation in Nebraska.
Susan La Flesche Picotte
Video about the first Native American woman to obtain a medical school degree. La Flesche Picotte was also known for setting up a hospital on a reservation in Nebraska.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight Indigenous women in STEM - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked at NASA who’s trajectory analysis were instrumental to the success of sending the first American, Alan Shepard, into space in 1961. However, her most notable contribution was her calculations which were also instrumental in sending John Glenn into orbit in 1962.
Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked at NASA who’s trajectory analysis were instrumental to the success of sending the first American, Alan Shepard, into space in 1961. However, her most notable contribution was her calculations which were also instrumental in sending John Glenn into orbit in 1962.
- Suggested use:
- Discuss Katherine Johnson and her importance in helping Americans and their ventures into space
- Discuss the challenges she had to face with being a Black woman in science - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Gladys West
Born and raised in Virginia, Gladys West leveraged her mathematical and programming expertise to invent an accurate model of the Earth which was used as the foundation for the creation of the Global Positioning System (GPS). She was the second black woman ever to be employed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame—one of the highest honors awarded by the Air Force.
Born and raised in Virginia, Gladys West leveraged her mathematical and programming expertise to invent an accurate model of the Earth which was used as the foundation for the creation of the Global Positioning System (GPS). She was the second black woman ever to be employed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame—one of the highest honors awarded by the Air Force.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight Black women in STEM and her contributions to scientific developments - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Patricia Bath
Patricia Bath was the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first African American female doctor to receive a medical patent. She invented the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment in 1986.
Patricia Bath was the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first African American female doctor to receive a medical patent. She invented the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment in 1986.
- Suggested use:
- A great way to see how a Black scientist has fought her way through discrimination against her gender and race to make big accomplishments in Science
- Use biography as a supplementary source
- Use video to highlight Black excellence in science and technology - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Black Scientists and Inventors
Video detailing the lives of various African-American scientists and inventors that made major strides in the fields. The scientists mentioned are: George Washington Carver, Madam CJ Walker, Mae Jemison, Garrett Morgan and more.
Video detailing the lives of various African-American scientists and inventors that made major strides in the fields. The scientists mentioned are: George Washington Carver, Madam CJ Walker, Mae Jemison, Garrett Morgan and more.
- Suggested use:
- Use as a way to discuss Black excellence in Science in these particular units:
- Dr. Daniel Hale (Science 20-4 Unit C)
- Madam CJ Walker (Science 20 Unit A, 20-A1.2)
- Garett A. Morgan (Science 20-4 Unit D) created the stop light though it's a small blurb at the end of his section - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
First Hispanic Surgeon General Dr. Antonia Novello Looks Back
Video about the first Hispanic Surgeon General appointed to the US government. Dr. Novello discusses the weight that being the first Hispanic woman in this position holds, and what she hopes to achieve through this.
Video about the first Hispanic Surgeon General appointed to the US government. Dr. Novello discusses the weight that being the first Hispanic woman in this position holds, and what she hopes to achieve through this.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight women in STEM - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Vidita Vaidya
Vidita Vaidya is an Indian neuroscientist and Professor at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. She was a former Senior Research Fellow of the Wellcome Trust and a former associate of the Indian Academy of Sciences. Her primary areas of research are neuroscience and molecular psychiatry.
Vidita Vaidya is an Indian neuroscientist and Professor at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. She was a former Senior Research Fellow of the Wellcome Trust and a former associate of the Indian Academy of Sciences. Her primary areas of research are neuroscience and molecular psychiatry.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight women in STEM - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Rama Govindarajan
Rama Govindarajan is an Indian scientist specialized in the field of Fluid Dynamics. She was formerly working at the Engineering Mechanics Unit of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research[1] from 1998-2012 and as a professor at the TIFR Hyderabad[2] from 2012-2016 Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences and presently she is working as professor at International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) Bengaluru. Prof. Govindarajan is a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for the year 2007.
Rama Govindarajan is an Indian scientist specialized in the field of Fluid Dynamics. She was formerly working at the Engineering Mechanics Unit of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research[1] from 1998-2012 and as a professor at the TIFR Hyderabad[2] from 2012-2016 Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences and presently she is working as professor at International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) Bengaluru. Prof. Govindarajan is a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for the year 2007.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight Rama's achievements to STEM
- Highlight the importance of women in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required, no captions available
Gaiti Hasan
Gaiti Hasan is an Indian scientist who researches in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience and cell signalling. Hasan is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, the apex body of Indian scientists and technologists.
