Grade Twelve Science 30
Students will develop an understanding of four general units: Living Systems Respond to Their Environment, Chemistry and the Environment, Electromagnetic Energy, and Energy and the Environment.
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
Living Systems Respond to Their Environment
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:
- 30–A3.1k: Describe, in general, the behaviour of chromosomes during mitosis, meiosis and fertilization - 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
Biologist Explains One Concept in 5 Levels of Difficulty
Biologist Neville Sanjana explains CRISPR and its role in gene editing. He discusses with a 7 year-old, a 14 year-old, a college student, a grad student and a CRISPR expert at varying levels of difficulty.
Biologist Neville Sanjana explains CRISPR and its role in gene editing. He discusses with a 7 year-old, a 14 year-old, a college student, a grad student and a CRISPR expert at varying levels of difficulty.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A3.9k: Describe, in general terms, genetic engineering and its application to gene therapy and the development of genetically modified organisms - Suggested use:
- Introduction to gene therapy/CRISPR
- Research project into gene therapy and the diseases it is used to cure - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Mitali Mukerji
Mitali Mukerji is a Chief Scientist at the CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology with notable achievement in the field of human genomics and personalized medicine.
Mitali Mukerji is a Chief Scientist at the CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology with notable achievement in the field of human genomics and personalized medicine.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A3.9k: Describe, in general terms, genetic engineering and its application to gene therapy and the development of genetically modified organisms - Suggested use:
- Use to highlight Mukerji's achievements to STEM
- Highlight the importance of women in STEM
- Bring up how gender discrimination exists in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required, no captions available
Flossie Wong-Staal
With a BS in Bacteriology and PhD in Molecular Biology, Flossie Wong-Staal is a Chinese-American Virologist, who became the first scientist to clone HIV and determine how its genes work, marking a huge step in proving that HIV causes AIDS. In 2007, Dr. Wong-Staal was ranked 32 on The Daily Telegraph’s “Top 100 Living Geniuses”. Can use with additional video resource.
With a BS in Bacteriology and PhD in Molecular Biology, Flossie Wong-Staal is a Chinese-American Virologist, who became the first scientist to clone HIV and determine how its genes work, marking a huge step in proving that HIV causes AIDS. In 2007, Dr. Wong-Staal was ranked 32 on The Daily Telegraph’s “Top 100 Living Geniuses”. Can use with additional video resource.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A3.10k: Describe the development of resistance in bacteria and viruses, based on the concepts of mutation, plasmid transfer, transformation and natural selection - Suggested use:
- Representation of a Chinese scientist and her work in gene therapy
- Discussion on importance of genetic mapping and cloning - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Marie M. Daly
Marie Daly was the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. She worked closely with scientist Dr. Quentin B. Deming and their work opened up a new understanding of how foods and diet can affect the health of the heart and the circulatory system.
Marie Daly was the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. She worked closely with scientist Dr. Quentin B. Deming and their work opened up a new understanding of how foods and diet can affect the health of the heart and the circulatory system.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A1.2k: Describe the rhythmic contraction of the heart and its function in the general circulation of blood through pulmonary and systemic pathways - Suggested use:
- Introduction/representation of a Black female scientist
- Discussion on food and diet effects on the circulatory system - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Daniel Hale Williams
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was the first cardiologist to successfully perform a tricky open heart surgery — the repair of the pericardium, the thin sac that encases the heart.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was the first cardiologist to successfully perform a tricky open heart surgery — the repair of the pericardium, the thin sac that encases the heart.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A1.1k: Describe the principal structures and associated blood vessels of the heart; i.e., ventricles, atria, septum, valves (specific names of valves not required), aorta, vena cavae, pulmonary arteries and veins, coronary arteries - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of Black scientists and contributions to cardiac health - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
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.
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.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A3.9k: Describe, in general terms, genetic engineering and its application to gene therapy and the development of genetically modified organisms - 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
Chemistry and the Environment
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-coloured marks.
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-coloured marks.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–B1.2s: Conduct investigations into relationships among observable variables and use a broad range of tools and techniques to gather and record data and information: use a pH meter and/or pH paper and indicators to measure the pH of solutions, perform a titration using a strong monoprotic acid and a strong monoprotic base - 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
Mario Molina
In the mid-1970s, Mario Molina helped to predict that global emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) could deplete stratospheric ozone. A decade later, scientists at the British Antarctic Survey reported that a vast hole had appeared in the ozone layer over the South Pole. Molina’s tireless advocacy and scientific diplomacy helped to bring about the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, an international agreement to phase out CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals. Molina shared the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with his former adviser F. Sherwood Rowland and the Dutch chemist Paul Crutzen for their work on stratospheric chemistry.
