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Collège de l'Arctique, Campus Nunatta, Iqaluit (Nunavut)

Index alphabétique – Glossaire scientifique élémentaire

Menu de navigation pour se rendre aux divers termes du glossaire classés par ordre alphabétique.

Lexique – lettre A Lexique – lettre B Lexique – lettre C Lexique – lettre D Lexique – lettre E Lexique – lettre F Lexique – lettre G Lexique – lettre H Lexique – lettre I Lexique – lettre J Lexique – lettre K Lexique – lettre L Lexique – lettre M Lexique – lettre N Lexique – lettre O Lexique – lettre P Lexique – lettre Q Lexique – lettre R Lexique – lettre S Lexique – lettre T Lexique – lettre U Lexique – lettre V Lexique – lettre W Lexique – lettre X Lexique – lettre Y Lexique – lettre Z

A

Acceleration: ᓱᒃᑲᓕᓂᐅᑉ ᐊᓯᔾᔨᕐᓂᖓ: sukkaliniup asijjirninga: accélération

Rate of change in the speed and/or direction of an object. Negative acceleration (slowing down) is deceleration. Thus, a falling object accelerates under the force (pull) of gravity; a taxiing aircraft then accelerates to its takeoff velocity.

Acid: ᐆᑕᕐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: uutarnaqtut: acide

A chemical compound which dissociates in water to produce hydrogen ions. An acid reacts with a base to produce water and salt. Vinegar is a weak acid. Carbon dioxide gas dissolves in water to produce a weak acid. The reaction of such acid on limestone is what, over the centuries, leads to limestone caves.

Acid Rain: ᓯᓚᓗᕐᓗᒃ: silalurluk: pluies acides

Rain which has acquired acidity from contaminants in the atmosphere. Acid rain may be harmful to plants and to other living organisms. It may also be harmful to buildings, monuments, and other stone structures.

Adaptation: ᓱᖏᐅᓯᒪᓂᖅ/ᐃᓕᑦᑐᖅᓯᒪᓂᖅ: sungiusimaniq/ilittuqsimaniq: adaptation

A change in a living organism (species) which permits it to survive under new conditions. Cacti are adapted to live in desert conditions.

Addict: ᓄᖅᑲᐅᔾᔨᔪᓐᓇᐃᓪᓕᔪᖅ: nuqqaujjijunnaillijuq: toxicomane

A person who is physically or psychologically dependent on something like a drug.

Addiction: ᓄᖅᑲᐅᔾᔨᔪᓐᓇᐃᓪᓕᓂᖅ: nuqqaujjijunnailliniq: dépendance à

A physical or psychological dependence upon a substance, such as alcohol, tobacco, or certain drugs.

Adult: ᐃᓐᓇᖅ: innaq: adulte

The mature form or stage of a member of a human or of another animal species' development. For example, a butterfly or moth is the mature form, following the egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (cocoon) developmental stages.

Agriculture: ᐱᕈᖅᓰᓂᐅᑉ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑕᐅᓂᖓ: piruqsiiniup qaujisaqtauninga: agriculture

The scientific study of the raising of crops and the rearing of livestock.

Agriculturist: ᐱᕈᖅᓰᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: piruqsiinirmik qaujisaqti: agriculteur

A scientist who specializes in agriculture.

Air: ᓯᓚ: sila: air

The mixture of gases constituting the Earth's atmosphere. At sea level, dry air is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases, including carbon dioxide. The water vapour present in air will vary, its measure being the humidity (absolute or relative) of the air.

Air Pollution: ᓯᓚᐅᑉ ᓱᕈᕐᓂᖓ: silaup sururninga: pollution de l'atmosphère

Release into the air of toxic substances, including those from furnaces, automobile exhausts, and manufacturing processes. Some of these pollutants result in acid rain.

Alcohol: ᐃᒥᐊᓘᑉ ᐃᓚᖓ: imialuup ilanga: alcool

Any of a family of organic chemicals having related molecular structure. Thus, methyl alcohol (methanol), ethyl alcohol (ethanol), isopropyl alcohol. All are solvents. Ethyl alcohol is the alcohol beverage associated with intoxication (drunkenness). While its use and abuse date from antiquity, some of its side effects (e.g. fetal alcohol syndrome) are only now being understood.

Algae: ᐊᖃᔭᐃᑦ: aqajait: algues

A group of simple organisms having chlorophyll, and therefore, capable of producing food. They live in salt water, fresh water, or moist conditions on land.

Alloy: ᓴᕕᕋᔭᒃ ᓴᕕᕋᔭᒃᑲᓐᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᐃᓚᓯᒪᔪᖅ: savirajak savirajakkannirmik ilasimajuq: alliage

A mixture of metals. Bronze and brass are alloys of copper with other metals.

See Mixture.

Ampere: ᐋᒻᐱᐅ: aampiu: ampère

A standard unit for the measurement of electric current.

Amphibian: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᐃᒪᕐᒥᐅᑕᐅᓂᑯᑦ: uumajut imarmiutaunikut: amphibie

A member of the class of cold-blooded vertebrate animals Amphibia. The immature form lives in water, and the mature form develops lungs, and can breathe air. Amphibians include frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders.

Analysis: ᐃᒍᑦᑎᕆᓪᓗᓂ/ᐲᔭᐃᓪᓗᓂ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: iguttirilluni/piijailluni qaujisarniq: analyse

The breaking down of a mixture or a chemical compound so as to determine its composition. See Synthesis.

Anatomy: ᑎᒥᓕᕆᓂᖅ, ᑎᒥᒥᒃ ᐃᓕᓐᓂᐊᕐᓂᖅ: timiliriniq, timimik ilinniarniq: anatomie

The study of the physical structure of the human body (or that of another organism), and of the inter-relationship of its parts. See Endnote 1. See also Physiology.

Anemometer: ᐊᓄᕆᐅᑉ ᓱᒃᑲᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕈᑦ: anuriup sukkaninganik qaujisarut: anémomètre

An instrument used to measure wind speed. A rudimentary classroom model can be made by mounting styrofoam cups on a rod that can rotate in the wind.

Animals, Northern: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᐅᑭᐅᖅᑕᖅᑐᕐᒥᐅᑦ: uumajut ukiuqtaqturmiut: animaux boréals

Elders, naturalists, and Renewable Resource Officers can offer insight into the range of animal species in a particular setting. Names may refer not only to species but to sex, age, and other characteristics. A listing such as the one below would be instructive to develop for an individual community.

• MAMMALS: ᐊᒫᒪᒃᑎᑦᑎᔪᑦ: AMAAMAKTITTIJUT
• black bear: ᐊᒃᖤ: akła
• caribou: ᑐᒃᑐ: tuktu
• dog: ᕿᒻᒥᖅ: qimmiq
• ermine (weasel): ᑎᕆᐊᖅ: tiriaq
• fox
  • arctic: ᑎᕆᒐᓂᐊᖅ: tiriganiaq
  • blue: ᕿᐊᕐᖓᖅᑐᖅ: qiarngaqtuq
  • cross: ᓴᓐᓂᖓᔪᓕᒃ: sanningajulik
  • red: ᑲᔪᖅᑐᖅ: kajuqtuq
• ground squirrel: ᓯᒃᓯᒃ: siksik
• hare, arctic: ᐅᑲᓕᖅ: ukaliq
• lemming: ᐊᕕᙵᖅ: avinngaq
  • no entries: ᐊᒥᖅᖤ: amiqła
  • no entries: ᑲᔪᖅ: kajuq
• moose: ᑐᒃᑐᕙᒃ: tuktuvak
• musk ox: ᐅᒥᖕᒪᒃ: umingmak
• polar bear: ᓇᓄᖅ: nanuq
• porpoise: ᑎᑳᒍᓪᓕᒃ: tikaagullik
• seal
  • bearded: ᐅᒡᔪᒃ: ugjuk
  • harbour: ᖃᓯᒋᐊᖅ: qasigiaq
  • harp: ᖃᐃᕈᓕᒃ: qairulik
  • hooded: ᐊᐸ: apa
  • ringed: ᓇᑦᑎᖅ: nattiq
• shrew: ᐅᒡᔪᖕᓇᖅ: ugjungnaq
• walrus: ᐊᐃᕕᖅ: aiviq
• whale
  • beluga: ᕿᓚᓗᒐᖅ, ᖃᐅᓪᓗᖅᑕᖅ/ᖃᑯᖅᑕᖅ: qilalugaq, qaulluqtaq/qakuqtaq
  • narwhal: ᕿᓚᓗᒐᖅ, ᕿᕐᓂᖅᑕᖅ/ᐊᓪᓚᙳᐊᖅ/ᑑᒑᓕᒃ: qilalugaq, qirniqtaq/allannguaq/tuugaalik
  • bowhead: ᐊᕐᕕᒃ: arvik
  • orca: ᐋᕐᓗᒃ: aarluk
• wolf: ᐊᒪᕈᖅ: amaruq
• wolverine: ᖃᕝᕕᒃ/ᖃᕝᕕᒑᕐᔪᒃ: qavvik/qavvigaarjuk

• BIRDS: ᑎᖕᒥᐊᑦ: TINGMIAT
• bunting, snow: ᐊᒪᐅᓕᒐᖅ/ᖃᐅᓪᓗᖅᑖᖅ: amauligaq/qaulluqtaaq
• crane, sandhill: ᑕᑎᒡᒐ/ᑕᑎᒡᒐᕐᔪᐊᖅ: tatigga/tatiggarjuaq
• duck: ᒥᑎᖅ: mitiq
  • common: ᐊᒪᐅᓕᒃ/ᐊᒪᐅᓕᒡᔪᐊᖅ: amaulik/amauligjuaq
  • eider: ᕿᖓᓕᒃ: qingalik
  • merganser: ᑲᔾᔨᖅᑑᖅ: kajjiqtuuq
  • old squaw: ᐋᙱᖅ/ᐊᒡᒋᐊᕐᔪᒃ: aanngiq/aggiarjuk
• eagle: ᓇᒃᑐᕋᓕᒃ: nakturalik
• falcon
  • gyrfalcon: ᕿᓐᓄᐊᔪᐊᖅ: qinnuajuaq
  • peregrine: ᑭᒡᒐᕕᒃ/ᑭᒡᒐᕕᐊᕐᔪᒃ: kiggavik/kiggaviarjuk
• fulmar: ᖃᖁᓪᓗᒃ: qaqulluk
• goose
  • brant: ᓂᕐᓕᕐᓇᖅ: nirlirnaq
  • Canada: ᓂᕐᓕᖅ, ᐅᓗᐊᒍᓪᓕᒃ: nirliq, uluagullik
  • snow: ᑲᖑᖅ: kanguq
• guillimot: ᐱᑦᑎᐅᓛᖅ: pittiulaaq
• gull: ᓇᐅᔭᑦ: naujat
  • glaucose: ᓇᐅᔭᕕᒡᔪᐊᖅ: naujavigjuaq
  • ivory: ᓇᐅᔭᕚᖅ: naujavaaq
  • sabine's: ᐃᕿᒡᒐᒋᐊᕐᔪᒃ: iqiggagiarjuk
• hawk: ᑳᔫᖅ/: kaajuuq/
• jaeger: ᐃᓱᙵᖅ: isunngaq
  • long tailed: ᐃᓱᙵᖅ: isunngaq
  • parasitic: ᓂᐸᖏᐊᖅ: nipangiaq
  • pomerine: ᐃᓱᙵᕐᓗᒃ: isunngarluk
• longspur, lapland: ᕿᕐᓂᖅᑖᖅ: qirniqtaaq
• loon
  • red throated: ᖃᖅᓴᐅᖅ: qaqsauq
  • arctic: ᑲᒡᓗᓕᒃ: kaglulik
  • yellowbilled: ᑑᓪᓕᒃ/ᑑᓪᓕᒡᔪᐊᖅ: tuulik/tuuligjuaq
• owl, snow: ᐅᒃᐱᒃ/ᐅᒃᐱᒡᔪᐊᖅ: ukpik/ukpigjuaq
• phalarope: ᓴᐅᕐᕋᖅ: saurraq
• piper, semipalmated: ᓯᒡᓴᕆᐊᖅ/ᓯᒡᔭᕆᐊᕐᔪᒃ: sigsariaq/sigjariarjuk
• plover, golden: ᑑᓪᓕᒑᕐᔪᒃ: tuulligaarjuk
• plover, semipalmated: ᖁᓪᓕᖁᓕᐊᖅ: qulliquliaq
• ptarmigan, rock: ᐊᕿᒡᒋᑦ, ᐊᑕᔪᓕᒃ: aqiggiq, atajulik
  • willow: ᐊᕿᒡᒋᑦ, ᐊᕿᒡᒋᕕᒃ: aqiggiq, aqiggivik
• song birds: ᖁᐸᓄᐊᕐᔪᒃ: qupanuarjuk
• swan: ᖁᒡᔪᒃ: qugjuk
• turnstone, ruddy: ᑐᕝᕕᑎᑎᖅᑭᐅᖅ, ᓕᕕᓪᓕᕕᓪᓛᖅ: tuvvititiqqiuq, livillivillaaq
• wheatear, northern: ᐃᒃᓯᒃᑖᕐᔪᒃ: iksiktaarjuk

• FISH: ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ: IQALUIT
• char(r),
  • arctic: ᐃᖃᓗᒃᐱᒃ, ᑕᕆᐅᕐᒥᐅᑕᖅ: iqalukpik, tariurmiutaq
  • land-locked: ᐃᕕᓵᕈᖅ: ivisaaruq
• cod: ᐆᒐᖅ: uugaq
• eel: ᐊᒻᒪᔭᖅ: ammajaq
• grayling, arctic: ᓱᓗᑉᐸᐅᒐᖅ: suluppaugaq
• halibut: ᓇᑖᕐᓇᖅ: nataarnaq
• minnow: ᑲᕕᓯᓕᒃ: kavisilik
• trout: ᐃᖣᕋᖅ: iłuuraq
• sculpin: ᑲᓇᔪᖅ: kanajuq
• shark: ᐃᖃᓗᒡᔪᐊᖅ: iqalugjuaq

• INSECTS: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐃᑦ: QUPIRRUIT
• beetle: ᒥᙳᖅ: minnguq
• bumble bee: ᐃᒍᑦᑕᖅ: iguttaq
• flea: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᑯᒪᖏᑦ: uumajut kumangit
• fly: ᐊᓇᙱᖅ: ananngiq
  • black: ᒥᓗᒋᐊᖅ/ᒥᓗᒋᐊᓛᖅ: milugiaq/miugialaaq
  • house: ᖃᐅᒪᔭᖅ/ᐊᓇᙱᕐᔪᐊᖅ: qaumajaq/ananngirjuaq
  • horse: ᑐᒃᑑᔭᖅ: tuktuujaq
  • warble: ᐃᒍᑦᑕᖅ: iguttaq
  • larva: ᑐᒃᑑᑉ ᑯᒪᖓ: tuktuup kumanga
• louse: ᑯᒪᒃ (ᐃᓅᑉ ᑯᒪᖓ): kumak (inuup kumanga)
• maggot: ᕿᑎᕈᓪᓕᒃ: qitirullik
• female mosquito: ᕿᒃᑐᕆᐊᖅ: qikturiaq
• male mosquito: ᓂᕕᐊᕐᔪᒃ: niviarjuk

• ARACHNIDS: ᐋᓯᕙᑦ: AASIVAT
• spider, wolf, etc.: ᐋᓯᕙᒃ: aasivak
• small spider: ᓂᒡᔪᒃ: nigjuk

• OTHERS: ᐊᓯᖏᑦ: ASINGIT
• anemone: ᐃᑎᖅ: itiq
• clam: ᐊᒻᒨᒪᔪᖅ: ammuumajuq
  • in a walrus stomach: ᐃᐱᒃᓴᐅᓐᓇᖅ: ipiksaunnaq
• krill: ᑭᖑᒃ: kinguk
• mussel: ᐅᕕᓗᖅ: uviluq
• shrimp: ᑭᖑᒃᐸᒃ: kingukpak
• copepod: ᐃᐳᑎᑎᑐᑦ ᐃᓯᒐᓕᒃ: iputitut isigalik
• isopod: 7ᓂᒃ ᐃᒡᓗᒌᓂᒃ ᓂᐅᓖᑦ: 7nik iglugiinik niuliit
• plankton: ᐃᒪᕐᒥᐅᑕᑦ ᓅᑦᑐᓐᓇᙱᑦᑐᑦ: imarmiutat nuuttunnannittut

See Endnote 8.

