CurioCity - CurioCité | Nunavut Curriculum

RADI-N2 & You Educator Resources OverviewEducator Resources

Overview document for the educational resources associated with the RADI-N2 Action Project Read More »

Flying the Radioactive Skies Case Study - BiologyEducator Resources

In this case study, students will learn about the biological effects of ionizing radiation and will discuss the health risks from cosmic radiation to flight crews and other long-distance... Read More »

What is cancer?Articles with Starting Points

Cancer can originate in any one of the millions of cells that make up your body. Read More »

Are All Cancers Inherited?Articles with Starting Points

Cancer is linked with genetics and genetics is linked to heredity, which is why some people assume that all cancers are inherited. But the truth is, only about 10 percent of cancers are hereditary. Read More »

Epigenetics: Why Inheritance Is Weirder Than We ThoughtVideos with Starting Points

We all know that acquired traits can not be passed on to future generation..right? Wrong! More and more evidence indicates that external factors can affect gene expression and this can be... Read More »

Angelina’s choice: A double mastectomy to prevent breast cancerArticles with Starting Points

What is your reaction to this decision by Angelina Jolie? Was the risk great enough to warrant the preventative surgeries? Read More »

Hybrid vigour: Stronger than the sum of your partsArticles with Starting Points

Hybrid offspring often exhibit qualities that are more desirable than those of either of their parents. Read More »

Extinction? That’s bananas!Articles with Starting Points

The Cavendish banana's lack of genetic diversity means that when a deadly disease strikes, there are no genetic variations that might help some members of the species to survive. Read More »

The myths and misconceptions of evolutionVideos with Starting Points

How does evolution really work? Some of the metaphors we use, such as survival of the fittest, actually create misconceptions. This TED Ed video sets the record straight. (4:22 min.) Read More »

The science of racism: GeneticsArticles with Starting Points

Researchers have found that there is more genetic variability and diversity within individual races than between different races. Read More »

Freckles!Articles with Starting Points

The flat, tanned spots known as freckles are due to a higher amount of the skin pigment melanin in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun. Read More »

Population Genetics: When Darwin Met MendelVideos with Starting Points

Biology - A quick introduction to population genetics Read More »

How does X-chromosome inactivation cause calico coloration?Videos with Starting Points

Why does the calico coloration only occur in female cats? It happens because in order for proper development to occur in females, one of the x chromosomes must be switched off resulting in... Read More »

Twin trouble: Why DNA evidence isn’t always reliableArticles with Starting Points

The DNA of identical twins is identical, which makes it impossible to determine which twin was present at a crime scene using a DNA test. Read More »

Telomeres: The Key to Immortality?Articles with Starting Points

Recent discoveries in the field of genetics suggest that one of the keys to unlocking the secret of immortality lies within each and every one of us. Read More »

When was DNA first used in the criminal system?Articles with Starting Points

CSI re-runs would have you believe that DNA identification is the be-all and end-all of crime scene investigation - but this isn't quite the case. Read More »

Genetically-engineered life: Friend or foe?Articles with Starting Points

In recent years, GE has inspired much debate, as potential benefits are weighed against potential dangers and ethical concerns. Read More »

Plant Pharming: Old Crops Learn New Tricks Articles with Starting Points

You probably don't normally associate tobacco with good health, or carrots with cutting-edge medical breakthroughs. But all that might be about to change. Read More »

Ensuring Genetically Modified Foods Are Healthy and SafeArticles with Starting Points

Before hitting Canadian supermarket shelves, all GM foods need to be evaluated for health risks by Health Canada and for environmental risks by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Read More »

Agricultural BiotechnologyVideos with Starting Points

North Carolina Biotech Centre- focus on cotton, soy-based vaccines Read More »

Mythological hybrids: Could they really exist? Articles

You’ve probably encountered plenty of mythological creatures like centaurs and mermaids in books and movies. But could these strange hybrids actually exist? Although is is possible for... Read More »

What is a spore?Articles

Spores are the main reproductive units for asexual reproduction in many kinds of bacteria, fungi, algae, and non-flowering plants. They play very interesting roles in nature. Read More »

Is meiosis, in the process of making gametes, sexual or asexual reproduction?Questions & Answers