Gaiti Hasan is an Indian scientist who researches in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience and cell signalling. Hasan is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, the apex body of Indian scientists and technologists.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight Gaiti's achievements to molecular biology
- Highlight the importance of women in STEM
- Bring up how gender discrimination exists in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required, no captions available
Alexis Peña
Alexis is as passionate about her college experience as she is about her future in bioengineering. Hear about her experiences at Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Alexis is as passionate about her college experience as she is about her future in bioengineering. Hear about her experiences at Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight women in STEM - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Janeen T Uzzell
Janeen Uzzell is a Global Technology Executive and Chief Operating Officer of the Wikimedia Foundation. She previously served as Director of Healthcare Programs in Africa and Head of Women in Technology for General Electric.
Janeen Uzzell is a Global Technology Executive and Chief Operating Officer of the Wikimedia Foundation. She previously served as Director of Healthcare Programs in Africa and Head of Women in Technology for General Electric.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight women in STEM - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Merit Ptah
Merit Ptah is the earliest woman recorded in stem history. She was a physician, and may have even worked with the ruler at the time.
Merit Ptah is the earliest woman recorded in stem history. She was a physician, and may have even worked with the ruler at the time.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight women in STEM - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Sarah Echohawk
Sarah Echohawk, CEO of AISES, talks about the importance of STEM education in regard to self determination of American Indian tribes.
Sarah Echohawk, CEO of AISES, talks about the importance of STEM education in regard to self determination of American Indian tribes.
- Suggested use:
- Pre-assess to see if students know of any Indigenous scientists
- Discuss why it is important for Indigenous Peoples need to be part of scientific work - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Myunghyun Paik Suh
A website about the chemist/scientist Myunghyun Paik Suh, reflecting on her career and the many challenges she had to overcome in order to become a world‐leading scientist in South Korea.
A website about the chemist/scientist Myunghyun Paik Suh, reflecting on her career and the many challenges she had to overcome in order to become a world‐leading scientist in South Korea.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight women in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
James A. Harris
James Harris was the first African-American chemist to contribute to the discovery of elements on the period table. Harris discovered elements 104 and 105 at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in 1970 and later worked as the head of the Heavy Isotopes Production Group in the Nuclear Chemistry Division at the Department of Energy in California.
James Harris was the first African-American chemist to contribute to the discovery of elements on the period table. Harris discovered elements 104 and 105 at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in 1970 and later worked as the head of the Heavy Isotopes Production Group in the Nuclear Chemistry Division at the Department of Energy in California.
- Suggested use:
- Use as introduction into elements and element discovery
- Have students learn and be able to identify key factors of heavy elements of the periodic table - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Elham Mirzaei
Elham Mirzaei, 29, works in Berlin as robotics engineer.
Elham Mirzaei, 29, works in Berlin as robotics engineer.
- Suggested use:
- Have students complete a research project on the mechanics and energy used in robotic functions - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Matthew Rantanen
Matthew R. Rantanen is the Director of Technology for the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association (SCTCA) and Director of the Tribal Digital Village (TDVNet) Network/Initiative that was started in 2001 designing and deploying wireless networking to support the tribal communities of Southern California.
Matthew R. Rantanen is the Director of Technology for the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association (SCTCA) and Director of the Tribal Digital Village (TDVNet) Network/Initiative that was started in 2001 designing and deploying wireless networking to support the tribal communities of Southern California.
- Suggested use:
- Discuss how Indigenous voices are important in Science
- Discuss why Matthew's work in extending internet access and digital literacy to rural Indigenous communities - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Shubha Tole
Shubha Tole is an Indian neuroscientist, Professor and Principal Investigator at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India. Her research involves investigating the development and evolution of the mammalian brain, and she has won many accolades for her work.
Shubha Tole is an Indian neuroscientist, Professor and Principal Investigator at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India. Her research involves investigating the development and evolution of the mammalian brain, and she has won many accolades for her work.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight Shubha's achievements in neuroscience - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required, no captions available
15 Black Scientists
This article discusses the famous black scientists, physicians, inventors throughout history and their wonderful achievements.
This article discusses the famous black scientists, physicians, inventors throughout history and their wonderful achievements.
- Suggested use:
- Hook for introducing black representation in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Changes in Motion
An unexpected way to inflate a balloon
How is it you can inflate a paper ball by hitting it? This 5-minute video of mathematician Tadashi Tokieda explains force transfer using a Japanese paper ball toy.