Annual: ᐊᕐᕌᒍᑕᒫᑦ ᑐᖁᓕᓲᖅ: arraagutamaat tuqulisuut: plante annuelle

A plant which grows, reproduces, and dies in a single growing season.

Antarctic: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᐊᑖ: nunarjuap ataa: antarctique

Relating to southern polar regions, to the Antarctic Continent, or to places south of the Antarctic Circle.

Anthropologist: ᐃᓕᖅᑯᓯᕐᓂᒃ/ᐱᐅᓯᕐᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: iliqqusirnik/piusirnik qaujusaqti: anthropologiste

A scientist who specializes in anthropology.

Anthropology: ᐃᓕᖅᑯᓯᕐᓂᒃ/ᐱᐅᓯᕐᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: iliqqusirnik/piusirnik qaujusarniq: anthropologie

The science that studies human societies, customs and beliefs.

Aquarium: ᐃᒪᕐᒥᐅᑕᒃᑯᕕᒃ/ᐃᖃᓗᒃᑯᕕᒃ: imarmiutakkuvik/iqalukkuvik: aquarium

A tank filled with fresh or salt water in which fresh water or marine organisms are kept for study and display. See also Terrarium.

Archaeologist: ᐃᑦᑕᕐᓂᓴᓕᕆᔨ: ittarnisaliriji: archéologue

A scientist who specializes in archaeology.

Archaeology: ᐃᑦᑕᕐᓂᓴᓕᕆᓂᖅ: ittarnisaliriniq: archéologie

The science that studies past societies through their remains. Archaeology may be considered a sub-discipline of anthropology.

Arctic: ᐅᑭᐅᖅᑕᖅᑐᖅ: ukiuqtaqtuq: arctique

Relating to northern polar regions. In some contexts, north of the Arctic Circle. It can also refer to the north of the tree line (e.g. arctic Quebec).

Arctic Circle: ᐅᑭᐅᖅᑕᖅᑑᑉᑭᒡᓕᙳᐊᖓ: ukiuqtaqtuupkiglinnguanga: cercle arctique

An imaginary circle on the Earth's surface at Latitude 66° 32', at and above which 24-hour sunlight and 24-hour sunlessness occur. The angle is the complement of 23° 28', the tilt of Earth's rotational axis. Repulse Bay lies on the Arctic Circle. (A corresponding Antarctic Circle exists at southern latitudes).

Artery: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ/ᑕᖄᓗᒃ: taqavik/taqaaluk: artère

In the circulatory system, a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Compare with Capillary, Vein.

Asteroid: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᕋᓛᑦ ᓯᕿᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᑲᐃᕙᑦᑎᔪᑦ: nunarjaralaaq siqinirmik kaivattijuq: astéroïde

One of the numerous small planets (planetoids) that orbit the Sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter in the so-called Asteroid belt, Asteroids are from 1.4 to 4.0 times as distant from the Sun as is the planet Earth.

Astronomer: ᓯᓚᕐᔪᐊᓕᕆᔨ: silrjualiriji: astronome

A scientist who specializes in astronomy.

Astronomical Unit: ᓯᕿᓂᕐᒥᑦ ᓄᓇᒧᑦ ᐅᖓᓯᒃᑎᒋᓂᖅ: siqinirmit nunamut ungasiktiginiq: unité astronomique

The average distance from the earth to the sun, about 150,000,000 kilometers. Astronomical units (A.U.) are sometimes used to state or compare distances in the Solar System.

Astronomy: ᓯᓚᕐᔪᐊᓕᕆᓂᖅ: silarjualiriniq: astronomie

The branch of science concerned with planets, stars, and other heavenly bodies; that is, with the universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere.

Atmosphere: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᐊᓂᕐᓂᖃᕐᓇᖅᑐᐊ: nunarjuap anirniqarnaqtua: atmosphère

The layer of gas that surrounds the Earth or other planets with sufficient gravity. The lowest level of Earth's atmosphere is the troposphere, where weather occurs.

Atom: ᑭᓱᑐᐃᓐᓇᐃᑦ ᒥᑭᓐᓂᖅᐹᕆᔭᖓᑦ: kisutuinnait mikinniqpaarijanga: atome

The smallest particle of an element which has the properties of that element. Atoms combine to produce compounds. Atoms are composed of subatomic particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Attraction: ᓄᑦᑐᖃᑦᑕᐅᑎᓂᖅ: nuttuqattautiniq: attraction

A pull between two entities as with opposite magnetic poles (north, south) or oppositely charged objects (positive, negative) in electrostatics.

Attribute: ᓇᓗᓇᙱᔾᔪᑎᑦ: nalunanngijjutit: attribut

An identifying characteristic which may aid in classification. For example, streak colour is an attribute of a mineral.

Aurora: ᐊᖅᓴᕐᓂᖅ: aqsarniq: aurore

Display of light in the night sky, resulting from particles from the Sun striking electrically charged particles high above the Earth (in Earth's ionosphere). The resulting glow can occur "around the clock," but is most strikingly visible on clear nights. "Northern lights," (aurora borealis) or their southern hemisphere counterpart (aurora australis).

Avalanche: ᑎᓲᒃᑐᖅ: tisuuktuq: avalanche

Sudden, rapid fall or slide of snow, ice, rocks, or earth down a mountain slope.

Axis (Planetary): ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᕿᑎᓪᓗᐊᖓᒍᑦ ᖁᑉᐸᙳᐊᖓ: nunarjuaq qitilluangagut quppannguanga: axe (planétaire)

An imaginary line through the centre of the Earth (or similar body) about which rotation (spinning) occurs, producing day and night. The axis ends (meets the surface) in the geographical poles (North Pole, South Pole). The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of about 23 degrees to the plane of the orbit. This tilt changes the angle of the Sun's rays, resulting in the seasons and in the variation of the length of day and night.

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B

Barometer: ᓯᓚᓯᐅᑦ: silasiut: baromètre

A scientific instrument to measure atmospheric pressure (air pressure). A mercury barometer is a traditional instrument, with an inverted column of liquid mercury (whose varying height is measured) exposed to air. However, mercury vapour is highly toxic, and mercury barometers are now seldom seen outside meteorological stations. An aneroid barometer in which pressure compresses a near-vacuum container is well suited to classroom or home use. So it is a glass of water in which an uncalibrated column of coloured water or alcohol rises and falls in response to pressure changes.

Barometric Pressure: ᓯᓚᓯᐅᑎᐅᑉ ᐃᖏᕐᕋᔾᔪᑖ: silasiutiup ingirrajjutaa: pression barométrique

The pressure with which air (the atmosphere) weighs down upon the Earth at a given place and time. Since water vapour weighs less than the nitrogen that makes up most of the air we breathe, a drop in atmospheric pressure indicates that moist air is moving into a region, and that precipitation may occur. Atmospheric pressure now is measured in kilopascals.

Base (Chemistry): ᐆᑕᕐᓇᕈᓐᓃᖅᑎᑦᑎᔾᔪᑎ: uutarnarunniiqtittijjuti: base (chimie)

An alkali substance which is capable of combining with (neutralizing) an acid to form a salt.

Bay: ᑕᓯᐅᔭᖅ: tasiujaq: baie

An arm of a sea or lake extending into the land. For example, Baffin Bay.

Beak: ᓯᒡᒍᒃ: sigguk: bec

Projecting jaws of a bird.

Beaker: ᑯᕕᑦᑎᐊᕈᑎᓕᒃ: kuvittiarutilik: vase à bec

An open container having vertical sides and a "beak" for pouring liquids. Small-scale experiments may be performed in this type of laboratory glassware.

Bean: ᓂᓕᕐᓇᖅ, ᑕᖅᑑᔭᖅ, ᕖᓐᓂᓯ: nilirnaq, taqtuujaq, viinnisi: fève

A kidney-shaped seed borne in pods. Either the seeds or the entire pods may be used as food. The sprouting of beans and growing of bean plants is a worthwhile classroom activity. Sprouted mung beans are the basis of chop suey, an important Oriental food.

Biennial: ᐊᕐᕌᒍᓚᐅᖅᑎᓪᓗᒍ ᐱᕈᖅᑐᒃᓴᖅᑖᓲᖅ: arraagulauqtillugu piruqtuksaqtaasuuq: plante bisannuelle

A plant which lives two years. It stores food in the first season for flowering and reproduction the second. Vegetables such as carrots and beets are biennials.

Biologist: ᐆᒪᔪᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: uumajunik qaujisaqti: biologiste

A scientist who specializes in biology.

Biology: ᐆᒪᔪᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: uumajunik qaujisarniq: biologie

The science that studies living things.

Biome: ᓄᓇᐃᑦ ᐆᒪᕝᕕᒃᓴᐅᔪᓐᓇᕐᓂᕆᔭᖏᑦ: nunait uumavviksaujunnarnirijangit: biome

A major ecological community, adapted to climatic conditions and characterized by its dominant forms of vegetation. Biomes include tropical rain forest, grasslands, desert, taiga, tundra.

Bird: ᑎᖕᒥᐊᖅ: tingmiaq: oiseau

Any of a class of feathered, egg-laying vertebrates having feathers, wings, and a beak. See Animals, Northern. See also Endnote 2.

Birth: ᐃᕐᓂᐅᕐᓂᖅ: irniurniq: naissance

The emergence of the young from the mother's body. Compare with Hatching.

Blizzard: ᐱᖅᑐ, ᐱᖅᓯᖅᑐᖅ: piqtu, pisqsiqtuq: tempête de neige

A severe snowstorm of some duration characterized by wind and reduced visibility. Perhaps surprisingly, defining criteria for a blizzard vary significantly within Canada, and the local weather office should be consulted as to what would constitute a blizzard in a given area.

Blood: ᐊᐅᒃ: auk: sang

The red fluid which circulates in the bodies of higher animals transporting oxygen and nutrients. The red colouration is due to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying substance in red blood cells.

Bog: ᐃᒪᖅᓱᒃ, ᐅᕐᔪᒃ, ᒪᓴᕐᓕᖅ: imaqsuk, urjuk, masarliq: marais

An area of wet, spongy surface, derived from decaying vegetation.

Botanist: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᓕᕆᔨ: piruqtuliriji: botaniste

A scientist who specializes in plant life.

Botany: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᓕᕆᓂᖅ: piruqtuliriniq: botanique

The scientific study of plant life.

Breathing Hole: ᐃᒪᖅ ᐅᐃᔾᔮᖅᑐᖅ: imaq uijjaaqtuq: trou de respiration

A hole in surface ice maintained by a seal so that it can rise periodically and fill its lungs with air. Some related expressions:

• At A Crack: ᐊᒡᓗ (ᓇᒡᒍᑎᒥ): aglu (naggutimi)
• On Flat Ice: ᓴᐃᒃᑲᖅ (ᒪᓂᕋᐅᓂᕐᒥ): saikkaq (maniraunirmi)
• Water Swirling At A: ᑲᐃᔾᔮᖅᑐᖅ: kaijjaaqtuq
• Rivulet To A Breathing Hole: ᑯᔾᔨᓂᖅ (ᐊᒡᓗᒨᖓᔪᖅ ᑰᒃ): kujjiniq (aglumuungajuq kuuk)
• Seal Nest: ᓄᓇᕐᔭ: nunarja

Buoyancy: ᐃᒪᐅᑉ ᐅᕿᒡᓕᕚᓪᓕᖅᑰᔨᑎᑦᑎᓂᖓ: imaup uqiglivaaliqquujitittininga: poussée

The upward thrust (buoyant force) acting on a floating object in opposition to its weight (gravitational force), keeping it from sinking. Archimedes' principle states that the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the water (or other fluid) which the object displaces.

Butterfly: ᑕᕐᕋᓕᑭᓵᖅ/ᑕᕐᕋᓕᑭᑖᖅ: tarralikisaaq/tarralikitaaq: papillon

A flying insect of an order that includes butterflies and moths. The larvae are caterpillars. Butterflies tend to be active by day and to rest with their wings folded vertically.

Bubble: ᖃᐳᐊᒃ: qapuak: bulle

A thin, often spherical or near-spherical film of liquid filled with air or gas. Bubbles can demonstrate surface tension, light refraction, and other physical science properties. Dipping looped lengths of coat-hanger or other wire into a soap-suds mixture can allow children to explore bubbles, their shape, and formation.

Bulb: ᐃᑎᐅᔭᐅᔭᑦ: itiujaujaq: bulbe

An enlarged root part in certain plants which stores nourishment for the regeneration of a biennial or perennial plant. Bulbs may subdivide, a form of asexual reproduction. The onion is a bulb.

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C

Calcium: ᓴᐅᓂᒃᓴᖅ: sauniksaq: calcium

A metallic element whose compounds form bones, teeth, and shells; hence, an important element in nutrition. Limestone (calcium carbonate) is the compacted deposit of shell materials.

Calendar: ᐅᓪᓗᖅᓯᐅᑦ: ulluqsiut: calendrier

The method of dividing time into such fixed intervals as days, months (moons), and years, and of reckoning the passage of time. Many societies have developed their own calendars, using them for sowing crops, harvesting, and predicting eclipses.

Calorie: ᑳᓗᕆ: kaaluri: calorie

A traditional energy unit, now mainly used as a measure of nutritional studies of energy in food. (The joule is the standard unit for energy.) The "food" calorie represents the energy that would raise the temperature of one litre of water by one Celsius degree.

Calorimeter: ᐆᓇᕐᓂᕐᒥᒡᓗ ᓂᒡᓕᓇᕐᓂᕐᒥᒡᓗ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᐅᑦ: uunarnirmiglu niglinarnirmiglu qaujisaut: calorimètre

An insulated container in which experiments concerning heat energy can be undertaken. In a simple classroom demonstration, ice can be added to hot water, and the equilibrium temperature investigated.

Capillary: ᑕᖃᕈᓯᖅ, ᑕᖄᓛᖅ: taqarusiq, taqaalaaq: capillaire

In the circulatory system, a tiny tube which transports nutrients to cells (from arterial blood) or cellular waste products for removal and elimination. Compare with artery, vein.

Carbohydrate: ᖁᐃᒃᑎᓴᐅᑎᑦ: quiktisautit: hydrate de carbone

An organic compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Sugars and starches are well-known carbohydrates.

Carbon: ᐸᐅᖅ: pauq: carbone

A non-metallic element familiar in three pure forms: coal, graphite, and diamond. Carbon atoms combine with one another and with other elements as oxygen and hydrogen to form complex molecules which are the basis of life on Earth.