Meiosis is a special kind of cell division that occurs in germ cells. Read More »

Cancer Treatment? Yew Got It!Articles

Plants can be real lifesavers, providing treatments for deadly diseases Read More »

“You’re just like your grandfather”: Can experience be inherited?Articles

The same way your parents’ and grandparents’ DNA influences traits like your eye colour, you may actually inherit behaviours. Read More »

Twin trouble: Why DNA evidence isn’t always reliableArticles with Starting Points

The DNA of identical twins is identical, which makes it impossible to determine which twin was present at a crime scene using a DNA test. Read More »

The science of homosexualityArticles

Exactly what determines a person's sexual orientation still remains a mystery. Read More »

The magic of geneticsArticles

Ever wondered how Harry Potter was lucky enough tobe born with magical powers? It may be as simple as classical genetics. Read More »

Unknown Blindness!Articles

About 250,000 people in Canada have glaucoma and only half of them know it! Read More »

It's all in your genesArticles

Did you ever wonder why you have the same allergies as your father? Or questioned whether you really would eventually turn into a worry-wart like your mother? Read More »

Monster Science Part 1 - The Wolf-ManArticles

This is the first article in a series that looks at the scientific or medical basis for the defining features of several horror movie favorites. Our first "victim" will be the Wolf-Man. Read More »

Did humans evolve from Apes?Articles

Both humans and the apes at the zoo are descendant from a common ancestor species. So in a sense, we both share an extremely distant relation. Read More »

what does it mean to be ambidextrous?Articles

Some people write with their right hand, others write with their left. Haveyou ever wondered about people that can write with both hands? These people are known as ambidextrous. Read More »

The supermarket tomato: A story of flavour lost and (hopefully!) foundArticles

Scientists have discovered that the modern supermarket tomato is missing some important flavour components called volatile compounds. Read More »

The Science of Fruits and VeggiesArticles

When most people think of fruits and vegetables they can picture them begin grown on trees/in the ground, being picked, then sold to a grocery store. All this is true, but there is also a... Read More »

Viruses are not living things. So what are they and where did they come from?Articles

Viruses just don’t meet the requirements to be included in the Tree of Life. And although they have several ideas, scientists aren’t sure where viruses come from. Read More »

Beyond AGCT: DNA’s two “new” bases Articles

Whereas the “old” bases and the bonds between them affect the sequence of your DNA, the “new” ones relate to epigenetics—how genes are turned “on” and “off”. Read More »

Metagenomics: Unveiling hidden lifeArticles

Metagenomics is the study of DNA sequenced directly from any environment where microbes can be found. Read More »

Bread gets a boost from genome scienceArticles

The draft sequence of the bread wheat genome will help plant breeders identify agriculturally important genes and improve crops. Read More »

Go Barcoding! Filling the Stadium of LifeArticles

DNA barcoding is a new approach to taxonomy, the classification and naming of groups of living things according to shared characteristics. Read More »

Kalydeco: Opening the gates to a cystic fibrosis cureArticles with Starting Points

This new drug may serve as a model for developing other drugs that address the root causes of CF Read More »

It's all in your genesArticles

Did you ever wonder why you have the same allergies as your father? Or questioned whether you really would eventually turn into a worry-wart like your mother? Read More »

What's Your Style?Articles

Adrian Salamunovic and Nazim Ahmed are the co-founders of DNA11, a company that creates abstract art from DNA samples. But to really understand why this art is so unique, we have to know a... Read More »

Why has cancer become so common?Articles

Cancer is an ancient disease that has affected humans for millennia. But it’s only in the past century or so that cancer has become common in Canada and the rest of the Western world. Read More »

Deinococcus radioduransArticles

This tiny microbe can survive in extreme conditions including a lack of nutrients, variations in pH, drought, and high temperatures. It can even live in a vacuum! Read More »

Mutations...Articles with Starting Points

What's really behind the X-gene? Read More »

Can genetic engineering happen naturally?Articles

Scientists have discovered that the sweet potato genome contains bacterial genes. Read More »

GM? GE? Gee Whiz!Articles

What’s the difference between genetically engineered (GE) and genetically modified (GM) plants? Read More »