In the mid-1970s, Mario Molina helped to predict that global emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) could deplete stratospheric ozone. A decade later, scientists at the British Antarctic Survey reported that a vast hole had appeared in the ozone layer over the South Pole. Molina’s tireless advocacy and scientific diplomacy helped to bring about the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, an international agreement to phase out CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals. Molina shared the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with his former adviser F. Sherwood Rowland and the Dutch chemist Paul Crutzen for their work on stratospheric chemistry.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–B2.5k: Identify and explain how human activities and natural events contribute to the production of photochemical smog, the depletion of the ozone layer and increased concentrations of organic compounds in the environment - Suggested use:
- Introduction to the ozone and greenhouse gas effects: How does the ozone protect us? What does this mean for the future?
- Research into different greenhouse gases and their effects - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Electromagnetic Energy
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
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:
- 30–C1.2k: Compare the interaction between static electric charges with the interaction between magnetic poles and with the interaction between two masses at a distance - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of a Indian physicist and his work in raman scattering - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Mayly Sánchez
Mayly Sánchez is a Particle Physicist born in Venezuela who was bestowed with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor given to scientists. She is known for her experimental work with work in the field of experimental long baseline neutrino physics.
Mayly Sánchez is a Particle Physicist born in Venezuela who was bestowed with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor given to scientists. She is known for her experimental work with work in the field of experimental long baseline neutrino physics.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–C1.1k: Define a field as a property of space around a mass, an electric charge or a magnet that causes another mass, electric charge or magnet introduced in to this region to experience a force - Suggested use:
- Use to highlight BIPOC women's achievements in Science - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Mary G Ross
Video detailing the life of Mary G Ross, the first Native American aerospace engineer. She was a descendant of a Cherokee chief, and the video describes her life story.
Video detailing the life of Mary G Ross, the first Native American aerospace engineer. She was a descendant of a Cherokee chief, and the video describes her life story.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–C1.1sts: Explain that the goal of technologies, based on the application of field theory, is to provide solutions to practical problems: describe, in general terms, examples of technological devices based on electrical current and describe their impact on daily life - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of an Indigenous aerospace engineer
- Discuss the challenges she faced to become successful in her career - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required 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.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–C2.10k: Describe technologies used to study stars: spectroscopes used to analyze the distribution of energy in a star’s continuous emission spectrum can be used to estimate the surface temperature of the star, Doppler-shift technology used to measure the speed of distant stars provides evidence that the universe is expanding - Suggested use:
- Introduction/representation of a Black female scientist of NASA who was behind the first journeys into space
- Discussion of under-representation of BIPOC in the sciences/others getting credit for work of many - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
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.
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:
- 30–C2.2k: Compare and contrast, to each other, the various constituents of the electromagnetic spectrum, on the basis of source, frequency, wavelength and energy, and their effect on living tissue - 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
Anuradha T.K.
Anuradha T.K. is a retired Indian scientist and project director of the Indian Space Research Organisation, specialized communication satellites. She has worked on the launches of the satellites GSAT-12 and GSAT-10.
Anuradha T.K. is a retired Indian scientist and project director of the Indian Space Research Organisation, specialized communication satellites. She has worked on the launches of the satellites GSAT-12 and GSAT-10.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–C2.10k describe technologies used to study stars - Suggested use:
- Introduction/representation of a Indian female scientist working in space technology
- Discussion of importance of the representation fo females in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required 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.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–C2.1sts: Explain that the goal of technology is to provide solutions to practical problems: identify examples of technologies that apply EMR to solve medical, communication, industrial and environmental problems - 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
Miscellaneous - More scientists to introduce
15 Black Scientists
This article discusses the famous black scientists, physicians, inventors throughout history and their wonderful achievements.
15 Black Scientists
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Living Systems Respond to Their Environment
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.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A3.9k: Describe, in general terms, genetic engineering and its application to gene therapy and the development of genetically modified organisms - Suggested use:
- Hold a class discussion on genetic research/modification and when it can go to far in society - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Indigenous Traditional Healing
Article that describes the contributions of Indigenous medicine to Western medicine and healing practices. The article lists four types of healing practices and describes its history and relation to medicine today.
Article that describes the contributions of Indigenous medicine to Western medicine and healing practices. The article lists four types of healing practices and describes its history and relation to medicine today.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A3.2sts: 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:
- Read article as a class or assign independently
- Can be used as an introduction to a deeper research project on how traditional Indigenous ways of knowing have impacted what we know about Western medicine and science today - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
How an African Slave in Boston Helped Save Generation from Smallpox
Article on the history of the spread of smallpox through the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It describes how the slave trade spread diseases, and the role it played in the development of vaccines.
Article on the history of the spread of smallpox through the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It describes how the slave trade spread diseases, and the role it played in the development of vaccines.