Carbon Dioxide: ᐊᓂᖅᓵᖅᑕᖅ: aniqsaaqtaq: anhydride carbonique

A colourless, odourless gas produced by animal respiration, burning of carbon and carbon compounds, and by other natural processes. Carbon dioxide is taken in by plants, and used to build hydrocarbons. See Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide Cycle.

Carbon Monoxide: ᐊᓂᖅᑎᕆᔪᓐᓃᕐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: aniqtirijunnirnaqtuq: oxyde de carbone

A highly poisonous, odourless, tasteless, colourless gas which forms when carbon compounds burn in insufficient oxygen.

Carnivore: ᓂᕿᑐᖅᑎ: niqituqti: carnassier

A flesh-eating animal, normally characterized by powerful jaws and especially developed canine teeth. Carnivores may be predators (polar bears, wolves) or carrion eaters (ravens). Compare with herbivore, omnivore.

Cave: ᐃᓗ, ᖃᐃᕈᓱᒃ: ilu, qairusuk: caverne

A natural hollow underground or in the side of a hill. Caves are commonly found in limestone which has slowly eroded by acidic ground water. Caves also occur in melting ice, as from a glacier.

Cell: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖅ: ijaruvaujaq: cellule

The smallest living unit that makes up parts of living tissue. Some microscopic organisms consist of a single cell. See Unicellular.

Charge: ᓴᙱᓴᐃᓂᖅ: sanngisainiq: charge

The association of electrostatic negativeness or positiveness with a particle or object; that is, an excess or deficiency of charged electrons. Thus, an ion is a charged particle.

Chemical Formula: ᐃᓚᐅᕈᑎᒃᓴᑦ ᑲᑎᖅᓱᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ: ilaurutiksat katiqsuqsimaningit: formule chimique

The combination of chemical symbols which represents a chemical compound and which shows the combination of atoms in a molecule of the substance. For example, the water molecule H₂O, represents the combination of two atoms of the element hydrogen (H₂) with one atom of oxygen (O); so water, the substance, may be denoted by H₂O.

Chemical Symbol: ᐃᓚᐅᕈᑎᒃᓴᑦ ᓇᓗᓇᐃᒃᑯᑕᖏᑦ: ilaurutiksat nalunaikkutangit: symbole chimique

The letter or pair of letters denoting an element in a chemical formula or chemical equation. For example, Au is the symbol for gold and S is the symbol for sulphur.

Chemist: ᐃᓚᐅᕈᑎᒃᓴᓕᕆᔨ: ilaurutiksaliriji: chimiste

A scientist who specializes in chemistry.

Chemistry: ᐃᓚᐅᕈᑎᒃᓴᓕᕆᓂᖅ: ilaurutiksaliriniq: chimie

The scientific study of elements and compounds, their synthesis and analysis, and their reactions to one another.

Chlorophyll: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᑦ ᐱᕈᕈᑖ: piruqtut pirurutaa: chlorophylle

The green colouring material in plant leaves where photosynthesis takes place. Light energy is used to build hydrocarbon compounds from carbon dioxide from the air and water obtained through roots.

Chromosome: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᓴᓇᓯᒪᓂᖓᑕ ᓈᒪᓂᖓ: uumajut sanasimaningata naamaninga: chromosome

A structure within the nucleus of a plant or animal cell which carries the genes that determine individual characteristics of an organism. A human cell has 46 chromosomes.

Circuit, Electrical: ᐆᒻᒪᖅᑯᑎᑦ ᐊᖅᑯᑖ: uummaqqutit aqqutaa: circuit électrique

The path to be followed by electrical current through wires, resistors, capacitors, switches, and other circuit components. A closed circuit has a complete path through which current flows. An open circuit has a break in it, such as an open switch. Electrical circuits may be in series, parallel, or a combination of these.

Classifying: ᐃᓛᒃᑰᖅᑎᑦᑎᓂᖅ: ilaakkuuqtittiniq: classifier

Arranging systematically in classes or groups according to recognizable attributes. Classification may be one-stage (rocks as igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) or multiple-stage (animals as invertebrates and vertebrates, with vertebrates further classed as amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, mammals). Classifying is a science process skill.

Cliff: ᐃᓐᓈᕈᖅ: innaaruq: falaise/escarpement

A land form: a high, step (possibly vertical or overhanging) face of rock or earth. (Broad-billed murres nest on ledges on high cliffs, as on Coats Island ᐊᑉᐸᑑᕐᔪᐊᖅ Appatuurjuaq).

Climate: ᓯᓚᐅᑉ ᐃᓕᖅᑯᓯᖓ: silaup iliqqusinga: climat

The characteristic long-term weather of a location. Factors determining climate include latitude, elevation, ocean currents, and land-sea configurations.

Climatologist: ᓯᓚᓕᕆᔨ: silaliriji: climatologiste

A scientist who specializes in climatology.

Climatology: ᓯᓚᓕᕆᓂᖅ: silaliriniq: climatologie

The scientific study of climate—that is, of long-term weather conditions and trends.

Clock: ᓯᕿᖑᔭᖅ/ᖃᐅᔨᓴᐅᑦ: siqingujaq/qaujisaut: horloge/pendule

An instrument for measuring and indicating the passing of time. Any phenomenon occurring at a uniform rate or at a predictable rate could serve as the basis for a clock. Sand clocks (hour glasses, egg timers) shadow clocks (sundials), and water clocks are of great antiquity. The principle of the pendulum has been used in clocks of precision (e.g. grandfather clocks) for some centuries. See Pendulum. Clocks and watches of enhanced precision using electronic circuitry are now readily available.

Cloud: ᓄᕗᔭ: nuvuja: nuage

Any visible mass of water vapour or ice particles suspended in the atmosphere. There are 3 basic types: cirrus (thin wispy at high elevation); cumulus (dense mounds or heaps); stratus (low-lying, greyish, fog-like). Charts of cloud types may be available from Canada's Atmospheric Environment Service.

Comet: ᐸᒥᐅᓕᒃ: pamiulik: comète

A small body composed of ice, dust, and gas, in orbit around the Sun. Three parts of a typical comet are the nucleus (ice and dust), the coma (gas and dust), and the tail (gas and dust). The tail only appears when the comet is near the Sun. Whether the comet is approaching or receding, the tail points from the Sun.

Communicating: ᑐᓴᐅᒪᑎᖃᑦᑕᐅᑎᓂᖅ: tusaumatiqattautiniq: communication

The sharing of conjectures, procedures, observations, predictions, and conclusions through spoken and written language, diagrams, graphs, etc. Communicating is a science process skill.

Compass, Magnetic: ᑕᒻᒪᕇᒃᑯᑦ: tammariikkut: compas magnétique

A small magnet, suspended in air or allowed to float freely, will align itself with Earth's magnetism, pointing to the North or South Magnetic Pole. A compass is an instrument for measuring direction based upon this principle. Its usefulness may be limited in areas near magnetic poles.

Compost: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᕕᓃᑦ ᓄᓇᒧᑦ ᐅᑎᖅᑎᑕᒃᓴᓕᐊᕆᔭᑦ: piruqtuviniit nunamut utiqtitaksaliarijat: compost

An accumulation such as decaying vegetable matter and manure to be used to fertilize and condition soil.

Compounds (Chemical): ᐃᓚᐅᕈᑎᒃᓴᑦ ᑲᑎᓯᒪᔪᑦ: ilaurutiksat katisimajut: composé chimique

A pure chemical substance built up of two or more elements. The molecule of a compound, accordingly, has two or more types of atoms in its structure. Iron rust, sugar, water, and carbon dioxide are familiar examples of chemical compounds.

Conglomerate: ᐅᔭᖅᑲᑦ ᐃᕗᔭᐅᓂᑯᑦ (ᒪᕋᕐᒧᑦ ᑲᑎᓯᒪᔪᑦ): ujaqqat ivujaunikut (mararmut katisimajut): aggloméré

A sedimentary rock of distinctive appearance made up of rounded, worn fragments of previously existing rocks cemented together by clay or sand. Sometimes called puddingstone.

Constellation: ᐅᓪᓗᕆᐊᑦ ᑭᓲᖅᑰᔨᓕᖅᓯᒪᔪᑦ: ulluriat kisuuqquujiliqsimajut: constellation

A pattern of stars which appear close together in the sky. This means only that they are in the same direction from Earth. The Big Dipper is a familiar northern constellation. Over thousands of years, the appearance of a constellation will gradually change. See Endnote 3.

Consumer: ᐊᑐᖅᑎᑦ: atuqtit: consommateur

An organism unable to manufacture its own food which lives by consuming (eating) other organisms. See also Producer.

Continent: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᐊᕕᒃᑐᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ: nunarjuap aviktuqsimaningit: continent

One of Earth's main land masses. The seven continents are Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, and Antarctica.

Continental Drift: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᐊᕕᒃᑐᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑕ ᐃᖏᕐᕋᓂᕆᔭᖏᑦ: nunaruaq aviktuqsimaningita ingirranirijangit: dérive des continents

The well-accepted theory that Earth's continents have drifted apart over the ages, and continue to do so. Typically, the increasing separation between Africa and South America is slight, but it can be measured by satellites.

Controlling Variables: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑕᒥ ᐊᐅᓚᑕᖅ: qaujisaqtami aulataq: contrôler des variables

When an experiment is to be undertaken, discriminating among factors that will or will not affect the outcome, then controlling (holding constant) all factors except the ones to be tested. Thus, in an experiment as to how the amount of sunlight affects the growth of a bean plant, control (hold constant) the type and amount of soil, the frequency and amount of watering, the soil temperature, the distance of the plant from the source of light, the wattage of the bulb, etc., and vary only the amount of time each day for which the plant is illuminated. Controlling variables is a science process skill.

Cotelydon: ᐱᕈᖅᐸᓪᓕᐊᔫᑉ ᐅᖃᐅᔭᕐᖓᐅᑖ: piruqpalliajuuq uqaujarngautaa: cotylédone

A seed leaf of a flowering plant. As such, a part of the embryo of the sprouting seeds. Monocots such as grass have one seed leaf. Dicots such as beans have two seed leaves.

Creek: ᑰᕈᒃ: kuuruk: ruisseau

A small stream. A tributary of water.

Crystal: ᑎᓯᔪᑦ ᓯᓇᕐᔪᖃᑦᑎᐊᖅᑐᑦ: tisijut sinarjuqattiaqtut: cristal

The solid form of a pure substance having a characteristic polyhedral shape, the faces being at distinct angles. Crystals occur naturally in igneous rocks. Crystals may be grown in the classroom or laboratory by permitting a concentrated solution of such a salt (sodium chloride), or copper sulphate to evaporate slowly at a near-constant temperature.

Current (Electrical): ᐆᒻᒪᖅᑯᑎᑦ ᐃᖏᕐᕋᓂᖓ: uummaqqutit ingirraninga: courant électrique

The flow of electric charges through a wire or other conductor. The flow is measured in amperes (coulombs of charge per second). Electrical current is either direct current or alternating current. Direct current (D.C.) is a flow of charges in a single direction. Electricity from a cell or a battery is direct current. Alternating current (A.C.) is a regularly reversing flow. Home wiring in North America normally carries alternating current which reverses 60 times per second.

Current (Oceanic): ᐃᖏᕐᕋᓂᖅ: ingirraniq: courant océanique

Convection currents occurring naturally in oceans and other bodies of water and bringing colder water to lower latitudes (cold current) and warmer water to higher latitudes (warm current). The Gulf Stream, such a current, brings warm waters from the Caribbean to moderate the climate of Western Europe.

Cycle: ᐱᓕᖅᑭᒃᑕᕐᓂᖅ: piliqqiktarniq: cycle

A sequence of events repeated in regular order. For example, the cycle of the seasons, the water cycle, oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle, nitrogen cycle, etc. Populations of predators and prey often display cyclical characteristics.

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D

Day: ᐅᓪᓗᖅ: ulluq: jour

The interval of time for the Earth to complete one revolution on its axis. The mean solar day is the average time interval between successive high suns. The sidereal day makes reference to fixed stars. The day is divided into 24 hours; each hour into 60 minutes, each minute into 60 seconds.

Decantation: ᑭᖑᓈᖅᓯᓂᖅ: kingunaaqsiniq: décantation

The pouring off of a liquid without disturbing the sediment. For example, muddy water may be allowed to settle in a beaker, and relatively clear liquid may be decanted.

Decimal Expression: ᓈᓴᐅᑦ ᑎᑦᑕᓕᒃ: naasaut tittalik: décimale

A number expressed in terms of tens. Metric measures are decimal measures, and readings are to be expressed decimally, to an appropriate number of digits. Thus, 250 g, but not 1/4 kg, 1/4 being a non-decimal fraction.

Defining Operationally: ᑕᐃᒪᐃᒻᒪᖔᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: taimaimmangaat qaujisarniq: définir l'opération

Objects and events may be defined in such a way that they can be tested or observed. This is known as defining operationally. An operational definition of a saturated solution might be, "When I add more copper sulphate salt to the solution, the added salt sinks to the bottom and fails to dissolve." Defining operationally is a science process skill.

Desert: ᓴᓗᐊᒪᔪᖅ: saluamajuq: désert

An area of dry, often sandy land, supporting little life. Deserts are characterized by low rainfall, and a hot or cold climate. Much of the Arctic is considered semi-desert because of its limited precipitation.

Dew: ᐊᐃᓚᖅ, ᑲᓂᖅᑐᖅ: ailaq, kaniqtuq: rosée

Moisture (water droplets) formed on cold surfaces as the air on them cools to saturation level. See also Frost.

Diamond: ᐊᓕᒎᔭᖅ: aliguujaq: diamant

The crystalline form of the element carbon. Gem-quality diamonds are much prized as jewelry. Industrial-quality diamonds are also in demand (for grinding tools, for example), as the diamond is the hardest of natural substances.

Digestion: ᓂᕆᔭᒥᒃ ᓯᖃᓪᓕᑎᕆᓂᖅ: nirijaminik siqallitiriniq: digestion

The breaking down of food into chemically simpler forms that can be absorbed and used by the body.

Digestive System: ᓂᕆᓂᑯᑦᑎᓐᓂᒃ ᐊᕕᒃᑎᕆᔾᔪᑎᑦ: nirinikuttinnik aviktirijjutit: appareil digestif

The system of organs involved in digestion including, in mammals, the salivary glands, stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas, and related structures.

Dinosaur: ᐆᒪᔪᕕᓂᑐᖃᐅᔮᓗᐃᑦ: uumajuvinituqaujaaluit: dinosaure

Any of a large group of extinct reptiles, well known from fossil remains. The "age of dinosaurs" was the geological Mesozoic era, 248 000 000 to 65 000 000 years ago. See Endnote 4.

Direction: ᓇᑭᖖᒑᕐᓂᖅ, ᓇᑭᙵᔮᕐᓂᖅ: nakinngaarniq, nakinngajaarniq: direction/sens

Line or course along which something faces or moves. Directions are often stated as North, East, South, or West (or by further subdivision, as Northwest, Northwest by West, to 32 "points of the compass"). Reference may be to the Earth's geographic poles (true north or true south) or to the Earth's magnetic poles (magnetic north or magnetic south). Directions also may be stated numerically (000 through 360), 045 being a direction 45° clockwise from North (that is, Northeast) and 270 being 270° clockwise from North (that is, due West). Airport runways are assigned a direction in much the same way, 01 through 36, each unit representing 10° of an angle measure. For example, runway 36 in Iqaluit is due North; if approached in the opposite direction, it becomes runway 18, due South.