An unexpected way to inflate a balloon
How is it you can inflate a paper ball by hitting it? This 5-minute video of mathematician Tadashi Tokieda explains force transfer using a Japanese paper ball toy.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2: Describe and analyze the law of conservation of momentum for one-dimensional collisions and change in momentum (impulse) to explain how force affects motion - Suggested use:
- Introduction of force and momentum
- BIPOC representation - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
What a Slinky Knows
A 13-minute podcast featuring Steve Strogatz and Neil Degrasse Tyson explaining the concept of locality using a magic trick by physicist Tadashi Tokieda, and how the time delay in gravity hitting the bottom of the slinky makes it look like it's levitating.
A 13-minute podcast featuring Steve Strogatz and Neil Degrasse Tyson explaining the concept of locality using a magic trick by physicist Tadashi Tokieda, and how the time delay in gravity hitting the bottom of the slinky makes it look like it's levitating.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2: Describe and analyze the law of conservation of momentum for one-dimensional collisions and change in momentum (impulse) to explain how force affects motion - Suggested use:
- Introduction/representation of a Chinese mathematician and his physics trick using a slinky; discussion on gravity - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, no transcription available
Catching Kendama - Tadashi Tokieda
A 4-minute video of mathematician Tadashi Tokieda. He explains the physics of the conservation of angular momentum, using a well-known Japanese toy, the kendama.
A 4-minute video of mathematician Tadashi Tokieda. He explains the physics of the conservation of angular momentum, using a well-known Japanese toy, the kendama.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–B2.2k: Apply the law of conservation of momentum to one-dimensional collisions and explosions - Suggested use:
- Can bring in a kendama for students to experiment with and explain the physics of conservation - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Changing Earth
Aboriginal Science Education
The following resources were developed by student teachers in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP). This was part of an EDEL 330 assignment to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives. They represent sample student lesson plans which utilize an Aboriginal science point of view.
Aboriginal Science Education
The following resources were developed by student teachers in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP). This was part of an EDEL 330 assignment to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives. They represent sample student lesson plans which utilize an Aboriginal science point of view.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4: Analyze the evidence of, and assess the explanations for, natural variations in Earth’s climate over the last two million years - Suggested use:
- Use to familiarize with Indigenous teachings and how to incorporate into own lessons - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required dependent on activity
Earthquakes, Circles and Spheres
Mathematician Tadashi Tokieda discusses how we know where earthquakes occur.
Mathematician Tadashi Tokieda discusses how we know where earthquakes occur.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–C2.1k: Describe how energy from earthquakes is transmitted by seismic waves
- 20–C2.2k: Describe the relationship between the Richter scale and an earthquake’s ground motion and energy - Suggested use:
- Introduce the concepts related to earthquakes and why they occur - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Forces that Change the Face of the Earth
This article talks about the various forces that impact the earth. It helps students to understand that the Earth is not static, in fact it is in a constant state of change. The article describes the forces that cause these changes.
This article talks about the various forces that impact the earth. It helps students to understand that the Earth is not static, in fact it is in a constant state of change. The article describes the forces that cause these changes.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–C2.6k: List and describe the evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics; i.e., location of volcanoes and ear - Suggested use:
- Use as a resource for research
- Create a presentation discussing how erosion, glaciers, and other forces create the landscape of our Earth
- Read to introduce and have students look at one force to understand how it has affected people's way of living in different parts of the world - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
Top 10 African Countries with the Most Natural Resources
For many centuries now, Africa has been ranked first in the world in terms of mineral extraction from a variety of ores both non-ferrous to ferrous metals, diamonds, bauxite and gold. In this video we're taken around Africa to witness the African countries with the most natural resources.
For many centuries now, Africa has been ranked first in the world in terms of mineral extraction from a variety of ores both non-ferrous to ferrous metals, diamonds, bauxite and gold. In this video we're taken around Africa to witness the African countries with the most natural resources.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–C1.1k: Describe the challenges in investigating the changes that take place over hundreds of millions of years to Earth’s crustal plates, to past climates and to life forms - Suggested use:
- Background information for Earth's crust and geologic processes as well as an opportunity to highlight and breakdown the problematic representation of Africa as a continent that is considered less than - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
Natural Resources of Africa
What natural resources does Africa contain? This video talks about the different natural minerals and resources found in the continent.
What natural resources does Africa contain? This video talks about the different natural minerals and resources found in the continent.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–C1.1k: Describe the challenges in investigating the changes that take place over hundreds of millions of years to Earth’s crustal plates, to past climates and to life forms - Suggested use:
- Background information for Earth's crust and geologic processes as well as an opportunity to highlight and breakdown the problematic representation of Africa as a continent that is considered less than - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
East African Great Rift Valley
Article talks about East African Rift System (EARS) which is a fracture in the Earth's surface that widens over time. The article tries to explain how the rifts form and what the potential outcomes of the rift are.
