Investigating Science 10 - Unit A

Bioscapes - some amazing collections of images taken by scientists with very powerful microscopes and equipment.

Tissues, Organs and Systems of Living Things - units always start better when you try a fun activity as an introduction to the new topic.

• TeensHealth - explore how the human teen body works in videos, activities and articles.
• Your Gross and Cool Body - what could make a unit more interesting than discovering how and why your own body does what it does.Page 2

Tissues, Organs and Systems of Living Things - these videos introduce cells, tissues and systems of living organisms.

• The Inner Life of the Cell - one of the most amazing introductions to the cell that you can see and hear, read the users guide or watch with commentary after the unit is complete to see if you can recognize some of the structures you have learned about.
• David Bolinsky Talks About Cells at TED - listen to a creator of the amazing video and animation, "The Inner Life of the Cell".

SPECIAL GRADE 9 eText PREVIEW - the Electronic Student Book file for this Grade 9 Investigating Science chapter is provided in web-enabled pdf format. If you are logged into ScienceSource.ca, clicking the page numbers of the pdf file will present you with all available web resources for that page. Please note this special preview is available only for the chapters of grade 9 Unit A Sustainable Ecosystems, and for a limited time only.Page 2

Systems Biology - read more about the area of systems biology as you begin your unit task.

• The Institute of Systems Biology - includes an introduction to this field of study, plus many useful links to more information.
• Systems Biology and Society - this page, from the Canadian Society for Systems Biology, discusses where systems biology is and where it might be going.
• Systems Biology - this page has a collection of links to help you learn more about this rather recent approach to studying living things.

Systems Biology - a 45-minute lecture from MIT World video that attempts to explain what systems biology means.

Systems Biology - a Scientific American podcast, with transcript, that introduces systems biology by interviewing one of the pioneers in this discipline.

Influenza - we often think of the flu as a normal sickness, but the influenza virus sometimes changes to become a much more dangerous microorganism

• Influenza - information from the Public Health Agency of Canada, whose website also includes information about current threats from the flu virus.
• The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 - a thorough description of the worldwide threat, including photographs from that time.
• 1918 Influenza: the Mother of All Pandemics - this Centre for Disease Control page documents the 1918 outbreak.
• The Deadly Virus - documents and photos from America is 1918.
• Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response - the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a set of guidelines for dealing with pandemics like the Spanish flu.

Influenza Outbreak - looking at the past and the future of viral outbreaks.

• Reviving the Virus - a great website that includes a 13-minute video describing how scientists have attempted to bring back the Spanish flu virus nearly 100 years after the original outbreak.
• Flu Vaccines Can Last a Lifetime - can a vaccine prevent you from all flus forever?

Influenza and Public Health - - this Quirks and Quarks podcast provides excellent information and background about influenza and possible pandemics.

Quarantine - a controversial method of isolating those people infected, or even exposed, to an infectious agent.

• The History of Quarantine - a Centre for Disease Control page outlining quarantines through the years.
• The Most Dangerous Woman in America - you may have heard of "typhoid Mary"; learn more about how this cook was quarantined for life in this terrific PBS Nova website and video clip.
• Ethics and SARS: Lessons from Toronto - an interesting case study of Toronto's SARS outbreak and the quarantines that were discussed at the time.

Astrocytes - the forgotten cells in your brain, astrocytes help neurons to function.

The Discovery of the Cell - once early lenses and microscopes were invented, it was soon discovered that many things were made up of tiny compartments referred to as cells.

• Cell Theory - a brief overview of the discovery of the cell.
• The History of Cell Theory - an illustrated overview of the early discoveries in the cell theory.

Using Technology to Study the Cell - we now have much more powerful and accurate equipment to study cells and their behaviours.

• Microscopes Help Scientists Explore Hidden Worlds - a brief overview of microscopy, with several microscope simulators to try.
• Galileo's Microscope - learn more of the history of the microscope.

Introduction to Microscopy - the best microscope resource on the web, including virtual light and scanning electron microscopes.

Graphic Organizer: The Cell - Skills Reference 7 on page 530 of your text reviews many of the graphic organizers you might use.

• Cell Organelles Graphic Organizer - use this table structure for a jump-start on this activity.
• Cell Mind Map - this would be an excellent effort for a student studying the structures and functions of the cell.

Cell Parts and Their Functions - use these links to compare, contrast and learn about the parts of plant and animal cells.

• Cell Structure and Function - read through this lab preparation page for information about most organelles.
• Cell Structure and Function - click on the terms on the right side of the page to review many of the organelles of cells.
• Cell Structure - along with comparisons of size, this site has detailed explanations of plant and animal cell organelles.