• North: ᐅᐊᖕᓇ, ᑐᓄᕕᐊᖅ: uangna, tunuviaq: nord
• East: ᑲᓇᖕᓇᖅ: kannganaq: est
• South: ᓂᒋᖅ: nigiq: sud
• West: ᐱᓇᖕᓇᖅ: pinangnaq: ouest

Dissection: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᐊᕐᓗᒍ ᐱᓚᒃᑐᐃᓂᖅ: qaujisarniarlugu pilaktuiniq: dissection

To systematically cut apart an animal or plant specimen to expose parts for scientific examination.

Drug: ᐃᓅᓕᓴᐅᑦ: inuulisaut: drogue

A natural or artificial substance which affects the body and its systems. Drugs are used in medicine. Some drugs act upon the nervous system and may be addictive, especially when misused.

Dry River Bed: ᑰᕈᓪᓗᒃ: kuurulluk: lit de rivière asséché

A course of a stream which is without water, during a period of drought, for example.

Dynamo: ᐊᐅᓚᐅᑎ ᖃᐅᒻᒪᖅᑯᑎᓕᐅᖅᑐᖅ: aulauti qaummaqqutiliuqtuq: dynamo

Short for dynamoelectric machine. See Generator.

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E

Ear: ᓯᐅᑎ: siuti: oreille

The organ of hearing. It consists of external parts (the outer ear) and internal parts (the middle ear and the inner ear). The inner ear controls the sense of balance.

Earth (Planet): ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᖅ: nunarjuaq: globe terrestre

The planet on which we live, the third from the Sun in the nine of our solar system. See Endnote 5.

Earth (Soil): 1. ᓄᓇ 2. ᐃᔾᔪᖅ: 1. Nuna 2. ijjuq: terre

The soil of the planetary surface in which plants root and grow.

Earthquake: ᓴᔪᐱᓪᓚᖕᓂᖅ: sajupillangniq: tremblement de terre

A sudden movement or break in the Earth's crust, sending shock waves which cause tremors and possible destruction. Earthquake magnitude is measured on the logarithmic Richter scale.

Earthworm: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᖅ: qupirruq: vers de terre

Cylindrical, segmented worms found in soil. See Worm.

Echo: ᐊᑭᐅᕐᓂᖅ: akiurniq: écho

The reflection of a sound from a hillside or any reflecting surface. For instance, radar involves radio frequency waves echoing from a distant "target".

Eclipse: ᐳᓚᒪᓂᖅ: pulamaniq: éclipse

The blocking of the light from one celestial body by another. In an eclipse of the Moon (lunar eclipse), the Earth blocks the light from the Sun, and the Earth's shadow passes over the face of the Moon. In an eclipse of the Sun (as viewed from Earth), the Moon blocks the view of the Sun by passing between the Sun and the Earth. An eclipse may be total or partial. In a solar eclipse, an outer ring may be visible, giving an annular eclipse.

Ecologist: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᓇᔪᒐᖃᖃᑎᒌᖕᓂᖏᓐᓂᒃ ᓯᓚᖃᖃᑎᒌᖕᓂᖏᓐᓂᒡᓗ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: uumajut najugaqaqatigiingninginnik silaqaqatigiingninginniglu qaujisaqti: écologiste

A scientist who specializes in ecology.

Ecology: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᓇᔪᒐᖃᖃᑎᒌᖕᓂᖏᓐᓂᒃ ᓯᓚᖃᖃᑎᒌᖕᓂᖏᓐᓂᒡᓗ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: uumajut najugaqaqatigiingninginnik silaqaqatigiingninginniglu qaujisarniq: écologie

The science which studies living things and their relationships to one another and to the environment. See Endnote 6.

Ecosystem: ᐆᒪᔪᓂ ᓇᔪᒐᖃᑎᒌᖕᓂᖅ ᓯᓚᖃᑎᒌᖕᓂᕐᓗ: uumajuni najugaqatigiingniq silaqatigiingnirlu: écosystème

An ecological community comprised of interactive plant and animal organisms and their environment.

Electrician: ᐆᒻᒪᖅᑯᑎᓕᕆᔨ: uummaqqutiliriji: électricien

A skilled worker who specializes in wiring, circuitry, fusing, and other considerations of current electricity.

Electricity: ᓱᑲᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ, ᓄᒃᑭᓇᖅᑐᖅ: sukannaqtuq, nukkinaqtuq: électricité

The presence or flow of electrical charges. The presence of charges is static electricity. The flow represents current electricity.

Electrolysis: ᐆᒻᒪᖁᒻᒥᒃ ᐊᑐᖅᖢᓂ ᐃᓚᐅᖅᑐᒐᕐᓂᒃ ᐊᕕᒃᑐᖅᑎᑦᑎᓂᖅ: uummaqqummik atuqłuni ilauqtugarnik aviktuqtittiniq: électrolyse

Chemical decomposition of a liquid substance or a substance in solution into its components by passing an electric current through it. Water can be decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen by this method.

Electromagnet: ᓂᐱᖅᑲᕐᓇᖅᑐᖅ ᐅᐊᔭᖓ: nipiqqarnaqtuq uajanga: électro-aimant

A magnetic field exists around a wire through which an electric current is flowing. Based upon this principle, an electromagnet is a coil of insulated wire wound around a soft iron core. The electromagnet shows strong magnetic properties while the electricity is flowing. A small battery, wire coil, and iron nail will effectively demonstrate the principle of electromagnetism.

Electron: ᐃᓕᒃᑐᕌᓐ (ᒥᑭᓐᓂᖅᐹᑉ ᐆᒪᔾᔪᑖᓂᒃ ᑲᐃᕙᑦᑎᔪᖅ): ilikturaan (mikinniqpaap uummajjutaanik kaivattijuq): électron

A subatomic particle having a negative charge. Electrons exist in "shells" around the nucleus of all atoms.

Electroscope: ᖃᐅᔨᓇᓲᑦ ᓱᑲᓐᓇᖅᑐᖃᕐᒪᖔᑦ: qaujinasuut sukannaqtuqarmangaat: électroscope

An instrument for the detection and identification of electrostatic charges. Pith ball and leaf electroscopes are widely used in school laboratories.

Element (Chemical): ᐃᓚᐅᖅᑐᒐᑦ ᑐᙵᕕᖏᑦ: ilauqtugat tunngavingit: élément chimique

A substance which cannot be decomposed into simpler substances. The 92 naturally occurring elements serve as building blocks for chemical compounds. Elements include nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen (gases at room temperature), mercury (a liquid), and silicon, aluminum, copper, silver, gold, and carbon (solids). Atoms of elements combined to produce molecules of compound substance.

Energy: ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔭᐅᑦ: aulajjaut: énergie

Elementary Science equates energy to the ability to do mechanical work. Energy is commonly observed through its effects on matter. The energy unit is the joule, although electrical energy is commonly priced by the kilowatt-hour. Energy can be changed from one form to another, as chemical energy to heat energy (as in burning), or electrical energy to mechanical energy to heat energy. Some forms of energy are: chemical energy, electrical energy, heat energy, kinetic energy (energy of motion), mechanical energy, nuclear energy, potential energy (energy of position), radiant energy, solar energy, sound energy. Energy is commonly transferred by one or more of three processes: conduction, convection, and radiation.

Engineer: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑐᓕᕆᓂᖖᒑᖅᑐᓂᒃ ᐊᑐᖅᑎᑦᑎᔪᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: qaujisaqtulirininngaaqtunik atuqtittijunnaqtuq: ingénieur(e)

A professional who applies scientific principles in one or more technological areas. For example, aeronautical engineer, chemical engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer.

Entomologist: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᓂᒃ ᑯᒪᖕᓂᒡᓗ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: qupirrunik kumangniglu qaujisaqti: entomologiste

A scientist who specializes in entomology.

Entomology: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᓂᒃ ᑯᒪᖕᓂᒡᓗ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: qupirrunik kumangniglu qaujisarniq: entomologie

The scientific study of insects.

Environment: ᐊᕙᑎᕗᑦ: avativut: milieu

The overall conditions (physical, chemical, and biological) of the region in which an organism lives.

Epicentre: ᓴᔪᐱᓪᓚᒡᕕᐅᔪᖅ: sajupillagviujuq: épicentre

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Equator: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᓯᕿᓐᓂᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅᐹᕆᕙᒃᑖ: nunarjuap siqinniqtauniqpaarivaktaa: équateur

An imaginary circle on the Earth's surface midway between the north and south rotational poles. The tropical region, where the Sun can appear directly overhead, extends 23°28' above and below the Equator (a result of the 23°28' Earth's rotational axis).

Equinox: ᑖᕐᓂᕐᓗ ᖃᐅᒪᓂᕐᓗ ᓇᓕᒨᒌᒃᑳᖓᑎᒃ: taarnirlu qaumanirlu nalimugiikkaangatik: équinoxe

Literally, "equal nights." The time in March and September when direct Sun rays fall on the Earth's equator, and all points on the planet experience 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Traditionally, the equinoxes mark the beginning of Spring and Autumn seasons.

Erosion: ᓄᓇᐅᑉ ᓄᖑᑕᒃᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖓ: nunaup nungutakpallianinga: érosion

The wearing away of land forms by the removal of soil and other weathered products by natural forces as water, wind and gravity.

Esker: ᕿᒥᐊᕐᔪᒃ: qimiarjuk: esker

A long, narrow, winding ridge of gravel and sand representing sedimentary deposits from running water of a melting ice sheet. Eskers may be observed in the North.

Estivation: ᐱᕐᓕᔾᔭᐃᖅᓯᒪᒧᑦ, ᖀᑦᑕᐃᓕᒪᒧᑦ ᓯᓂᒃᑐᖅ: pirlijjaiqsimamut, qiittailimamut siniktuq: estivation

A sleeplike condition in which some animal species survive periods of summer heat and drought. See Hibernation.

Estuary: ᐊᑯᐊᖅ: akuaq: estuaire

An arm of the sea at the lower end of the river where tide meets the river current. Estuaries may be observed in the North.

Evaporation: ᑎᒡᔪᕐᓂᖅ/ᓴᓗᐊᕐᓂᖅ: tigjurniq/saluarniq: évaporation

Change of state from liquid to gas. Steam in a kettle will "ᑎᒡᔪᖅ tigjuq" while a rain puddle will "ᓴᓗᐊᖅ saluaq."

Evapotranspiration: ᑎᒡᔪᕐᓂᖅ ᐱᕈᖅᑐᓪᓗ ᓴᓗᐊᖅᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖓ: tigjurniq piruqtullu saluaqpallianinga: évapotranspiration

The giving off of water as vapour into the atmosphere through the combined processes of evaporation, from land and water surfaces, and of gas exchange through pores (stomata) of the leaves of green plants (transpiration).

Evolution: ᐊᓯᔾᔨᖅᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖅ: asijjiqpallianiq: évolution

The process of origination of life forms (plant and animal species) by development from earlier forms.

Exoskeleton: ᓯᓚᑖᒍᑦ ᓴᐅᓂᖅ: silataagut sauniq: exosquelette

The hard protective covering of the body of some invertebrates.

Experimenting: ᖃᐅᔨᓇᓱᒃᑕᖃᕐᓂᖅ: qaujinasuktaqarniq: expérimenter

Experimenting, in full, involves recognizing and formulating a problem, planning and conducting a test of an hypothesis, and using results obtained from the experiment to pose possible answers to the problem. Experimentation is a science process skill, and it also represents the successful combination of a full range of related process skills.

Eye: ᐃᔨ: iji: oeil

The organ of sight sensitivity to visible light, with ability to receive light of different frequencies as colours. Two eyes permit perception of distance and depth.

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F

Fault: ᓄᓇᒃᑯᑦ ᓄᑦᑕᕐᔪᐊᕌᓗ: nunakkut nuttarjuaraaluk: fracture

In Earth Science, a fracture (break) in the Earth's crust such that the rock on one side of the fracture is displaced relative to the rock on the other side.

Fauna: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ: uumajut: faune

The animals found in a given setting. See also Flora.

Feather: ᓱᓗᒃ: suluk: plume

An outgrowth of the skin of a bird, comprising a tubular shaft with soft, flexible barbs on either side.

Female: ᐊᕐᓇᖅ (ᐃᓄᐃᑦ), ᐊᕐᓇᓪᓗᖅ (ᓂᕐᔪᑎᑦ), ᐊᕐᓇᕕᐊᖅ (ᑎᖕᒥᐊᑦ): arnaq (inuit), arnalluq (nirjutit), arnaviaq (tingmiat): femelle

With reference to sexual reproduction, the sex that can bear young or lay eggs. In botany, reference may be to female parts of a flower having both male and female characteristics.

Field Trip: ᐃᓕᓐᓂᐊᕐᕕᐅᑉ ᓯᓚᑖᓂ ᐃᓕᓐᓂᐊᕐᓂᖅ: ilinniarviup silataani ilinniarniq: excursion éducationnelle

An excursion into the natural environment, a research station or other facility in support of science learning, supplementing and extending classroom and laboratory activities.

Filament: ᓇᑲᓲᔭᕐᒥ ᐅᐊᔭᕋᓛᖅ: nakasuujarmi uajaralaaq: filament

A very thin wire, as in a light bulb. The filament offers high resistance to the flow of electrical current, and heats to white hot.

Filtration: ᑲᙵᖅᑎᕆᓂᒃᑯᑦ ᓱᕈᐃᔭᐃᓂᖅ: kanngaqtirinikkut suruijainiq: filtration

A method of separating the parts or phases of certain heterogeneous mixtures by pouring them into a filter paper, usually folded and inserted in a funnel. With muddy water, for example, particles of mud remain on the filter paper while clear water passes through. (A true solution, a homogeneous mixture, wholly passes through such a filter.) Drinking water may be filtered as one stage in the removal of impurities.

Fish: ᐃᖃᓗᒃ: ikaluk: poisson

Any of two classes of water-dwelling swimming vertebrates having gills and tough, usually scaly, skin. Some species lay eggs; others give birth to live young. Classes of fish comprise those having cartilaginous skeletons (such as sharks), and those having bony skeletons (such as char). See Animals, Northern.

Fiord: ᑲᖏᖅᖢᒃ ᐃᓐᓈᕈᓕᒃ: kangiqłuk innaarulik: fjord

A deep, narrow inlet of the sea between high banks or cliffs, a result of glaciation (e.g. Pangnirtung Fiord). Also spelled Fjord.

• Fiord Head: ᕿᙳᐊ: qinngua: tête de fjord

Flask: ᐹᑭᑦᑐᖅ: paakittuq: flacon

A narrow-necked bottle used for storing chemicals or for observing chemical reactions. Common types for classroom or laboratory use are the Erlenmeyer flask (slanting sides) and the Florence flask (rounded base).

Flood: ᖄᒥᓐᓂᖅ: qaaminniq: inondation

An overflowing of the waters of a stream or of coastal waters over land that is usually dry.

• Flooding: ᐅᓕᕕᒡᔪᐊᖅᑐᖅ: ulivigjuaqtuq
• Winter Flooding: ᖄᒥᑦᑐᖅ: qaamittuq

Flora: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᑦ: piruqtut: flore

The plants found in a given setting. See also Fauna.

Flower: ᓄᓇᕋᖅ: nunaraq: fleur

The structures of a flowering plant concerned with reproduction. Flowers of wind-pollinated plants are usually small and insignificant, while those of insect-pollinated plants may be larger and colourful in appearance. Parts of a flower include protective carpels, petals, the stamen with anther and filament (male parts producing pollen), and the carpel with stigma and ovule (female parts).