Lunchtime Low-DownArticles

You might not be the type to ponder world issues over lunch, but it just so happens that the food you're eating is quite likely at the centre of a controversy that is dividing both science... Read More »

GM Foods: Am I Allergic to Them?Articles with Starting Points

Genetically modified foods (GM foods or GMOs) breed controversy so read on to see what both sides have to say about them. Read More »

The supermarket tomato: A story of flavour lost and (hopefully!) foundArticles

Scientists have discovered that the modern supermarket tomato is missing some important flavour components called volatile compounds. Read More »

The Science of Fruits and VeggiesArticles

When most people think of fruits and vegetables they can picture them begin grown on trees/in the ground, being picked, then sold to a grocery store. All this is true, but there is also a... Read More »

Why Do So Many People Get Cancer?Videos

We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. What causes cancer? Is it getting more common? When did we first diagnose cancer in humans? What can we do to prevent cancer? (6:02 min.)

Cell Division and the Cell CycleVideos

A stunning animation, showing the variety of cell types that exist within and around us. Travel through a virtual world and learn about the different stages of the cell cycle. (5:34 min.) Read More »

Mitosis: Splitting up is complicated - Crash CourseVideos with Starting Points

Biology - Learn how cells divide using mitosis. Read More »

Meiosis: Where the Sex Starts - Crash CourseVideos

Biology - Learn how gametes are formed using meiosis! Read More »

The Chemistry of RedheadsVideos with Starting Points

This video explores the chemistry and genetics of what makes redheads stand out from the crowd. (3:03 min.) Read More »

Why do blood types matter?Videos

Natalie S. Hodge defines the four major blood types and sheds light on why some bloods can mix while others cannot. (4:41 min.) Read More »

The Majestic Grolar Bear in CanadaVideos

This video from SciShow explains how the Grolar bear came to be! Read More »

Natural Selection - Crash CourseVideos

Biology - Learn about one of the major forces of evolution - natural selection. Read More »

Taxonomy: Life's Filing System - Crash CourseVideos

Biology - An introduction to taxonomy, Linneaus and how it came to be! Read More »

Heredity - Crash CourseVideos

Biology - Watch this video to learn a little bit about heredity and genetics. Read More »

18 Things You Should Know About GeneticsVideos

18 Things You Should Know About Genetics is an animated film that presents fundamental background information about genetics, as well as offering some quirky but interesting facts about... Read More »

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)Videos

This 1:28 minutes video animation shows the steps of PCR. Read More »

"Scientists for Better PCR" Videos

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is an important biochemical technology used to amplify DNA. Listen to this song and find out more about the PCR process. Read More »

Recombinant DNA TechnologyVideos

A 1:00 minutes video that uses plasticine to show the steps of recombinant DNA. Read More »

DNA Barcoding in the Protection of BiodiversityVideos

Learn about how DNA Barcoding is used to help in food safety & to help protect endangered species - part of the Read More »

Biotechnology & Preserving BiodiversityVideos

Learning about DNA Barcoding & how it's used on species to help identify them and help preserve biodiversity - part of the Read More »

DNA Barcoding at the Toronto ZooVideos

Meet the Biotech club from Donald A. Wilson Secondary School in Whitby and learn about their DNA Barcoding Action Project Read More »

What is Genomics?Videos

Ever heard about genomics and wondered what it was? Watch this video by Ontario Genomics Institute and Genome BC to find out! Read More »

DNA BioRapVideos

All about DNA replication, and a phat beat. Read More »

High Speed Gene SequencingVideos

Within the next few years, Helicos BioSciences may be able to read an entire human genome for under one thousand dollars. This video explains the science behind their amazing technology. Read More »

Sex-linked traits.Videos

Ever wonder what people are talking about when they refer to a sex-linked trait? Watch this video and find out! Read More »

Mutations: The potential power of a small changeVideos

Discusses the difference between gene and chromosome mutations and explores the significance of these changes, both pros and cons. (7:21 min.) Read More »

Why We Haven't Cured Cancer?Videos

Ever wonder why we still haven't found a cure for cancer? SciShow’s Hank explains that it is partly due to the fact that there are many types of cancer and they use our genetic mechanisms... Read More »

What is synthetic biology?Videos

Very easy to understand animation describes what synthetic biology is, how it works, and future potential. (3:24 min.) Read More »