Virtual Cells - using a microscope is an excellent way to view cells, but some virtual cells can show very clearly the organelles and processes you can find there.

• Cell Structure - - view plant and animal cells, and learn about their organelles, using this GIZMO.
• Virtual Field Trip Through the Cell - this activity includes interactive 3D cells, and an activity sheet and quiz are available for review
• Inside a Cell - this interactive exploration of plant and animal cells includes some excellent animations, reminiscent of The Inner Life of the Cell, and includes an optional work sheet and answers.
• Drag and Drop Organelles - test your knowledge of cell organelles.
• The Incredible Megacell - this might be the strangest interactive review of cell organelles you will ever see, but on the other hand, it involves comics and a slingshot game.

Cell Structures and Organelles - find out more about the structure and function of many parts of plant and animal cells.

• Cell Membrane - learn more about the cell membrane, including different ways particles move back and forth.
• Cytoplasm - this jelly-like substance holds all the organelles, as well as the cytoskeleton.
• Nucleus - this is the control centre and storage location of coded information about the organism.
• Vacuoles and Vesicles - vacuoles are general storage locations, while vesicles are often specialized for storage or transport.
• Mitochondria - information and structure of the mitochondria.
• Lysosomes - learn more about these sites of digestion within the cell.
• Golgi Apparatus - information about this preparation area.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum - read more about the production and transport of proteins and fats from the ER.
• Ribosomes - found on rough endoplasmic reticulum, these organelles are protein factories.
• Cytoskeleton - a vast network of protein filaments that act like a skeleton and a muscle at the same time.
• Centrioles - only found in animal cells, these tiny structures help move genetic information during mitosis and meiosis.
• Cell Wall - these are important as shape and support structures in many non-animal cells.
• Chloroplasts - these amazing green structures convert sunlight into products that almost all life on Earth use for energy.

Cell Structures and Organelles - review the organelles of plant and animal cells using these links.

• Diffusion and the Cell Membrane - - use this GIZMO to examine how diffusion allows some particles to enter and leave through the cell membrane.
• Cell Organelles - try these simple review activities to keep the organelles fresh in your mind.
• Odd Organelles - a nice "thinking" activity where students must classify odd objects based on an organelle they represent.
• Plant and Animal Cell Organelle Quiz - with answers.

The Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells - although all cells share similar characteristics, there are some fundamental differences between plant and animal cells.

• Plant Cells vs. Animal Cells - a very thorough discussion of the many differences between plant and animal cells.
• Plant and Animal Cells Simulation - use the 3D diagrams of the plant and animal cells to compare structural differences.

Compound Light Microscopes - learn more about how these valuable scientific tools work.

• The Compound Light Microscope - a nice overview of this type of microscope, as well as the concept of magnification.
• How a Compound Light Microscope Works - a brief, illustrated overview of the light and optics behind a light microscope.

Compound Light Microscopes - use these activities and virtual microscopes to learn more.

• Microscopy Pre-lab Activities - watch the video then use the Looking Through the Microscope virtual microscope to practice.
• Compound Light Microscope Questions - use these for review of the concepts you learn about compound light microscopes.
• The Parts of the Microscope - drag the names of the microscope parts to where they appear on the equipment.
• How Light Microscopes Work - a brief review of light microscopes.

Magnification, Resolution and Contrast - making small objects larger, and being able to see fine detail in an image.

• Magnification - a brief overview of the equipment and theory of how to determine the magnification of the specimen you see.
• Microscopy - another collection of information about microscopes and their magnification, resolution and contrast.
• Micrographs - amazing collections of digital images captured with optical microscopes.
• Basic Cellular Staining - to increase contrast, stains are often used in microscopy.
• How To Stain a Slide - stains can help increase contrast, but can also ruin your fancy clothes.
• Fluorescence Microscopy - a huge website with explanations, interactive tutorials and images.

Magnification, Resolution and Contrast - use these activities to learn more about magnification, resolution and contrast

• Magnification and Resolution - use the interactive controls and read more about how magnification and resolution are determined on a compound light microscope.
• The Fluorescence Microscope - information about this microscope and a fluorescence microscope simulator as well.

Electron Microscopes - much smaller objects can be seen with this type of microscope, but only thin slices of the surface of a specimen can be viewed.

• Electron Microscopy - introductions to both scanning and transmission microscopes.
• Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) - review how electrons are passed through thin slices of a specimen in these microscopes.
• The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) - amazing images, movies illustrating how the microscope works, and more.
• Scanning Electron Micrographs - check out these brilliant images captured with scanning electron microscopes.