Fog: ᑕᒃᑐ, ᓴᔅᓯᖅ/ᑕᒃᓯᖅᑐᖅ, ᓴᔅᓯᖅᑐᖅ: taktu, sassiq/taksiqtuq, sassiqtuq: brouillard/brume

Cloud (suspension of water droplets in the air) at or close to ground level.

Fold: ᐅᔭᕋᒃ ᖁᒻᒧᒃᑎᑕᐅᓂᑯ: ujarak qummuaktitauniku: plissement du terrain

In Earth Science, a bend, usually symmetrical, in layers of sedimentary rock. Arches or upfolds are called anticlines, while troughs or downfolds are called synclines.

Food: ᓂᕿ: niqi: nourriture

Any substance which serves to nourish an animal or plant to maintain its life and growth.

Food Chain: ᓂᕿᒃᓴᐃᑦ ᐅᐃᒍᓕᕇᒃᑐᑦ: niqiksait uiguliriiktut: chaîne alimentaire

In an ecosystem, energy (produced by plants) passes from one organism to another (as grass to rabbit to fox) through what is called a food chain. Food chains which overlap make a food web.

Force: ᐊᔭᐅᕐᓂᕐᓘᓐᓃᑦ ᓄᑦᑐᖕᓂᕐᓘᓐᓃᑦ: ajaurnirluunniit nuttungnirluunniit: force

A push or pull tending to cause movement of a body, for example, the force of gravity. The standard unit of force measurement is the newton.

Formulating Hypotheses: ᑕᐃᒪᐃᓐᓇᐃᓐᓇᓱᒋᓐᓈᓂᖅ: taimannainnasuginnaaniq: formuler des hypothèses

An hypothesis is a supposition—or guess—advanced in an attempt to explain a happening and to be used as a basis for further investigations. A scientific hypothesis, therefore, is a tentative explanation, based upon what has been observed, for the occurrence of events. The development of a scientific hypothesis—an explanation to be subjected to further consideration and testing—is a science process skill.

Formulating Models: ᑐᑭᓯᑎᑦᑎᕚᓪᓕᕈᑎᑦ, ᑐᑭᓯᕚᓪᓕᕈᑎᑦ: tukisitittivaalirutit, tukisivaallirutit: formuler des modèles

We may devise models to illustrate the behaviour of something unfamiliar in terms of something whose behaviour is familiar. Light shines on a ball, which casts a shadow, and we show the nature of an eclipse. Formulating models is a science process skill.

Fossil: ᐅᔭᕋᒍᖅᓯᒪᔪᑦ, ᐊᖁᐱᑑᔭᖅ, ᐃᓂᕕᓂᑐᖃᖅ: ujaraguqsimajut, aqupituujaq, inivinituqaq: fossile

An impression of an animal or plant preserved in sedimentary rock.

Freezing: ᓂᓚᕈᖅᑐᖅ, ᖁᐊᕐᓂᖅ: nilaruqtuq, quarniq: congélation

Solidification of a liquid substance. The word freezing is particularly applied to water.

Friction: ᐲᓐᓂᖅ: piinniq: friction

The resistance of one surface to another surface that slides or rolls over it. Distinction may be made between sliding friction or rolling friction. Friction always acts to oppose the force that is causing motion. Energy lost to friction becomes heat.

Frog: ᐱᒡᓕᖅᑕᔫᖅ: pigliqtajuuq: grenouille

A small, jumping amphibian (living both in water and on land). In teaching laboratories, frogs are dissected to show vertebrate organs and structures.

Frost: ᖃᑯᕐᓇᖅ, ᐸᑐᒃ: qakurnaq, patuk: gel

Ice crystals formed on cold surfaces as the air about them cools to below freezing. See also Dew.

Fruit: ᐸᐅᕐᖓᑦ (ᓰᕐᓇᖅᑐᑦ): paurngat (siirnaqtut): fruit

The seed-containing part of a flowering plant. The fleshy part of some fruit is used as food.

Fuel: ᐅᖅᑰᓯᖅᑎᕈᑎᒃᓴᑦ: uqquusiqtirutiksat: combustible

Any substance such as coal, oil, wood, or natural gas, from which heat energy can be derived by burning. Distinction is made between fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), whose supply is limited, and renewable resources such as firewood and blubber.

Fungus: ᐅᖁᑦ: uqut: champignon

A group of plant-like organisms which lack chlorophyll and live off decaying organic material or plant species. Mushrooms, mold, mildew and tree brackets are fungi. Molds and mildews are of fungal origin.

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Galaxy: ᐅᓪᓗᕆᐊᒐᓴᐃᑦ ᑲᑎᙵᐅᖅᑐᑦ: ulluriagasaiat katirngaqtut: galaxie

A large system of stars existing in space. Our Sun is in the Milky Way galaxy.

Gas: ᐳᓪᓚᖅ: pullaq: gaz

The state in which matter has neither definite shape nor definite volume. A gas condenses to liquid form.

Gene: ᐃᓗᑦᓯᑎ, ᐋᖅᑭᒃᓯᒪᐅᕈᑎ, ᓯᕗᓕᖅᓲᑎ: ilutsiruti, aaqqirsimauruti, sivuliqsuuti: gène

A unit of heredity. Part of a chromosome that determines a particular genetic characteristic.

Generator: ᐊᐅᓚᐅᑎ, ᐊᐅᓚᐅᑎᕋᓛᑦ: aulauti, aulautiralaaq: générateur

A device for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. The generator at a northern powerhouse normally burns fuel oil, converting chemical energy to mechanical energy. Rotation in a magnetic field then produces electrical energy. Similarly, small hand-held generators convert muscle energy into electrical energy.

Geneticist: ᓯᕗᓕᖅᓱᕈᑎᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: sivuliqsuutinik qaujisaqti: généticien(ne)

A scientist who specializes in genetics.

Genetics: ᓯᕗᓕᖅᓱᕈᑎᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: sivuliqsurutinik qaujisarniq: génétique

The science which studies heredity—the inheritance of characteristics—in humans, plants, and animals.

Geographer: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᕐᒥᐅᑕᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: nunarjuarmiutanik qaujisaqti: géographe

A scientist who specializes in geography.

Geography: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᕐᒥᐅᑕᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: nunarjuarmiutanik qaujisarniq: géographie

The science which deals with Earth, its life, and its human population. Included are the study of animal and plant species distribution, as well as human industries, communities and political divisions.

Geologist: ᓄᓇᓕᕆᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: nunalirinirmik qaujisaqti: géologiste

A scientist who specializes in geology.

Geology: ᓄᓇᓕᕆᓂᖅ: nunaliriniq: géologie

The science which studies rocks and minerals, their origin and processes.

Geotropism: ᐱᕈᖅᑑᑉ ᑯᔾᔭᖓᑦᑕᐃᓕᓂᕆᔮ: piruqtuup kujjangattailinirijaa: géotropisme

The tendency of a plant to respond to gravitational force so that roots grow downward, and branches upward. See also Phototropism.

Gill: ᒪᓯᒃ: masik: branchie

A respiratory organ in fish and other water-dwelling creatures which permits dissolved oxygen to be obtained from water.

Glaciation: ᐊᐅᔪᐃᑦᑐᒧᑦ ᐋᖅᑭᒃᑕᖅ: aujuittumut aaqiktaq: glaciation

The presence or development of mountain or valley glaciers, or of extended ice coverage.

Glacier: ᐊᐅᔪᐃᑦᑐᖅ: aujuittuq: glacier

A mass of ice which results when, over an extended period, snowfall exceeds melting and sublimation. The result will be a slow-moving river of ice, under enormous pressure (a mountain or valley glacier), or a near complete coverage of land forms (a continental glacier).

Global Positioning System: ᐊᓯᐅᔾᔭᐃᒃᑯᑦ: asiujjaikkut: système global de navigation

A system for determining precise location on Earth in reference to artificial satellites. GPS system.

Global Warming: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᐅᖅᑰᓯᕙᓪᓕᐊᓂᖓ: nunarjuap uqquusivallianinga: réchauffement de la planète

The belief that the Earth's overall temperatures are rising, possibly due to the greenhouse effect, heat absorption, and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide. Implications are not fully agreed upon, but increasing melting of polar ice caps could result in a significant rise in sea level.

Graduated Cylinder: ᓇᓗᓇᐃᒃᑯᑦᑎᖅᓱᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᐅᓚᒥᖅᑕᖅ: nalunaikkuttiqsuqsimajuq ullamitaq: cylindre gradué

A measuring instrument, made of glass or plastic, consisting of a vertical cylinder that has been calibrated or graduated to show the volume of liquid contained. The volume of an irregular solid can be determined by wholly submerging it in the liquid in the container and noting the increase in reading.

Gravity: ᐅᖁᒪᐃᓐᓂᖃᖅᑎᑦᑎᔪᖅ: uqumainnaqaqtittijuq: gravité

A force of attraction between two masses. On Earth, this force is predominantly between an object and the planet itself, and results in the object's weight.

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H

Haemoglobin: ᐊᐅᖕᒦᑦᑑᑉ ᓴᙱᓂᖓ: aungmiittuup sanngininga: hémoglobine

An iron compound giving the characteristic red colour to the oxygen-carrying blood cells of vertebrates. Also spelled hemoglobin.

Habitat: ᓇᔪᖅᑕᐅᔪᖅ ᐆᒪᔪᓄᑦ: najuqtaujuq uumajunut: habitat

The setting—the local environment—where an organism lives. For example, Alpine valleys, meadows, riverbanks and tidal ponds are habitats.

Hair: ᓄᔭᖅ, ᒥᖅᑯᖅ, ᐅᒥᒃ: nujaq, miqquq, umik: cheveux

A protective and heat-preserving covering of the skin of mammals. Whiskers, bristles, and furs are special types of hair.

Hatching: ᑐᑭᕐᓂᖅ: tukirniq: éclore

Emerging from an incubated egg. Compare with live birth. See Incubation.

Heart: ᐆᒻᒪᑦ (ᐆᒻᒪᑎ): uummat (uummati): coeur

A muscular organ that pumps blood through the body's circulatory system.

Herb: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᖅ ᕿᔫᓂᖃᙱᑦᑐᖅ: piruqtuq qijuuniqanngittuq: herbe

A flowering plant that does not produce woody tissue. A number of herbs are used in flavouring food.

Herbicide: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᓂᒃ ᑐᖁᓴᐃᔾᔪᑦ: piruqtunik tuqusaijuq: herbicide

A chemical substance used to kill unwanted vegetation. Such a substance may have undesired environmental effects.

Herbivore: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᖅᑑᒪᔪᖅ/ᓄᓇᑑᒪᔪᖅ: piruqtuqtuumajuq/nunatuumajuq: herbivore

A vegetation-eating animal such as a caribou, muskox, cow, or horse. Such animals have teeth suited to grinding and digestive systems able to assimilate cellulose. Compare with Carnivore, Omnivore.

Hibernation: ᐅᑭᐅᓕᒫᖅ ᓯᓂᖕᓂᖅ: ukiulimaaq siningniq: hiverner

A sleeplike condition marked by lowering of body temperature and slowing of body processes, by means of which some animal species survive the cold and food shortage of winter months. See also Migration, Estivation.

Hills: ᖃᖅᑲᐃᑦ: qaqqait: colline

Land form that is elevated, usually rounded, and less high than a mountain. Where high peaks do not exist, higher hills may be locally regarded as mountains.

• Big Hill/Mountain: ᖃᖅᑲᖅ: qaqqaq
• Gentle Hill: ᖃᖅᑲᔮᖅ: qaqqajaaq
• Exposed Bedrock: ᖃᐃᖅᓱᒑᖅ: qaiqsugaaq
• Rounded Hill: ᐱᖑᒃ: pinguk
• Small Rounded Hill: ᐱᖑᐊᕐᔪᒃ: pinguarjuk
• Ridge On A Hillside: ᑎᓱᐊᖅ: tisuaq
• Hoodoos: ᐊᓱᖓᓱᖔᖅ: asungasugaaq
• Gully: ᑰᕈᖅ: kuuruq
• High Hill/Mountain: ᑭᙵᖅ: kinngaq

Hormone: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔭᐃᔨᖓ: timiup aulajjaijinga: hormone

A secretion produced in a plant or animal to regulate or influence life processes. In humans, hormones are secreted by endocrine glands, and include growth hormone, insulin, adrenaline, and sex hormones. These hormones enter the circulatory system and affect organs far removed from where the hormones are secreted.

Humidity: ᑭᓂᐸᓂᖅ: kinipaniq: humidité

A measure of the moisture—water vapour—present in air. Absolute humidity gives the mass of water vapour in a given mass of air. Relative humidity gives the water vapour present as a percentage of the mass which, at the given temperature, would represent saturation.

Hurricane: ᐊᑦᓛᓐᑎᒃ ᑕᕆᐅᕐᔪᐊᖓᓂᑦ ᐅᓚᔪᔭᕐᔪᐊᖅ: atlaantik tariurjuanganit ulajujarjuaq: ouragan

A violent storm with heavy rain and strong winds originating over tropical waters (Atlantic or Caribbean) and occasionally progressing to higher latitudes. Winds spiral about a centre eye of low pressure, moving counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere. Such a storm in the Pacific is called a typhoon.

Hydrogen: ᐳᓪᓚᕐᓂ ᐅᕿᓐᓂᖅᐹᖅ: pullarni uqinniqpaaq: hydrogène

The lightest of the elements, in a colourless, odourless gas found in water and in organic compounds. Hydrogen burns vigorously in oxygen, yielding water vapour (this is rapid combustion, not an explosion).

Hydrometer: ᐃᒪᕐᒥᒃ ᐅᖁᒪᐃᓐᓂᖅᓯᐅᕈᑦ: imarmik uqumainniqsiurut: hydromètre

A calibrated instrument designed to measure the mass density or the relative density of a liquid.

Hydrosphere: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉᐃᒪᖓ: nunarjuap imanga: hydrosphère

The water on the Earth's surface. Some 74 per cent of the planet's surface is covered by water.

Hygrometer: ᑭᓂᐸᓂᖅᓯᐅᕈᑦ: kinipaniqsiurut: hygromètre

An instrument which measures the humidity of the atmosphere.

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I

Ice: ᓯᑯ: siku: glace

Water in its frozen state. The prevalence of ice in northern latitudes has given rise to a rich vocabulary of ice forms and ice phenomena.