Synthetic biology explained 2Videos

Uses lego blocks as an analogy to explain how synthetic biology works using “biobricks”. Also explains how commonplace synthetic biology has become and looks at the pros and cons of this... Read More »

Synthetic Biology ExplainedVideos

This animation from TechNYou explains how from selective breeding to genetic modification, our understanding of biology is now merging with the principles of engineering to bring us... Read More »

From Wild Wolves to Man's Best Friend (Science Today)Videos

Most people know that dogs and wolves have a lot of the same genes.But did you know that Pekingese dogs are the most genetically similar to wolves of all dog breeds? Learn how artificial... Read More »

Meet the SupercowVideos

These gigantic cows resemble bovine body-builders. See how breeders have achieved such amazing results through selective breeding. Belgian Blue bull. Read More »

Animal BiotechnologyVideos

This 30:01 min video describes techniques for the genetic improvement of domesticated animal species including selective breeding, artificial insemination, cloning, and genetic engineering. Read More »

Synthetic Biology ExplainedVideos

This animation from TechNYou explains how from selective breeding to genetic modification, our understanding of biology is now merging with the principles of engineering to bring us... Read More »

Meet the SupercowVideos

These gigantic cows resemble bovine body-builders. See how breeders have achieved such amazing results through selective breeding. Belgian Blue bull. Read More »

Animal BiotechnologyVideos

This 30:01 min video describes techniques for the genetic improvement of domesticated animal species including selective breeding, artificial insemination, cloning, and genetic engineering. Read More »

Synthetic Life Becomes RealityVideos

In this 2:14 minutes video Craig Venter discusses the process and the implications of this discovery. Read More »

The Synthetic KingdomVideos

Synthetic Biology is turning to the living kingdoms for its materials library. Read More »

The Terrifying Truth About Bananas Videos

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits and are very nutritional. In this episode, SciShow’s Hank explains how the monoculture of commercial banana production is threatened by a new... Read More »

GMOs (Healthcare Triage)Videos

This video by Healthcare Triage presents a brief summary of the research and evidence surrounding the safety of GMOs. Read More »

How Are GMOs Created? (GMO Answers)Videos

This video shows how GMOs are made, through the story of the Hawaiian Rainbow Papaya. Read More »

Cartagena Protocol on Biotech SafetyVideos

Protecting biodiversity from adverse effects of modern biotechnology. (6:45 min) Read More »

E. ChromiVideos

A collaboration between designers & scientists in synthetic biology saw seven Cambridge University undergraduates genetically engineer bacteria to secrete a variety of coloured pigments,... Read More »

Marker-Assisted SelectionBackgrounders

Read about when conventional crop breeding meets biotechnology (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Conventional Plant BreedingBackgrounders

Read about conventional plant breeding (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

DNA ExtractionBackgrounders

Learn the basics of DNA Extraction Read More »

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)Backgrounders

If you wanted to make a copy of a DNA sequence, what would you do? Read More »

Sanger SequencingBackgrounders

Learn about DNA sequencing and the Sanger method Read More »

Radiation Effects on the BodyBackgrounders

This backgrounder explains the potential effects of radiation on the human body. Read More »

Radiation Effects on Cells & DNABackgrounders

This backgrounder explains the effects of radiation on cells and DNA. Read More »

What is a Species?Backgrounders

How we determine & identify species Read More »

Overview of Genetically Engineered CropsBackgrounders

This backgrounder provides an overview of GE crops. Read More »

Recombinant CloningBackgrounders

Learn about the steps involved in recombinant cloning and the applications of this biotechnology. Read More »

What is Biotechnology?Backgrounders

Learn about what is biotechnology (Biotechnology 101 Case Study #1) Read More »

Regulation and Labeling of GM FoodsBackgrounders

Read about Regulation and Labeling of GM Foods (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Genetically Modified SoybeansBackgrounders

Read about genetically modified soybeans (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Genetic Modification to Genetic EngineeringBackgrounders

Read about genetic modification to genetic engineering (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Conventional Plant BreedingBackgrounders

Read about conventional plant breeding (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Marker-Assisted SelectionBackgrounders