Article talks about East African Rift System (EARS) which is a fracture in the Earth's surface that widens over time. The article tries to explain how the rifts form and what the potential outcomes of the rift are.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–C2.6k: List and describe the evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics; i.e., location of volcanoes and earthquakes, ocean floor spreading, mountain ranges, age of sediments, paleomagnetism - Suggested use:
- After viewing resource as a class have a discussion/pop quiz on rifts and their characteristics
- Assign a research project about different rifts over the world - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
Latif Nasser on Netflix's "Connected": Dust
Follow Latif Nasser, a researcher on the history of science, as he tracks how a specks of dust from the Sahara Desert can generate oxygen, temper hurricanes and fertilize the rainforest.
Follow Latif Nasser, a researcher on the history of science, as he tracks how a specks of dust from the Sahara Desert can generate oxygen, temper hurricanes and fertilize the rainforest.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1: Analyze the scientific evidence and explanations for geologic phenomena that occurred long ago or are taking place over a long period of time - Suggested use:
- Class brainstorm on ways we are connected to the planet
- Discuss after viewing of students views on how they are connected to the planet have changed - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
Lesson plan: Cultural Perspectives on Sustainability
These activities provide background information on a western and First Nations and Métis perspective or worldview as an introduction to a variety of viewpoints on sustainability. These lessons incorporate objectives from the unit entitled Life Science: Sustainability of Ecosystems in the Science 10 Curriculum Guide. These activities could be used as an introduction to the topic of sustainability, or as a closure.
These activities provide background information on a western and First Nations and Métis perspective or worldview as an introduction to a variety of viewpoints on sustainability. These lessons incorporate objectives from the unit entitled Life Science: Sustainability of Ecosystems in the Science 10 Curriculum Guide. These activities could be used as an introduction to the topic of sustainability, or as a closure.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4: Analyze the evidence of, and assess the explanations for, natural variations in Earth’s climate over the last two million years - Suggested use:
- Includes 4 lessons that can be used to lead discussions on sustainability in the Indigenous and Metis perspective
- First lesson: pre-assess students on sustainability
- Second lesson: reviewing FNMI world views. Compares Western and FNMI perspectives of living and non-living beings
- Third Lesson: investigating different perspectives of how to treat the Earth
- Fourth Lesson: assessment (choice of presentation, report, Power Point, video, etc.). Includes a rubric - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required, student dependent
You have no idea where camels really come from
Latif Nasser researches the history of science. He explains paleobiologist Natalia Rybczynski's discoveries about camel fossils, and how camels might have evolved and adapted to a different climate than the deserts that we typically think.
Latif Nasser researches the history of science. He explains paleobiologist Natalia Rybczynski's discoveries about camel fossils, and how camels might have evolved and adapted to a different climate than the deserts that we typically think.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–C3.3k: Explain how sedimentary rock layers along with fossils can provide evidence of chronology, paleoclimate, evolution and mass extinctions; e.g., index and transitional fossils, fossils of reptiles and certain types of plants usually indicate a warm, tropical climate - Suggested use:
- Discussion on climates effect on evolution and how these observations can be made using fossils - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Changes in Living Systems
David Suzuki wants Canada to embrace renewable energy before it's too late
Renowned environmentalist David Suzuki discusses how the average Canadian has grown increasingly disconnected from nature, and the steps Canada must take to get off fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy.
David Suzuki wants Canada to embrace renewable energy before it's too late
Renowned environmentalist David Suzuki discusses how the average Canadian has grown increasingly disconnected from nature, and the steps Canada must take to get off fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–D1.4k: Describe the potential impact of habitat destruction on an ecosystem - Suggested use:
- Introduction to renewable resources, and thinking sustainably
- Discussion of long term and short term consequences of fossil fuels vs. renewable resources - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Introduction to Climate Justice
The Climate Justice Project (CJP) asks how we can tackle global warming with fairness and equity. Our challenge is to build a zero-carbon society that also enhances our quality of life. This module explores the concept of climate justice, linking global climate change to local actions, and looking at who benefits and who pays the costs from burning fossil fuels. This section also asks students to reflect on their feelings about climate change, which may be dismissive, despairing, angry or hopeful. Climate change is a heavy topic – being able to discuss emotional responses openly and honestly is important.