• Chunk: ᓂᓚᒃ: nilak
• Extended Area: ᓯᑯ: suku
• Icicle: ᑯᓱᒐᖅ: kusugaq
• Ice Pillar: ᑯᓯᓕᓂᖅ: kusiliniq
• Rough Sea ice: ᒪᓃᓚᖅ: maniilaq
• Smooth Sea Ice: ᒪᓂᕋᖅ: maniraq
• Iceberg: ᐱᖃᓗᔭᖅ: piqalujaq
• Old Ice: ᓯᑯᑐᖃᖅ: sikutuqaq
• Pre-Rotting Ice: ᐃᑎᓯᐅᕋᖅᑐᖅᓂᑎᓂᐅᓂᒥᑭᖑᖏᑎᒥᖏ: itisiuraqtuqnitiniunimikingungitimingi
• Rotting Ice: ᑭᓛᔪᖅ: kilaajuq
• Snowish Ice: ᐊᐳᑖᖓᔪᖅ: aputaangajuq
• Open Water Due To A Strong Current: ᐊᐅᒃᑲᕐᓂᖅ: aukkarniq
• Floe Edge: ᓯᓈᖅ: sinaaq
• Ice-Quake: ᐃᕗᔪᖅ: ivujuq
• Ice Pan Breaking-Away: ᐆᒃᑲᖅᑐᖅ: uukaqtuq
• Person Stranded On Ice Floe: ᐆᒃᑲᕈᔾᔭᖅ/ᓵᑦᑕᖅ: uukkarujjaq/saattaq
• Person Carried Away On Floe: ᐅᐃᓴᐅᔪᖅ: uisaijuq
• Person Back From Ice Floe: ᑑᕝᕕᑦᑐᖅ: tuuvvittuq
• Ice Falling From A Berg: ᖃᖑᖅ: qanguq
• Pressure Ridge: ᖁᒡᓗᖕᓂᖅ: quglungniq
• Open Pressure Ridge: ᐋᔪᕋᖅ: aajuraq
• Freezing Shoreline: ᖃᐃᙳ: qainnguq
• Cracks Paralleling The Shoreline: ᓇᒡᒍᑎ: nagguti
• Cracks Extending From The Shoreline: ᖁᖕᓂᖅ: qungniq
• Cliff Of Ice: ᐊᒋᐅᑉᐱᓂᖅ: agiuppiniq

Ice Age: ᓯᑯᓯᒪᕐᔪᐊᕐᓂᖅ: sikusimarjuarniq: période glaciaire

An interval of colder climate when polar icefields grow and extend themselves into more temperate latitudes. The last ice age extended into southern Canada and the United States and ended 10 000 years ago. Temperatures at that time are considered to have averaged about 8°C lower than today.

Ice, Dry: ᐊᓂᖅᓵᖅᐸᒃᑕᖅ ᖁᐊᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ: aniqsaaqpaktaq quaqsimajuq: neige carbonique

The solid form of carbon dioxide. Goods may be packed in dry ice to keep them cold for shipping. At normal pressure dry ice does not melt, but sublimates directly to carbon dioxide gas.

Ichthyologist: ᐃᖃᓗᖕᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: iqalungnik qaujisaqti: ichtyologiste

A scientist who specializes in ichthyology.

Ichthyology: ᐃᖃᓗᓕᕆᓂᖅ: iqaliliriniq: ichtyologie

The scientific study of fish.

Igneous Rock: ᐅᔭᕋᒃ ᐊᐅᒪᓂᑯ: ujarak aumaniku: roche ignée

Igneous, like ignite and ignition, refers to fire. Igneous rock is rock that originally was molten, either as magma beneath the Earth's surface, or as lava which escaped from a volcano. The cooling of magma results in crystal formation.

Inclined Plane: ᓯᕕᖓᔪᖅ: sivingajuq: plan incliné

A simple machine which permits an object to be slid or rolled up a gradual slope rather than be lifted vertically. The energy required is identical, but the inclined plane permits a smaller force to act through a greater distance.

Incubation: ᐃᕙᔭᐅᓂᖅ: ivajauniq: incubation

The sitting on eggs of a bird to provide warmth and protection from the moment when the eggs are laid until they hatch. Also, caring for eggs or for premature infants in an incubator.

Incubator: ᐃᓄᖅᑑᓯᕝᕕᒃ, ᑐᑭᖅᓰᕕᒃ: inuqtuusivvik, tukiqsiivik: couveuse/incubateur

A bop-like apparatus providing a sheltered, controlled environment for eggs developing toward hatching or for the care of premature infants.

Indicator: ᓇᓗᓇᐃᖅᓯᔾᔪᑦ: nalunaiqsijjut: indicateur

A substance which serves to show the presence of another substance or the extent to which a chemical reaction has progressed. Litmus paper (red = acid, blue = base) and phenolphthalein (colourless = acid, red = base) are used as indicators of acidity/alkalinity.

Inertia: ᓱᕐᕋᒍᒪᙱᓐᓂᖅ: surragumannginniq: inertie

The resistance of a body to change in its state of rest or motion.

Inferring: ᓇᓗᙱᓐᓂᖅ: nalunnginniq: tirer une conclusion de

Making a judgment based on evidence. Inferring is a science process skill. For example, a beaker of water remains uncovered in the classroom and the level of water in the beaker drops. We infer that water has evaporated, although we could not actually observe vapour entering the atmosphere.

Inquiry Skills: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕈᓐᓇᕐᓂᖅ: qaujisarunnarniq: habilités de renseignement

Skills needed to question what is happening and the reason for an occurrence. Inquiry skills are important in science learning.

Insect: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐃᓪᓗ ᑯᒪᐃᓪᓗ: qupirruillu kumaillu: insecte

A class of invertebrates having a body of three parts (head, thorax, abdomen), having three pairs of legs and possibly one or two pairs of wings. Most insects span through three stages: larva, pupa, adult. Some 700 000 insect species have been recorded. See Animals, Northern.

Insecticide: ᐊᓇᙱᖅᓯᐅᑦ/ᖃᐅᒪᔭᖅᓯᐅᑦ: ananngiqsiut/qaumajaqsiut: insecticide

A chemical substance intended to kill insects. Such a substance may, however, have unexpected effects on species that prey on such insects or on the environment in general. Also, insect species may, with time, adapt and become resistant to an insecticide.

Insectivore: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᑐᖅᑎᑦ: qupirrutuqtit: insectivore

An animal whose diet is insects. Some bird and bat species are among organisms living entirely on insects. Insects like the praying mantis live entirely on other insects (e.g. grasshoppers).

Instinct: ᐱᔪᓐᓇᑲᐅᑎᒋᓂᖅ/ᐱᔪᓐᓇᑦᑕᐅᑎᒋᓂᖅ: pijunnakautiginiq/pijunnattautiginiq: instinct

A tendency to behave in a particular way which is innate rather than learned. A mother dog's care for her pups appears to be mainly instinctive.

Instrument, Scientific: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᐅᑎᑦ: qaujisautit: instrument scientifique

A device for extending the sensitivity of an observation (e.g. microscope, stethoscope, telescope) or for measuring (quantifying) an observation (anemometer, barometer, micrometer, thermometer).

Insulation: ᐃᑭᐊᕐᒥᒃ: ikiarmik: isolation

Material which prevents or reduces the flow of heat or electricity. Thus, a building may be insulated to conserve heat, and a wire insulated to permit it to carry electrical current.

Interpreting Data: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᑯᒥᒃ ᑐᑭᓕᐅᕆᓂᖅ: qaujisarnikumik tukiliuriniq: interpréter des données

Using collected survey or experimental results (data) to arrive at possible answers to a problem. Graphing can be useful in such a process. Interpreting data is a science process skill.

Interval Scale: ᐊᑯᓐᓂᓕᕆᓂᖅ ᐲᔭᐃᓂᒃᑯᐃᓐᓇᖅ: akunniliriniq piijainikkuinnaq: échelle d'intervalle

A scale of measurement in which meaningful comparisons are limited to differences (intervals) rather than ratios. "The patient's fever has gone from 38.5°C to 39.5°C in the last hour, an increase of 1.0°C," is meaningful, but "the patient is 79/77 as feverish" is not. The Celsius temperature scale lacks the "true zero" necessary for ratio comparisons. See Ratio Scale, Zero.

Invertebrates: ᕿᒥᕐᓗᖃᙱᑦᑐᑦ: qimirluqanngittut: invertébrés

Animals which lack a backbone or skeletal structure such as insects, spiders, snails, and worms.

Ion: ᒥᑭᓐᓂᖅᐹᖅ ᓱᑲᓐᓇᓕᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ: mikinniqpaaq sukannaliqsimajuq: ion

A charged particle in solution. The charge involves loss or gain of (negatively charged) electrons. A cation has lost one or more electrons, making it positively charged. An ion has gained one or more electrons, making it negatively charged. Such a solution conducts electrical current.

Iron Filings: ᐊᒋᐊᕐᓂᕐᓗᑯᐃᑦ: agiarnirlukuit: limaille

Small chips or flakes (filings) of iron, a grey metallic element, used in class or laboratory to show magnetic fields. Such filings sprinkled about a magnet or pair of magnets (perhaps on an overhead projector) will serve to indicate poles, attraction or repulsion, and magnetic lines of force.

Island: ᕿᑭᖅᑕᖅ: qikiqtaq: île

A land form in which land is completely surrounded by water. For instance, Greenland is considered to be the world's largest island. Larger land masses as Australia and Antarctica are considered continents.

Isobar: ᓯᓚᓯᐅᑎᑦ ᐊᔾᔨᒌᖕᓂᖏᑕ ᓇᓗᓇᐃᒃᑯᑕᖏᑦ: silautit ajjigiingningita nalunaikkutangit: isobare

On a weather map, a curve connecting points reporting the small barometric pressure changes.

Isotherm: ᐅᖅᑰᓂᖃᖃᑎᒌᑦ ᓇᓗᓇᐃᒃᑯᑕᖏᑦ: uqquuniqaqatigiit nalunaikkutangit: isotherme

A curve connecting points reporting the same temperature on a weather map, as commonly seen in newspapers.

Isthmus: ᐃᑎᓪᓕᖅ: itilliq: isthme

A narrow strip of land connecting larger landmasses or connecting a peninsula to the mainland. The Isthmus of Panama connects North America and South America. The Boothia Isthmus connects the Boothia Peninsula to the North American mainland.

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J

Joule: ᔫᐅᓪ: jaaul: joule

In physics, unit of work or energy. The work done when a force of one newton acts through one metre.

Jungle: ᐅᖅᑰᓪᓗᓂ ᐱᕈᖅᑐᓕᒡᔪᐊᖅ: uqquulluni piruqtuligjuaq: jungle

In humid, tropical climate, land overgrown with vines and other dense vegetation.

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K

Kelp: ᕿᖅᑯᐊᖅ, ᐃᖂᑎᑦ, ᑯᐊᓐᓃᑦ: qiqquaq, iquutit, kuanniit: varech

A large and conspicuous "seaweed" (a brown alga) which floats by means of air-filled bladders and which can grow to 20 metres in length. Kelp ashes, rich in potassium and iodine, have been used as fertilizer.

Kinetic Energy: ᐃᖏᕐᕋᔫᑉ ᑲᔪᓯᓂᖓ: inngirjuup kajusininga: énergie cinétique

The energy of motion. A speeding car or a falling object possesses kinetic energy.

Kingdom: ᐃᓛᒃᑰᖅᑐᓕᒃ ᐱᐅᓯᓖᑦ: ilaakkuuqtulik piusiliit: règne

One of five major categories into which all living things are classified. These kingdoms serve to group (i) animals (ii) plants (multicelluar and capable of photosynthesis) (iii) fungi (e.g. mushrooms, molds) (iv) protists (unicellular organisms such as the amoebae and paramecium) (v) monerans (particularly simple organisms such as bacteria and blue-green algae).

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L

Laboratory: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᕕᒃ: qaujisarvik: laboratoire

A place for scientific study where experiments can be designed and carried out.

Lava: ᐅᔭᕋᒃ ᐊᐅᒪᔪᖅ: ujarak aumajuq: lave

Magma which reaches Earth's surface, as from a volcano. Lava solidifies to form fine grained igneous rock. Extremely rapid cooling (as when volcanic outflow reaches seawater) can result in obsidian (volcanic glass).

Leaf: ᐅᖃᐅᔭᖅ: uqaujaq: feuille

The part of a plant in which photosynthesis and evapotranspiration mainly take place. There is a great variety at sizes, shapes, and arrangements of plant leaves.

Lens: ᐃᒐᓚᐅᔭᖅ: igalaujaq: lentille

A glass or plastic piece having one or both surfaces curved to bend light rays to magnify or otherwise alter an image. Reference may also be to the transparent part of the eye.

Lever: ᐃᔾᔫᑕᖅ: ijjuutaq: levier

A simple machine comprising a rigid rod pivoted at a fixed point, the fulcrum. The lever may serve to multiply force or to apply a force at a given position. A crowbar and a shovel act as levers.

Lichen: ᖁᐊᔭᐅᑎᑦ: quajautit: lichen

A plant arrangement combining a fungus with a green alga or a blue-green bacterium. Arctic lichens grow slowly on rocks, but can withstand severe conditions.

Light: ᐃᑯᒪ, ᖃᐅᒪ: ikuma, qauma: lumière

The narrow spectrum of electromagnetic radiation to which the human eye is sensitive. We "see" a range of colours from red (longer waves) through violet (shorter waves), but do not respond to the infrared (except as warmth) or the ultraviolet (to which insects may be sensitive). Ultraviolet, which is not immediately sensed, penetrates outer skin layers and can lead to tanning.

Lightning: ᑲᓪᓕᖅ: kalliq: éclairs

A high-energy electrical discharge within a cloud, between clouds, or between clouds and the surface. The discharge produces visible light (lightning) and the associated sound phenomenon (thunder).

Linear Motion: ᑐᑭᒧᑦ ᐃᖏᕐᕋᔪᖅ: tukimut ingirrajuq: mouvement linéaire

Motion in a straight line. This contrasts with curvilinear motion (as of Earth in its orbit) and random motion, a combination of motions of random direction and length (as of molecular particles, the so-called Brownian motion).

Liquid: ᐃᒥᖅ, ᐃᒪᖅ: imiq, imaq: liquide

The state in which matter has definite volume but no definite shape, conforming to the shape of its container. A liquid solidifies (freezes) to a solid and evaporates to a gas.

Lithosphere: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᓄᓇᐅᓂᖓ: nunarjuap nunauninga: lithosphère

Earth's hard outer layer. See also Hydrosphere, Atmosphere.

Litre: ᓖᑕ: liita: litre

A unit of volume (or capacity) equivalent to a cube 10 centimeters on each edge. A litre of water has a mass of almost exactly 1 kilogram. The litre is subdivided to 1,000 millilitres, a common unit for many classroom purposes.

Longitude: ᓄᓇᙳᐊᑉ ᑐᑭᒧᑦ ᓇᓗᓇᐃᒃᑯᑕᖏᑦ: nunannguap tukimut nalunaikkutangit: longitude

A measure of position on the Earth's surface. The angle at the Earth's centre between the north-south great circles passing through the given location and the "zero meridian," through Greenwich Observatory, London. Longitude is measured east or west of London.

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M

Machine: ᐱᓕᕆᔪᓐᓇᐅᑎᑦ: pilirijunnautit: machine

A device permitting force to be applied in an advantageous manner to accomplish mechanical work. Six simple machines introduced in school science are: inclined plane, lever, pulley, screw, wedge, wheel and axle.

Magma: ᐅᔭᕋᒃ ᐊᐅᒪᔪᖅ: ujarak aumajuq: magma

Liquid rock beneath a planet's surface. If magma leaves the Earth's interior through a volcanic crater or a fissure, it is then known as lava. Magma cools to produce igneous rock.

Magnet Permanent: ᓂᐱᖅᑲᕐᓇᖅ: nipiqqarnaq: aimant permanent

A piece of magnetic material as iron, nickel, cobalt which has been magnetized and therefore attracts magnetic substances and either attracts or repels other magnetized object. Permanent magnets are commonly in the shape of a bar, horseshoe or disc. See also Electromagnet, Magnetic Pole.

Magnetic Field: ᓂᐱᖅᑲᕐᓇᖅᑕᓕᒃ: nipiqqarnaqtalik: champ magnétique

The region around a permanent magnet or an electromagnet in which the effects of magnetism can be detected.