Electron Light Microscopes - use these activities and virtual microscopes to learn more about using electrons instead of light.

• The Virtual Electron Microscope - a simple but fun introduction to scanning electron microscope images.
• The Transmission Electron Microscope - information and a virtual TEM.
• Virtual Scanning Electron Microscopy - choose from several sample specimens and manipulate the controls to obtain the best image.

Mitochondria and Lysosomes - these two important organelles have been studied extensively by scientists using electron microscopes.

• Cells and Cell Organelles - this lab discussion refers to the advantages electron microscopes have in studying cell organelles.
• Electron Microscopic Atlas - an amazing collection of organelle images and useful background information.
• Mitochondria - more about the powerhouse of the cell.
• Mitochondrion - a very complex animated illustration of what happens in a mitochondrion.
• What are Lysosomes? - information and electron micrographs of lysosomes.
• Lysosomes - a brief re-introduction to lysosomes.
• Lysosome - the structure and function of the lysosome in the context of the other cell organelles.

Cells on Display - like most aspects of science, building and viewing models can help us better understand and appreciate both structure and function.

• Building Models: Cells with Clay - part of the GalaxyGoo website "The Cell", build the organelles, then place them within your 3D cell.
• 3D Cell Model Project - check out these amazing cell models, some using clay and others... lasagne?

Biological Diagrams - sketching and drawing microscopic images allows us to communicate and record important discoveries.

• The Microscope - this series of lessons reviews the microscope, as well as determining the magnification and size of your field of view, and the actual size of your specimen.
• Scientific Diagrams for Biological Courses - another great resource to follow for biological drawings, both microscopic and actual.
• Biological Drawings - information for microscope drawings.

The Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells - although all cells share similar characteristics, there are some fundamental differences between plant and animal cells.

• Plant Cells vs. Animal Cells - a very thorough discussion of the many differences between plant and animal cells.
• Plant and Animal Cells Simulation - use the 3D diagrams of the plant and animal cells to compare structural differences.

Section 1.1 Quiz - need more practice? Try this online quiz.

Your Skin - learn more about the largest organ of the human body, of which you get to see all the dead parts.

Take Protection - we like the Sun, and it allows us to survive, but we also must take care not to get too much sunshine.

• UV Index and Sun Protection - information and safety precautions.
• SunProtection.net - this excellent website is sponsored by a retail product, but you would never know from their mostly unbiased information.

Melanoma - precautionary skin check images from Skincheck, the Melanoma Education Foundation.

The Cell Cycle - these links will help you learn more about interphase and mitosis.

• The Cell Cycle & Mitosis Tutorial - a brief description of the steps, along with animations.
• Chromosomes - these long strands of information contain everything about you, and are found in in the nucleus of every cell.

The Cell Cycle - use these activities as an introduction to the cell cycle, as well as a method to revisit and review what you learn about this topic.

• Cell Division - - use this GIZMO to go through an animated, interactive cell cycle.
• The Cell Cycle - each step will be covered in more detail, but this will be an excellent resource to return to again and again as you attempt to name and describe each step of the cycle.
• Control the Cell Cycle - use this game to learn and review the life cycle of a cell.

Cell Differentiation - cell division from the perspective of a developing embryo. Free registration may be required.

Mitosis - also known as the M-phase of the cell cycle, mitosis results in two identical daughter cells being produced.

• Mitosis - this LabBench activity walks through all of the steps of mitosis.
• Animal Cell Mitosis - this page describes and animates the splitting of one cell into two.
• Mitosis: The Division of Plant & Animal Cells - descriptions and a few short movies of mitosis in plant and animal cells.

Mitosis - once interphase has prepared the cell for division, mitosis occurs.

• Mitosis - a simple introduction to cell division and mitosis. Free registration may be required.
• The Stages of Mitosis - a gorgeous animation of mitosis.

Cell Death - cells may die due to damage (necrosis) or naturally of old age (apoptosis).

• Cell Death: Necrosis & Apoptosis? - an overview of the natural end of life for a cell.
• What are the Causes of Necrosis? - a brief discussion of necrosis vs apoptosis.
• Cell Aging and Death - it may seem morbid to be so interested in death, but these links cover everything you might want to know about apoptosis, telomeres, and the death of a cell

Cancer - instead of behaving normally, cells may become cancerous and break all the rules.

• The Cancer Cell - concise information about cancerous cells.
• How do Cells Become Cancerous? - one of a series of interesting questions about cancer on this UK website.
• Cancer - comprehensive information and recommendations from the World Health Organization.

Cancer Cells - these videos illustrate why normal cells may become cancerous, and discuss potential cures.