The Climate Justice Project (CJP) asks how we can tackle global warming with fairness and equity. Our challenge is to build a zero-carbon society that also enhances our quality of life. This module explores the concept of climate justice, linking global climate change to local actions, and looking at who benefits and who pays the costs from burning fossil fuels. This section also asks students to reflect on their feelings about climate change, which may be dismissive, despairing, angry or hopeful. Climate change is a heavy topic – being able to discuss emotional responses openly and honestly is important.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–D1.4k: Describe the potential impact of habitat destruction on an ecosystem - Suggested use:
- Introduction and discussion of climate change and its varying effects from a global perspective; first world vs. second and third world countries - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required
Why don't people conserve energy and water?: Shahzeen Attari
How do we improve people's perceptions of how much energy we are using? This 10-minute TED talk from Dr. Shahzeen Attari goes through the psychology of resource consumption, and how you can effectively take steps to reduce energy consumption.
How do we improve people's perceptions of how much energy we are using? This 10-minute TED talk from Dr. Shahzeen Attari goes through the psychology of resource consumption, and how you can effectively take steps to reduce energy consumption.
- Curriculum connection:
- 20–D1.4k: Describe the potential impact of habitat destruction on an ecosystem - Suggested use:
- Introduction on personal impacts on climate change and personal conservation actions
- Discussion on personal habits and how to improve them environmentally for long term sustainability - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Miscellaneous
David Suzuki on racism, "white society" & genetics, 1972: CBC Archives | CBC
In this clip from 1972, David Suzuki talks about long hair, stereotyping, and discrimination in a "white society". He also talks about the frightening idea of solving the "race problem" using genetics.
David Suzuki on racism, "white society" & genetics, 1972: CBC Archives | CBC
In this clip from 1972, David Suzuki talks about long hair, stereotyping, and discrimination in a "white society". He also talks about the frightening idea of solving the "race problem" using genetics.
- Suggested use:
- Discussion on examples of stereotyping/discrimination in modern day society - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Environmental Justice in the Context of Sustainability
This article describes the pedagogy of environmental justice, and how it can be taught in classrooms in a respectful and impactful way.
This article describes the pedagogy of environmental justice, and how it can be taught in classrooms in a respectful and impactful way.
- Suggested use:
- Use this document along with the Alberta Science Program of Study to create meaningful lessons on sustainability
The Myth of Race, Debunked in 3 Minutes
Vox video on how race developed in scientific evolutionary theory and how definitions of race have changed throughout time. Video contains a significant amount of social history, and also discusses the lack of genetic basis behind race. Examples of certain genetic illnesses are given, with the basis of race as a factor of health discussed as well.
Vox video on how race developed in scientific evolutionary theory and how definitions of race have changed throughout time. Video contains a significant amount of social history, and also discusses the lack of genetic basis behind race. Examples of certain genetic illnesses are given, with the basis of race as a factor of health discussed as well.
- Suggested use:
- Use video to inform anti-racism practices and create meaningful lessons
Bridging Cultures: Indigenous and Scientific Ways of Knowing Nature
This book supports science teachers, teacher candidates, and science educators preparing to implement science curricula that recognize Indigenous knowledge as a foundational way to understand the physical world. By exploring these in detail based on academic scholarship, the book guides the reader in building their own cultural bridges between their scientific world and the world of an Indigenous community; bridges that lead to a culturally responsive science classroom.
This book supports science teachers, teacher candidates, and science educators preparing to implement science curricula that recognize Indigenous knowledge as a foundational way to understand the physical world. By exploring these in detail based on academic scholarship, the book guides the reader in building their own cultural bridges between their scientific world and the world of an Indigenous community; bridges that lead to a culturally responsive science classroom.
- Suggested use:
- Use to reflect on own teaching and to learn more about Indigenous ways of knowing in relation to science
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
What is sweetgrass – Hierochloe odorata – wiingaashk? eloquently and beautifully uses the indigenous cultures’ sacred plant, sweetgrass, as a poetic metaphor to explain the origins of plant, animal, and human life on Mother Earth, their intertwined respectful and reciprocal relationships with each other, the loss of this reciprocity, and the hope of ecological restoration to return the gifts of Mother Earth and the balance that once was.
What is sweetgrass – Hierochloe odorata – wiingaashk? eloquently and beautifully uses the indigenous cultures’ sacred plant, sweetgrass, as a poetic metaphor to explain the origins of plant, animal, and human life on Mother Earth, their intertwined respectful and reciprocal relationships with each other, the loss of this reciprocity, and the hope of ecological restoration to return the gifts of Mother Earth and the balance that once was.
- Suggested use:
- Use to reflect on own teaching and to learn more about Indigenous ways of knowing in relation to science
Ottoman Contributions to science and Technology
Different contributions made by the Ottoman Empire to the world of science and technology.
Different contributions made by the Ottoman Empire to the world of science and technology.
- Suggested use:
- Highlight the importance of representation in STEM