Magnetic Pole: ᓂᐱᖅᑲᕐᓇᐅᑉ ᓂᐱᓐᓇᕐᓂᖏᒃ: nipiqqarnaup nipinnarningik: pôle magnétique

In any magnet, one of two locations where magnetic force appears to be concentrated. In a bar magnet, poles (one north, one south) are near the ends, separated by a distance five-sixths of the length of the magnet.

Magnetic Pole, Earth's: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᓂᐱᖅᑲᕐᓇᖏᒃ: nunarjuap nipiqqarnangik: pôle magnétique terrestre

Either of two points, one in the northern hemisphere, one in the southern hemisphere, where Earth's magnetism appears to be concentrated. These poles do not coincide with the geographical poles, and their actual position varies continuously.

Male: ᐊᖑᑦ (ᐃᓄᒃ), ᐊᖑᓴᓪᓗᖅ(ᓂᕐᔪᑎᑦ), ᐊᖑᑎᕕᐊᖅ(ᑎᖕᒥᐊᑦ): angut (inuk), angusalluq (nirjutit), angutiviaq (tingmiat): mâle

With reference to sexual reproduction, the sex that produces the fertilizing cell (sperm or pollen grain) to unite with the ovum or ovule to produce the new individual. In botany, reference may be to male parts of a flower having both male and female characteristics.

Mammal: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᐊᒫᒪᒃᑎᑦᑎᔪᑦ: uumajut amaamaktittijut: mammifère

A class of warm-blooded vertebrate animals having hair as an insulating body cover, the female secreting milk to nourish the young.

Mass: ᐅᖁᒪᐃᓐᓂᓕᒃ: uqumainnilik: masse

A fundamental property of matter representing the amount of matter in an object. Mass is measured in kilograms or related units. Measurement is commonly established by weighing: the weight (gravitational pull) being proportional to the mass present (measurement by analogy).

Mass Density: ᐃᒃᑕᕆᖕᓂᖅ: iktaringniq: densité massique

The measure of mass per unit of volume (e.g. kilograms per cubic metre). Mass density can be an identifying attribute of a pure substance.

Matter: ᑭᓱᑐᐃᓐᓇᖅ ᐃᒃᑕᕆᖕᓂᓕᒃ: kisutuinnaq iktaringnilik: matière

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Matter may be further classified as pure substances and mixtures. Pure substances are elements and chemical compounds. Mixtures may be homogeneous (the same throughout) or heterogeneous. A solution is one type of homogeneous mixture.

Meander: ᓴᖑᐊᖅᑐᖅ: sanguaqtuq: méandre

A looping curve in a stream. Meanders result from continuing cutting out of the far side of developed curves and building up on the inside curves. A meander may eventually close back on itself, leaving what is known as an oxbow lake.

Measurement: ᐆᒃᑐᕋᕐᓂᖅ: uukturarniq: mesures

All measurements are comparisons with a standard unit. In saying that a community airport runway is 600 metres long, we compare the length of the runway to the standard metric measure of length, the metre. Other commonly encountered standard units include the kilogram for mass, litre for volume or capacity, joule for work or energy, newton for force, pascal for pressure (kilopascal for atmospheric pressure), and watt for power.

Measuring: ᐆᒃᑐᕋᖅᑐᖅ: uukturaqtuq: mesurer

Comparing an attribute of an object with a standard measure of that attribute. Measuring is a science process skill.

Measuring Tape: ᐆᒃᑐᕋᐅᑦ: uukturaut: mètre à ruban

A metal, plastic, or cloth tape calibrated in units of linear measure. A 100 centimetre cloth tape would give body measurements for clothing size. A 10 metre, 20 metre, or longer metal or plastic tape is useful for room and outdoor dimensions.

Mechanics: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ ᐊᐅᓚᓂᐅᑉ ᓴᙱᓂᖓᓂᒃ: qaujisarniq aulaniup sanngininganik: mécanique

The study of the action of forces on physical objects.

Metal: ᓴᕕᕋᔭᒃ: savirajak: métal

One of a class of elements or mixtures (alloys) that, in general, are lustrous solids and good conductors of heat and electricity. Gold, silver, iron, copper, and aluminum are metallic elements. Steel, bronze, and brass are metallic alloys. Mercury is, at room temperature, a liquid metal and a good conductor of heat and electricity.

Meteor: "ᐅᓪᓗᕆᐊᖅ ᐊᓇᖅᑎᓪᓗᒍ" ᐅᔭᕋᒃ ᐊᓂᕐᓂᖃᕐᓇᙱᑦᑐᒦᑦᑐᖅ: "ulluriaq anaqtillugu" ujarak anirniqarnanngittumiittuq: météore

A bright, moving object in the sky representing matter from space that gives off light from friction with the Earth's atmosphere.

Meteorite: "ᐅᓪᓗᕆᐊᑉ ᐊᓇᖓ" ᐅᔭᕋᒃ ᐊᓂᕐᓂᖃᕐᓇᙱᑦᑐᒥᖖᒑᖅᑐᖅ: "ulluriap ananga" ujarak anirniqarnanngittuminngaaqtuq: météorite

A fragment of rock or metallic substances which has fallen to Earth from outer space.

Meteorologist: ᓯᓚᒥᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: silamik qaujisaqti: météorologiste

A scientist who specializes in meteorology. The meteorologist may serve as a weather forecaster, or work in government, in business or in a university.

Meteorology: ᓯᓚᒥᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: silamik qaujisarniq: météorologie

The science which studies atmospheric conditions, recording and predicting weather.

Meter: ᐆᒃᑐᕋᐅᑦ: uukturaut: compteur

A measuring instrument such as a barometer (air pressure), chronometer (precise measurement of time), odometer (distance), speedometer (speed), or thermometer (temperature).

Metric System: ᒦᑕᒃᑯᑦ ᐆᒃᑐᕋᐅᓯᖅ: miitakkut uukturausiq: système métrique

The system of measurements to which Canada has been committed since 1970 is the International System of Units. Units in this system include the metre for length, kilogram for mass, joule for energy, newton for force, pascal for pressure, and degree Celsius for temperature.

Microscope: ᐊᖏᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: anginnaqtuq: microscope

An instrument to magnify small objects. Usually refers to a compound microscope, having magnifying lenses in the eyepiece and also close to the object. Effective magnification is the product of the lenses' magnifications.

Migration: ᑕᒡᔪᐊᕐᓂᖅ: tagjuarniq: migration

Moving seasonally or periodically from one region to another, commonly in response to seasonal changes in food supply. Most northern birds migrate when insects and seeds become unavailable. Migration also occurs in mammals (caribou herds), fish, and some insects. See Endnote 7.

Milk: ᐃᒻᒧᒃ: immuk: lait

A white fluid secreted by female mammals as nourishment for their young. The milk of cows and certain other mammals is significant in human nutrition.

Milky Way: ᕿᓚᐅᑉ ᐊᕕᒍᑖ: qilaup avigutaa: la voie lactée

The galaxy in which our Sun is a star. From Earth, the Milky Way appears as a band of light in the night sky.

Mixture: ᑲᑎᖅᓱᒐᖅ: katiqsugaq: mélange

A combination of two or more substances where chemical reaction has not occurred. Mixtures can be separated by physical means. Air is a mixture of gases, chiefly nitrogen and oxygen. An alloy is a mixture of metals. Compare with solution.

Molecule: ᐃᓚᐅᕈᑎᒥ ᒥᑭᓐᓂᖅᐹᖅ: ilaurutimi mikinniqpaaq: molécule

The smallest particle in which a chemical compound exists. Molecules consist of one or more atoms.

Momentum: ᑲᔪᓯᓂᖅ: kajusiniq: force vive

The driving force gained by movement. Linear momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity.

Moon: ᑕᖅᑭᑦ: taqqit: lune

The natural satellite of a planet. Most planets have one or more moons orbiting them. The four largest of Jupiter's moons may be viewed with a small telescope.

Moon, The: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑦᑕ ᑕᖅᑭᖓ: nunarjuatta taqqinga: la lune

The Earth's natural satellite, unusual in that it is so large in comparison with the planet itself. A "dead world" of cratered rock, lacking both atmosphere and surface water.

Moraine: ᕿᒡᒍᖅ: qigguq: moraine

An accumulation of rock and soil that has been pushed along the side (lateral moraine) or in front of (terminal moraine) a moving glacier. Where tributary glaciers flow together, the result may be a medial moraine.

Mortar and Pestle: ᓯᖃᑦᑎᕆᕝᕕᒃ/ᓯᖁᓪᓗᐃᕕᒃ ᐊᒻᒪ ᓯᖃᑦᑎᕆᔾᔪᑎ/ᓯᖁᓪᓗᐃᔾᔪᑎ: siqattirivvik/siqulluivik amma siqattirijjuti/siqulluijjuti: mortier et pilon

The mortar is a bowl-shaped container in which chemical substances are ground with the pestle into fine powder. In a classroom demonstration, a salt such as copper sulphate may be ground so that its particles will present more surface area, and, therefore, enter more rapidly into solution.

Moss: ᒪᓂᖅ/ᐃᔾᔪᖅ: maniq/ijjuq: mousse

One of a class of plants found mostly in damp places. Mosses have leafy stems and reproduce by spores.

Moth: ᑑᕐᖓᕕᐊᖅ: tuurngaviaq: lépidoptère

A flying insect of an order that includes butterflies and moths. Moths tend to have broader bodies than butterflies and to be active at night.

Mud: ᒪᕋᖅ/ᒪᕐᕋᖅ: maraq/marraq: boue

Wet, soft earth.

Multicellular: ᐊᔾᔨᒌᙱᑦᑑᑎᓂᒃ ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᓕᒃ: ajjigiinngittuutinik ijaruvaujalik: multicellulaire

An organism with various cells that carry out specialized functions within the single organism. For example, brain cells, blood cells, muscle cells and skin cells perform specialized functions within the human organism. See also Unicellular.

Muscle: ᓄᑭᒃ (ᐊᐅᓚᑕᕗᓪᓗ ᐊᐅᓚᙱᑕᕗᓪᓗ): nukik (aulautavullu aulanngitavullu): muscle

A type of body tissue capable of contracting and producing tension or movement. Muscle movements are voluntary (under control of the brain) or involuntary (those involved in certain autonomous body processes).

Mutation: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐊᓯᔾᔨᕐᓂᖓ: timiup asijjirninga: mutation

A change in the genes of a living organism. Such a genetic change may lead to new characteristics in organisms of subsequent generations.

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Neutron: ᓅᑐᕌᓐ (ᒥᑭᓐᓂᖅᐹᑉ ᐆᒪᔾᔪᑖᓂ ᐃᒃᑕᕆᖕᓂᖅ): nuuturaan (mikinniqpaap uumajjutaani iktaringniq): neutron

An uncharged particle in the nucleus of an atom.

Newton: ᓅᑕᓐ: nuutan: newton

A standard unit for the measurement of force. A kilogram mass in Earth's gravity experiences a force (gravitational pull) of nearly 10 newtons.

Nicotine: ᑕᕝᕚᑭᒦᑦᑐᖅ ᐅᐃᕆᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: tavvaakimiittuq uirinnaqtuq: nicotine

An addictive, toxic alkaloid, which is the active ingredient in tobacco and tobacco smoke. Nicotine has limited use as an insecticide.

Nitrogen: ᐳᓪᓚᖅ ᐱᑕᖃᕐᓂᖅᐹᖅ: pullaq pitaqarniqpaaq: azote

An odourless, colourless gas that makes up roughly four-fifths of the air we breathe. This nitrogen is exhaled, unaltered, when we breathe out. Nitrogen compounds needed to live are obtained by humans and other animals from the food they eat. See Nitrogen Cycle.

Nitrogen Cycle: ᐳᓪᓚᐅᑉ ᐊᑑᑎᖓᑕ ᐱᓕᖅᑭᒃᑕᕐᓂᐊ: pullaup atuutingata piliqqiktarnia: cycle de l'azote

The natural cycle in which nitrogen in the air is fixed into stable compounds by bacteria in the soil, absorbed by the roots of plants, consumed by herbivores, and eventually returned to the atmosphere. Nitrogen compounds in animal wastes serve to fertilize soil, and thus re-enter the cycle.

North Pole: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᑲᔾᔨᖓ: nunarjuap kajjinga: pôle nord

Latitude 90°N. The unique point at which Earth's axis of rotation (an imaginary line) reaches the surface in the far north. A corresponding South Pole exists on the Antarctic continent.

North Star: ᓅᑦᑐᐃᑦᑐᖅ: nuuttuittuq: étoile polaire

A conspicuous star which is directly above Earth's North Pole and which is therefore useful in visually estimating a place's latitude locating position in a northern sky. When viewed over a period of hours, the North Star appears to be stationary, and other stars appear to rotate about it, a reflection, of course, of Earth's planetary rotation.

Nuclear Energy: ᓄᖑᔪᐃᑦᑐᒥᑦ ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔭᐃᔾᔪᑦ: nungujuittumit aulajjaijjut: énergie nucléaire

Energy obtained from controlled changes in the nuclei of atoms. Either a heavy nucleus such as that of uranium is split (nuclear fission), or nuclei of lighter elements combine to yield a heavier nucleus (nuclear fusion), with energy given off in either instance.

Nucleus (Atomic): ᒥᑭᓐᓂᖅᐹᑉ ᐆᒪᔾᔪᑖ: mikinniqpaap uumajjutaa: noyau atomique

The positively-charged central core of an atom.

Nucleus (Cellular): ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᐅᑉ ᐆᒪᔾᔪᑖ: ijaruvaujaup uumajjutaa: noyau cellulaire

The membrane-enclosed portion of an animal or plant cell which contains genetic material.

Nutrition: ᓂᕿᑦᑎᐊᕙᓕᕆᓂᖅ: niqittiavaliriniq: nutrition

The scientific study of the nature and quantities of nutritive elements needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of living organisms and of the foods from which such nutritive elements may be obtained.

Nutritionist: ᓂᕿᑦᑎᐊᕙᓕᕆᔨ: niqittiavaliriji: nutritionniste

A scientist or health care worker who specializes in human (or other) nutrition.

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Observing: ᐅᔾᔨᖅᓱᕐᓂᖅ: ujjiqsurniq: observer

Taking note of what occurs. A science process skill that calls for seeing and using, as appropriate, other senses. Some instruments may extend observation skills, as a microscope or telescope increases the ability to see, or a stethoscope increases the ability to hear. Children learn to observe science experiences in their classroom and outdoors. Ravens sounds, appearance and behaviour, and the strategies that they use to get food, could represent a good experience in observation.

Ocean: ᑕᕆᐅᕐᔪᐊᖅ/ᐃᒪᕕᒃ: tariurjuaq/imavik: océan

A large, deep body of salt water.

Oceanographer: ᑕᕆᐅᕐᔪᐊᓕᕆᔨ/ᑕᕆᐅᕐᒥᐅᑕᓕᕆᔨ: tariurjualiriji/tariurmiutaliriji: océanographe

A scientist who specializes in the study of oceanography.

Oceanography: ᑕᕆᐅᕐᔪᐊᓕᕆᓂᖅ/ᑕᕆᐅᕐᒥᐅᑕᓕᕆᓂᖅ: tariurjualiriniq/tariurmiutaliriniq: océanographie

The science which studies the Earth's oceans, the sea floor, and the animal and plant life in them.

Ohm: ᐆᒻ: uum: ohm

The standard unit of electrical resistance.

Omnivore: ᓱᓇᓕᒫᖅᑑᒪᔪᖅ: sunalimaaqtuumajuq: omnivore

An animal that eats both animal and plant matter. Compare with Carnivore, Herbivore.