• How Cancer Cells Grow and Divide - a short video examining how and why a normal cell becomes an out-of-control cancer cell. Free registration may be required.
• Cancer - A New Treatment - a video about cancer cells, with an emphasis on some recent research into stopping their growth.
• Blood Vessels Help Tumors Grow - the role of blood vessels in tumors.

HeLa Cells - developed 60 years ago from the cancerous cells of one patient, these cells are now used in cancer research all over the world.

• Henrietta's Dance - a biography of Henrietta Lacks and her contribution to the world of medicine.
• Wonder Woman - the story of Henrietta's donation and how it has - and has not - affected her family.
• What’s Left of Henrietta Lacks? - a fascinating story about researching HeLa cells.
• HeLa - general information about the HeLa cells.

Cancer Blood Test - - Because breast cancer can develop quickly in the body, it's important to monitor patients for changes in how the cancer is spreading. But the tests we have available are not very sensitive, and aren't pleasant for the women being tested. This 8 minute Quirks and Quarks program describes a new test that may get around some of these problems. It's a simple blood test that can detect very low levels of cancer cells circulating in the blood.

Identifying the Stages of Mitosis - identify the stages of mitosis.

• Onion Root Tip Mitosis - micrographs of an onion root tip undergoing mitosis with the stages labelled.
• Whitefish Mitosis - compare these micrographs of an animal cell undergoing mitosis to those of the plant cell.

Section 1.2 Quiz - need more practice? Try this online quiz.

Regeneration - the ability to regrow replacement body parts is an area of study that fascinates scientists.

• How Can Salamanders Regrow Body Parts? - some amazing amphibians can regrow entire limbs, even as adults.
• Regeneration - a summary of regeneration and the organisms that can regenerate.
• Limb Regeneration Laboratory - a great website where you can learn about salamanders as well as studies of human regeneration.
• Stephen Badylak Laboratory - one of the labs where the pig bladder matrix is developed and used.

Salamander Superpowers - read through this case study about regeneration and stem cells, then answer the questions at the end (includes teaching notes too!)

Regeneration - the scientific and medical fields of regeneration offer hope for dealing with many afflictions and diseases.

• Re-Growing Organs - read about and watch video of the fingertip that was regrown from pig bladder powder.
• Regenerating our Bodies - a 20-minute presentation about disease and having the body repair and regenerate itself.

Tailor-Made Body Parts - discover more about Dr. Atala and his work with scaffolds, stem cells and growing your own organs for transplant.

• Transplantation Without a Donor - you could be your own organ donor, as your own cells are cultured in Dr. Anthony Atala's lab to grow a replacement organ.
• Institute of Regenerative Medicine - this Wake Forest department is where Dr. Anthony Atala works and where the donor bladder was grown.
• Embryonic Stem Cells Created Without Harming Embryo, for Real This Time - an article about embryonic stem cells and the controversy around them.
• Reprogramming the Debate: Stem-Cell Finding Alters Ethical Controversy - by utilizing stem cells from non-embryonic sources and re-programming to behave like embryonic stem cells, an ethical debate might be avoided.

Cell Specialization - this BrainPop (free trial available) discusses how cells contain information about the entire organism, but at some point during growth most specialize to become something specific.

Stem Cells - probably the most controversial - and most promising - area of regenerative medicine.

• What are Stem Cells and What are They Used For? - where are stem cells found, and why do they hold so much hope and promise?
• Regenerative Medicine - an exhaustive report on recent stem cell research; part of the Stem Cell Information website.

Stem Cells - the science, ethics and illnesses associated with stem cells can make this a very contentious issue.

• Stem Cells - a collection of resources about stem cells from NOVA, including a 15-minute video.
• Stem Cells - an introduction to stem cells, plus the many areas of study and controversy surrounding them.
• Miracle Cell - this PBS website presents stem cells, their possibilities, and their controversies.
• Stem Cells: Breakthrough - recent discoveries have created embryonic stem cells without using human embryos.

Stem Cells - this source of video will explain further about stem cells, their potential, and their problems.

• Whitehead Institute - this biomedical research institute has a group whose focus is stem cell research; check here for recent news and a video summary.

Stem Cells and Cancer - - this Quirks and Quarks podcast addresses stem cells and their Achilles' Heel; how to stop a stem cell from forming cancerous tumours.

Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology- - This 9 minute Quirks and Quarks program introduces us to Sir Martin Evans, a scientist recognized for his pioneering work in culturing embryonic stem cells, those very early cells that develop into every other cell type in the body. Through his work he was able to create mice with specific genes turned off. These "knockout" mice, as they are called, have gone on to become one of the most widely used tools in modern medicine.