- Curriculum connection:
-30–A2.5k: Analyze how vaccines defend against disease-causing bacteria and viruses - Suggested use:
- Introduction on how a Black slave developed a rudimentary vaccine for small pox
- Discussion on varying effects of diseases dependant on race - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
One Reason Why Coronavirus Hits Black People the Hardest
Video documenting why health and race are fundamentally linked. The video goes into detail about racial distribution in parts of the United States have impacted COVID infection rates. It also discusses how and why Black communities in parts of the US have faced worse health outcomes in terms of respiratory and cardiac health compared to other racial communities.
Video documenting why health and race are fundamentally linked. The video goes into detail about racial distribution in parts of the United States have impacted COVID infection rates. It also discusses how and why Black communities in parts of the US have faced worse health outcomes in terms of respiratory and cardiac health compared to other racial communities.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A2.3k: Describe, in general terms, how immunity to pathogens develops, how the immune system responds to a foreign antigen and the roles of macrophages, B cells, helper T cells, killer T cells, suppressor T cells, memory cells and antibodies - Suggested use:
- Use as introduction to external effects on immune function
- Discussion on racism occurring within the medical community and challenges BIPOC face - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Immortal cells of Henriette Lacks
A Ted-Ed video lesson on Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells were stolen, leading to her DNA providing countless cures, patents and discoveries. These HeLa cells are still being used in 2020.
A Ted-Ed video lesson on Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells were stolen, leading to her DNA providing countless cures, patents and discoveries. These HeLa cells are still being used in 2020.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A3.8k: Describe how mutations in DNA affect the proteins produced resulting in human diseases; e.g., sickle-cell anemia, hemophilia, Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis - Suggested use:
- Introduction of cells and their importance of treating a wide variety of diseases then and now
- Discussion of ethics of patient rights and medical ethics - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
This Crab's Blood May Have Saved Your Life: Jeak Ling Ding
We have relied on the prehistoric horseshoe crab's blood to make sure our medical supplies are free from contaminants. But, this takes a big toll on crabs' population as we must harvest their blood. Singaporean professor Jeak Ling Ding has a new synthetic solution that could change all of that, but there is pushback from pharmaceutical companies to embrace it as an alternative.
We have relied on the prehistoric horseshoe crab's blood to make sure our medical supplies are free from contaminants. But, this takes a big toll on crabs' population as we must harvest their blood. Singaporean professor Jeak Ling Ding has a new synthetic solution that could change all of that, but there is pushback from pharmaceutical companies to embrace it as an alternative.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A1.1sts: Describe how society provides direction for scientific and technological development - Suggested use:
- After viewing resource have a class discussion/research project on biological science innovations; creating biological matter in a lab - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Science of Racism
Video lesson on the effect of racism on various human systems. The video discusses how different physiological systems are altered for various racial groups when they experiences racism. Mainly discusses racism against Black communities in America.
Video lesson on the effect of racism on various human systems. The video discusses how different physiological systems are altered for various racial groups when they experiences racism. Mainly discusses racism against Black communities in America.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A2.4k: Explain the interrelationship of autoimmune diseases and the human immune system - Suggested use:
- Introduction of external factors effecting immune response and various structures/systems
- Discussion of effects of racism and ongoing racism within the medical system - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
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.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–A3.9k: Describe, in general terms, genetic engineering and its application to gene therapy and the development of genetically modified organisms - Suggested use:
- Use video to inform anti-racism practices and create meaningful lessons - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Electromagnetic Energy
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.
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.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–C1.1k: Define a field as a property of space around a mass, an electric charge or a magnet that causes another mass, electric charge or magnet introduced in to this region to experience a force - Suggested use:
- Introduction/representation of a Chinese mathematician and his physics trick using a slinky; discussion on gravity - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, no transcription available
Energy and the Environment
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.
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.
- Curriculum connection:
- 30–D1.3k: Apply the concept of sustainable development to increasing the efficient use of energy; e.g., efficient use of energy in the home, in industry and in transportation
- 30–D1.6k: Describe how the Aboriginal perspective of an interconnected environment demonstrates the need to balance resource extraction with environmental impact - Suggested use:
- Introduction of Indigenous viewpoints on climate change and sustainability
- Discussion/comparison of climate change from a western point of view; where do these views meet? - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required, student dependent
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:
- 30–D1.3k: Apply the concept of sustainable development to increasing the efficient use of energy; e.g., efficient use of energy in the home, in industry and in transportation
- 30–D1.5k describe the environmental impact of developing and using various energy sources; i.e., conventional oil, oil sands, solar power, wind power, biomass, hydroelectricity, coalburning power, nuclear power, geothermal - 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
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
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
