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Biodiversity and Our Health

Secondary

Description

Dr. Chivian looks at polar bears and cone snails -- species whose survival is threatened by climate change and what medical science stands to lose if these species disappear. Specifically, Chivian looks at how studying polar bears in their native habitat could help scientists address such human health issues as osteoporosis, renal disease, and obesity related diabetes. He describes how cone snails contribute significantly to the development of medication for chronic pain in patients who no longer respond to opiates.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Biodiversity and Human Health in focusing on the the medical implications of ecosystem change and species extinction due to climate change supports curriculum investigation of the possible effects of climate change (Geography, Science, and Social Studies) and efforts to improve human health (Health Education)

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Technological Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Stewardship 1010: Introduction to Stewardship
        • Fostering Stewardship 1020
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Biology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Biology 20: Ecosystems and Population Change
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 20-4 (Knowledge and Employability Science): Disease Defence and Human Health
        • Science 24:Disease Defence and Human Health
    • Grade 12
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Senior 2 Science: Dynamics of Ecosystems
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Biology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Biology: Conservation of Biodiversity
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Citizenship and Sustainability: Area of Inquiry: Environment
        • Area of Inquiry: Health and Biotechnology
        • Global Issues
        • Global Issues: Citizenship and Sustainability
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 12
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Advanced Environmental Science 120:Introduction to the human sphere
        • Introduction to Environmental Science 120: Investigating Environmental Issues
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • World Issues 120:Interdependence
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1206: Sustainability of Ecosystems
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2200: Ecosytems
  • Northwest Territories
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    • Grade 11
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Experiential Science 20, Marine Systems: Ocean Ecology
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 10: Sustainability of Ecosystems
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Oceans 11: Marine Biome
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • AP Environmental Science: The Living World: Biodiversity
  • Nunavut
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    • Grade 11
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      • Biology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Biology 20: Ecosystems and Population Change
  • Ontario
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    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Biology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Biology 11(Univer.Prep.) Diversity of Living Things
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science (Univ/College Prep.) Human Health and the Environment
        • Environmental Science (Workplace Prep.) Human Impact on the Environment
      • Geography
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Regional Geography (Univ./College Prep.): Sustainability and Stewardship
    • Grade 12
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science (Univ./College Prep.) Science and Public Health Issues
      • Technological Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Health Care (Univ./College Prep.) Health Care, the Environment, and Society
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 431A: Life Science, Sustainability of Ecosystems
    • Grade 11
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      • Geography
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Geography 531A (World Geography): Physical Patterns of the World
    • Grade 12
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 621A: Environmental Challenges and Successes
  • Quebec
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
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      • Science & Technology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Applied Science & Technology:The Living World
        • Environmental Science & Technology: The Earth and Space
        • Environmental Science & Technology: The Living World
        • Science & Technology: The Earth and Space
        • Science & Technology:The Living World
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Contemporary World: Environment
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 10: Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 20: Aquatic Systems
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Social Studiees 20:World Issues - Environment

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

  • Climate Change

Ecosystems (3)

  • Biodiversity
  • Endangered Species
  • Habitat Loss

Human Health & Environment (1)

  • Health Promotion

Human Rights (1)

  • Environmental Racism/Justice

Water (1)

  • Marine Environments