Meristematic Cells - plants have stem cells in their meristems, the tip of growing areas like roots and stems.

Specialized Cells and Tissues - the complexity of multicellular organisms is due to the fact that cells become specialized, and work together to perform specific functions.

• Animal Tissues - read about the four types of animal tissues.
• Animal Tissues - more about specialized cells and the tissues they form.
• Plant Tissues - there are also four types of plant tissues.
• Plant Tissues - more about specialized cells and the tissues they form.

Stem Cell Cloning - - this Quirks and Quarks podcasts discusses the controversial concept of cloning a person and then removing stem cells for treatment; just wait until you listen to the scandal of the follow-up report; the scientists were busted for faking their results.

Stem Cell Treatments - stem cells have a variety of uses, but one of the most encouraging is in the treatment of diseases.

• Stem Cells and Diseases - a brief discussion of how stem cells are currently being used to treat diseases.
• Stem Cell Therapies Today - there are a few treatments that certain stem cells are used for right now.
• Stem Cell Therapies in the Future - as research progresses, these are some areas that show promise for stem cell treatment.
• Michael J. Fox: Foundation for Parkinson's Research - this foundation posts recent developments in Parkinson's research, including stem cell experiments.
• Stem Cells and Diabetes - could stem cells be used to repair the insulin producing cells of the pancreas?
• Stem Cells and Diseases

Stem Cells, Parkinson's and Diabetes - for a variety of reasons, Parkinson's disease and stem cell research have become closely linked in recent years.

• Michael J. Fox's Personal Battle - watch this famous Canadian as he struggles with Parkinsons, and challenges medicine to find a cure, as well as a video with recent stem cell findings on page 11.

Receiving Mixed Messages - the stem cell debate is an excellent example of how accurate scientific information can be difficult to find, and how biases and politics can confuse fact and fiction.

• The Science Media Centre of Canada - tackling the difficult problem of getting scientific information out to the general public in Canada.
• Science Media Centre - an international organization attempting to get science to everyone.
• World Federation of Science Journalists - a fascinating website whose goal is to promote science journalism, even in the developing world.
• Math, Science and Media - links from this site will inform everyone more about science, media and the biases we face.
• Young Canadians in a Wired World - phase II of this study shows how Canadian teenagers use certain aspects of electronic media.
• Centre for Media Literacy - a collection of resources for making informed decisions about the media you experience.

Biology of Cacti - read about the many social adaptations of cacti, including their interesting epidermal tissues.

Section 1.3 Quiz - need more practice? Try this online quiz.

Sheela Basrur - as the medical officer for health in Toronto during the SARS outbreak, and later as a leader in Ontario's provincial health duties, Dr. Basrur played a vital role in the well-being of all Ontarians.

• Sheela Basrur - read more about the life and accomplishments of this amazing Canadian doctor and civil servant.
• The Sheela Basrur Centre - guides Ontarians towards a safer and more healthful life.

Medical Laboratory Technologist - the important scientists whose hard work and constantly changing challenges allow medicine and science to do the miraculous things they can do.

• The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario - discover how to become the person who doctors in Ontario go to for answers.

Virtual Labs - try your skills and learn about some of tests a medical lab technologist might do.

Systems Biology - read more about some specific areas of systems biology as you continue your unit task.

• The Institute of Systems Biology - includes an introduction to this field of study, plus many useful links to more information.
• Systems Biology and Society - this page, from the Canadian Society for Systems Biology, discusses where systems biology is and where it might be going.
• Cloning - humans are attempting to perfect scientific techniques that allow for the replication of cells, tissues and organs, as well as entire organisms.
• Cloning - read about cloning, including current news, and try your hand at cloning virtual mice.
• Stem Cell Information - these important cells can repair and build new tissues, but they are very controversial to use.
• Stem Cells - a University of Utah site that provides information, news and ethical issues surrounding the harvesting and use of stem cells.
• Cancer Research in Ontario - part of the larger Canadian Cancer Society website, read about how researchers are progressing in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
• Gene Therapy - gene therapy involves replacing broken DNA with working, functional segments.
• Transgenic Mice - read about transgenic and knockout mice, who have specific parts of their DNA replaced, and then who are allowed to reproduce; even Quirks and Quarks has done a podcast about these mice.

Systems Biology - research in cell and genetic technology can produce amazing results, but often comes with questions of ethics and morals as well.

• Chimeras - - Quirks and Quarks examines chimeras, a variation on transgenic organisms where cells, tissues or organs are grown in a completely different creature.