Read about when conventional crop breeding meets biotechnology (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Introduction to Genetic Modification of CropsBackgrounders

Read about genetic modification of crops (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

Public Perceptions of Genetically Engineered Food CropsBackgrounders

Read about public perceptions of Genetically Engineered Food Crops (Agriculture & Biotechnology Case Study #1) Read More »

DNA DayEvents

Established by Let’s Talk Science and Genome Alberta, DNA Day is a unique day where students, teachers and the public can connect with Canadian experts to learn more about genetics and... Read More »

Andrew Bullen - Science TeacherCareer Profiles

I teach high school Biology, Chemistry, and several general science courses from grade 9-12. Read More »

Karen Bedard - Assistant Professor in PathologyCareer Profiles

Karen's research finds the gene mutations that cause diseases. Read More »

Director, Sector Development - Genome British Columbia.Career Profiles

David, one of our DNA Day 2015 experts, focuses on building partnerships that bring together the necessary industry and academic experts to work on... Read More »

Carolyn Fitzsimmons - Research ScientistCareer Profiles

Carolyn works to improve beef production through a greater understanding of bovine genetics. (Carolyn is one of our DNA Day 2015 experts. Learn more about Read More »

Thomas Merritt - ProfessorCareer Profiles

As a Professor I teach several courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I attend committee and faculty meetings, meet with students and plan for the classes I teach. In my... Read More »

Sylvie Cloutier - Research ScientistCareer Profiles

Sylvie is a molecular geneticist currently doing research on flax - the best plant based source of omega-3 fatty acid! Read More »

Breeding new varieties of fruits, vegetables & plantsCareer Profiles

Ever wonder where all those different varieties of fruits, vegetables and plants come from? Well, for Rachael LeBlanc, Senior LabTechnician at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, it’s... Read More »

Clinical Genetics TechnologyCareer Profiles

Genetics definitely has a cool factor that makes it a really interesting field to study (full disclosure: your trusty editor has a degree in genetics and maybe a DNA tattoo). But what can... Read More »

Leann Sweeney - Business Unit DirectorCareer Profiles

Science and business go hand in hand in many companies, like Amgen Canada, a biotechnology company. Leann Sweeney started out in genetics in university and discovered the business side of... Read More »

Sean Myles - ResearcherCareer Profiles

Sean works as a researcher, trying to find out how to breed new crops that don't require as many chemicals & pesticides to survive! (learn more about Sean as he participates in Read More »

Breeding new varieties of fruits, vegetables & plantsCareer Profiles

Ever wonder where all those different varieties of fruits, vegetables and plants come from? Well, for Rachael LeBlanc, Senior LabTechnician at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, it’s... Read More »

Antonis AsiminasResearch Profiles

I am currently working on a novel rat model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). FXS is the most common form of inherited mental retardation, and the most common known genetic cause of autism. Read More »

Agricultural BiotechnologyHot Topics

The world has billions to feed. Biotech has made major contributions to food production. But what is genetically engineered food, and is it safe for you to eat? Read More »

RadiationHot Topics

This Featured Topic has resources on many different aspects of radiation, from the types of radiation we are exposed to naturally on Earth to the radiation astronauts experience in space. Read More »

How is information coded in DNA?Questions & Answers

Sam Yeaman, a professor at the University of Calgary and one of our DNA DAY experts, explains how information is coded in DNA.

What is DNA?Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Harman Sawhney Read More »

What are you hoping to improve in the apples? How do you predict phenotype?Questions & Answers

This question was answered by Dr. Sean Myles Read More »

What does DNA stand for?Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Jay Ingram Read More »

Is proteomics related to genetics at all? Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Dr. Dennis McCormac Read More »

What was Rosalind Franklin's role in determining DNA structure? Questions & Answers

This DNA Day question was answered by Jay Ingram Read More »

Dr. Thomas Merritt answers 'What do you think about Rosalind Franklin's contribution to the discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule?'Questions & Answers

Question submitted to DNA Day by students at St. Lewis Academy in St. Lewis, Labrador. Read More »

What forces are responsible for difference in genome sizes?Questions & Answers

Roland Wilhelm, one of our DNA Day 2015 experts, answers your question 'What forces are responsible for difference in genome sizes? Why is the human... Read More »