Orbit: ᑲᐃᕙᑦᑎᓂᖅ: kaivattiniq: orbite

The path of a planet or other body about the Sun or of a natural satellite (moon), artificial satellite, or spacecraft about Earth or about another body. Such orbits are, in general, elliptical. The orbit of Earth about the Sun is only slightly eccentric (off-circular). The orbit of a comet may be elliptical, parabolic, or hyperbolic, with periodicity (return of the comet at intervals) occurring only in the elliptical case.

Ore: ᓴᕕᕋᔭᒃᓴᖅ: savirajaksaq: minerai

A mineral from which a useful amount of a metal can be extracted. Bauxite is an aluminum ore.

Organism: ᐆᒪᔪᓕᒫᑦ, ᑭᓱᑐᐃᓐᓇᐃᑦ ᐆᒪᔪᑦ: uumajumit, kisutuinnait uumajut: organisme

A living thing. Some characteristics which distinguish a living thing are: (i) movement (in whole or in parts), (ii) obtaining and making use of food, (iii) growing and repairing body parts, (iv) reproduction, and (v) responding to change in the environment.

Ornithologist: ᑎᖕᒥᐊᓕᕆᔨ: tingmialiriji: ornithologiste

A scientist who specializes in ornithology.

Ornithology: ᑎᖕᒥᐊᓕᕆᓂᖅ: tingmialiriniq: ornithologie

The science which studies birds.

Ovary: ᒪᓐᓂᖃᕐᕕᒃ: manniqarvik: ovaire

The reproductive organ in which egg cells are produced in female animals. These cells, if fertilized, may develop to be eggs, as in birds, or embryos which in due course are born alive, as in most mammals.

Oviparous: ᒪᓐᓂᖃᓲᑦ: manniqasuut: ovipare

Said of an animal species. Reproducing by eggs that are formed (laid), incubated, and hatched. Ravens are oviparous. See also Viviparous.

Ovule: ᐱᕈᖅᓯᐊᒃᓴᒃᓴᖅ: piruksiaqsaksaq: ovule

The part of the reproductive system of a plant that, after fertilization by a pollen grain, becomes a seed. Hence, the unfertilized female reproduction cell of a plant.

Ovum: ᐃᓪᓚᐅᒃᓴᖅ: illauksaq: ovule

The mature reproductive cell of a female animal. The fertilized ovum becomes the egg (as in birds) or the embryo (then fetus, as in mammals). The ova (plural) are formed in the ovary. In plant reproduction, see Ovule.

• Bird: ᓯᖁᔅᓯᕋᖅ (ᑎᖕᒥᐊᖅ): siqusiraq (tingmiaq)
• Fish: ᓱᕙᒃ (ᐃᖃᓗᒃ): suvak (iqaluk)
• Mammal: ᐃᓪᓚᐅᒃᓴᖅ (ᓂᕐᔪᑎᑦ): illauksaq (nirjutit)

Oxygen: (ᐳᓪᓚᖅ ᐊᑐᕐᓂᖅᐹᖅ) ᐊᓂᕐᓂᒃᓴᖅ: (pullaq aturniqpaaq) anirniksaq: oxygène

A gaseous element making up about one-fifth of the air we breathe. Oxygen is also an abundant component of the water in oceans and lakes, and of the rocks in the Earth's crust. Oxygen is essential to the life processes of animals. Oxygen is produced as a product of life processes of green plants. See Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide Cycle.

Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide Cycle: ᐊᓂᖅᓵᖅᑐᕐᓂᒃᑯᑦ ᐱᓕᖅᑭᒃᓴᕐᓂᖅ: aniqsaaqturnikkut piliqqiksarniq: cycle oxygène-anhydride carbonique

The natural cycle in which carbon dioxide given off by animals, fires, and decomposing organic materials enters the atmosphere where it is taken in by plants and combined by photosynthesis into nutrients, the oxygen being returned to the atmosphere and to the cycle.

Ozone: ᐊᓂᕐᓂᖃᕐᓇᖅᑑᑉ ᖁᑦᑎᖕᓂᖓ: anirniqarnaqtuup quttingninga: ozone

A colourless gas formed in the upper atmosphere by the action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen. A naturally formed layer of ozone absorbs much ultraviolet radiation, protecting living organisms on Earth. Ozone also may be produced by the electrical discharges of a thunderstorm.

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Paleontologist: ᐅᔭᕋᒍᖅᑎᓯᒪᔪᒥᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: ujaraguqtisimajumik qaujisaqti: paléontologiste

A scientist who specializes in paleontology.

Paleontology: ᐅᔭᕋᒍᖅᑎᓯᒪᔪᒥᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: ujaraguqtisimajumik qaujisaqrniq: paléontologie

The scientific study of life in the geological past, as recorded in fossils.

Parasite: ᐆᒪᔫᖃᑎᒥᓂᒃ ᐆᒪᕕᖃᖅᑐᖅ: uumajuuqatiminik uumaviqaqtuq: parasite

An organism which lives on or in another living organism (the host), taking nourishment from it. The flea, louse, and tapeworm are among the better-known parasites of humans. The warble fly is a parasite of the caribou. There also are plants, such as mistletoe, which are parasites on other living plants.

Pascal: ᐸᔅᑳᓪ: paskaal: pascal

A standard unit for the measurement of pressure. Atmospheric pressure at sea level averages 101.325 kPa (kilopascals). (Other pressure units as the millimetre of mercury or the millibar, while nominally "metric," are of decreasing importance).

Pathogen: ᖃᓂᒪᓐᓇᖅᑐᓂᒃ ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐊᕐᔪᓕᐅᖅᑎ: qanimannaqtunik qupirruarjuliuqti: pathogène

An organism such as a bacterium or a virus which causes disease in a higher species.

Pathologist: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐋᓐᓂᐊᕐᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: timiup aanniqrninganik qaujisaqti: pathologiste

A scientist who specializes in pathology.

Pathology: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐋᓐᓂᐊᕐᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: timiup aanniqrninganik qaujisarniq: pathologie

The scientific study of diseases and their causes.

Pendulum: ᐊᕙᒻᒧᐊᒃᑐᖅ: avammuaktuq: pendule

A device comprising a heavy weight (the bob) at the end of a rigid, pivoted support. The "period" of a swinging pendulum (the time for one double swing) depends only on the effective length of the pendulum—the distance from the pivot to the centre of the bob. Pendulum clocks were used for centuries for the relatively accurate measurement of time.

Peninsula: ᓄᕗᐊᑦᑎᐊᖅ: nuvuattiaq: péninsule

Literally, almost an island. A land form in which land is almost completely surrounded by water into which it projects. Nova Scotia consists mainly of a peninsula and a large island, Cape Breton.

Perennial: ᐱᕈᒃᑲᓐᓃᓐᓇᓲᖅ: pirukkaniinnasuuq: plante pérenne

A plant living more than two years. Trees and many garden flowers are perennials.

Permafrost: ᓄᓇᐅᑉ ᕿᕿᓂᖓ: nunaup qiqininga: permafrost

Permanently frozen subsoil in polar areas. Permafrost occurs when the winter freezing of ground is greater than the summer thawing. Permafrost prevents plants from establishing deep roots and presents difficulties in construction.

Phase (Lunar): ᑕᖅᑭᐅᑉ ᖃᓄᐃᓐᓂᖓ: taqqiup qanuinninga: phase de la lune

Any of the succession of appearances of the Moon due to the change in illumination as the Moon revolves monthly (lunar month) about the Earth. The succession is from New Moon (no moon visible), through the crescent stage and First Quarter, through Full Moon, then the gibbous stage and Last Quarter. A planet such as Venus, brightly illuminated by the Sun, also displays (seen through a telescope) phases such as those of the Moon.

Photosynthesis: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᑦ ᐱᕈᕐᓂᖓ: piruqtut pirurninga: photosynthèse

The chemical process by which green plants use light energy (usually sunlight) to synthesize such organic compounds as starches and sugars from carbon dioxide and water. See Chlorophyll.

Phototropism: ᐱᕈᖅᑑᑉ ᓯᕿᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᒪᓕᔭᓐᓂᖓ: piruqtuup siqinirmik malijanninga: phototropisme

The tendency of a plant's leaves to grow toward a source of light. See also Geotropism.

Physicist: ᐊᐅᓚᔪᓐᓇᐅᑎᓕᖕᓂᒡᓗ ᐃᒃᑕᕆᖕᓂᓕᖕᓂᒡᓗ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: aulajunnautilingniglu iktaringnilingniglu qaujisaqti: physicien(ne)

A scientist who specializes in physics or in a branch of physics (e.g. nuclear physicist).

Physics: ᐊᐅᓚᔪᓐᓇᐅᑎᓕᖕᓂᒡᓗ ᐃᒃᑕᕆᖕᓂᓕᖕᓂᒡᓗ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: aulajunnautilingniglu iktaringnilingniglu qaujisarniq: physique

The scientific study of matter and energy, and of their interaction.

Physiologist: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: timiup aulaninganik qaujisaqti: physiologiste

A scientist who specializes in physiology.

Physiology: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: timiup aulaninganik qaujisarniq: physiologie

The scientific study of plant and animal vital functions such as nutrition, respiration, and reproduction. See also Anatomy.

Planet: ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᑦ ᓯᕿᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᑲᐃᕙᑦᑎᔪᑦ: nunarjuat siqinirmik kaivattijut: planète

In the Solar System, one of nine bodies which revolve about the Sun. In order of increasing distance from the Sun, these are: 1. Mercury, 2. Venus, 3. Earth, 4. Mars, 5. Jupiter, 6. Saturn, 7. Neptune, 8. Uranus, 9. Pluto. The outermost planet, Pluto, has a markedly eccentric orbit, and for part of its long year, passes inside the orbit of Uranus. Increasing evidence is accumulating that other, distant stars may have associated with them planets or systems of planets.

Plankton: ᐃᒪᕐᒥᐅᑕᑦ ᓅᑦᑐᓐᓇᙱᑦᑐᑦ: imarmiutat nuuttunnannittut: plancton

Minute organisms that drift or float in the ocean or other body of water. Plankton represent the basic food source of aquatic mammals. See Food Chain.

Plant: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᖅ: piruqtuq: plante

A living organism capable of synthesizing its own food from inorganic substances. In general, synthesis occurs in the leaves of the plant and involves a green colouring pigment, chlorophyll.

Plants, Northern: ᐅᑭᐅᖅᑕᖅᑐᒥᐱᕈᖅᑐᑦ: ukiuqtaqtumi piruqtut: plantes boréales

Flowering plants which are well known at northern latitudes include:

• Thrift Plant: ᐃᒻᒧᒃ: immuk
• Arctic Poppy: ᐃᒍᑦᑕᐃᑦ ᓂᕿᖏᑦ: iguttait niqingit
• Grass, Reed: ᐃᕕᒃ/ᐃᕕᒃᓱᒐᖅ: ivik/iviksugaq
• Woolly Louse Wort: ᐅᕐᔪᖕᓇᖅ: urjungnaq
• Arctic Willow: ᐅᖅᐱᒃ/ᐅᖅᐱᒐᖅ: uqpik/uqpigaq
• Arctic Willow Leaf: ᐅᖃᐅᔭᖅ: uqaujaq
• Yellow Oxytrope: ᐊᐃᕋᖅ: airaq
• Purple Mountain Saxifrage: ᐊᐅᐱᓚᑦᑐᙳᐊᖅ: aupilattunnguaq
• Arctic Birch: ᐊᕚᓚᕿᐊᖅ: avaalaqiaq
• Cloud Berry: ᐊᖅᐱᒃ: aqpik
• No entries: ᐳᔪᒃᓴᖅ: pujuksaq
• Dwarf Fireweed: ᐸᐅᓐᓇᖅ: paunnaq
• Black Berry, Crow Berry: ᐸᐅᕐᖓᖅ, ᐸᐅᕐᖓᖁᑎ: paurngaq, paurngaquti
• Black Hairlike Lichen: ᑎᕋᐅᔭᖅ/ᑎᖓᐅᔭᖅ: tiraujaq/tingaujaq
• No entries: ᑐᒃᑐ/ᓇᐸᔪᖓᐅᔭᖅ: tuktu/napajungaujaq
• Bistort: ᑐᖅᓚ: tuqla
• Rock/Mountain Cranberry: ᑭᖕᒥᖕᓇᖅ: kingmingnaq
• Blue Berry, Billberry: ᑭᒍᑕᖏᕐᓇᖅ, ᑭᒍᑕᖏᕐᓇᖁᑎ: kigutangirnaq, kigutangirnaquti
• Thick Bladed Grass: ᑭᓕᕐᓇᖅ: kilirnaq
• Bear Berry: ᑲᓪᓚ: killa
• Arctic Cotton Grass: ᑲᖒᔭᖅ/ᐳᐊᓘᔭᖅ: kingujaq/pualuujaq
• Prickly Saxifrage: ᑲᑭᓪᓚᕐᓇᖅ/ᑲᑭᓪᓚᕐᓇᖁᑎ: kakillarnaq/kakillarnaquti
• Mountain Aven: ᒪᓕᒃᑳᒃᓴᖅ, ᒪᓕᒃᖄᖅ: malikkaaksaq, malikqaasaq
• Yellow Lichen: ᓂᕐᓇᖅ: narnaq
• Arctic Willow Salix In Seed: ᓱᐳᑎ: suputi
• Arctic Willow Salix: ᓱᐳᑎᒃᓴᖅ: suputiksaq
• Mountain Sorrel: ᖁᖑᓕᖅ: qunguliq
• Least Willow: ᖁᐊᕋᖅ: quaraq
• Capitate Louse Wort: ᑯᑭᐅᔭᖅ: kukiujaq

See Endnote 9.

Power: ᓴᙱᓂᖅ: sannginiq: puissance

The rate of doing work or of consuming energy. The watt is the standard unit. A 60-watt light bulb uses electrical energy (converts it to light and, incidentally, heat) at a rate of 60 joules per second.

Precipitation: ᓯᓚᕐᓗᒃ (ᒪᖁᒃ, ᖃᓐᓂᖅ...): silaluk (maquk, qanniq …): précipitation

A general term for water falling from the atmosphere, whether liquid (rain, mist) or solid or crystalline (snow, hail, sleet). A weather station records total precipitation as rainfall plus the water equivalent of such frozen precipitation as snow.

Predator: ᓂᕿᑐᓲᖅ, ᓂᕿᒋᐅᑦᑐᖅ: niqitusuuq, niqigiuttuq: prédateur

An animal that hunts another animal (the prey) for food. For example, the wolf is a predator of the caribou.

Predicting: ᓇᓚᐅᑦᑕᐃᓂᖅ: nalauttainiq: prévoir

Literally, saying in advance. Forecasting what will appear on the basis of patterns and regularities observed in the past. Predicting is a science process skill. A child might add hot water to ice cubes and predict that ice will melt and that the resulting water will be cooler than the water at the start of the experiment.

Prey: ᐆᒪᔪᖅᑐᖅᑕᐅᓲᑦ (ᓂᕿᑐᖅᑕᐅᓲᑦ): uumajuqtuqtausuut (niqituqtausuut): proie

An animal that is hunted by another animal (the predator) for food. For example, the seal is a prey of the polar bear.

Process Skills: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓗᓂ ᐊᑐᖅᑕᐅᔭᕆᐊᓖᑦ: qaujisarluni atuqtaujarialiit: habiletés de processus

Interrelated intellectual skills for collecting and processing information which are developed in part through science learning and which, in turn, promote science understanding. As mandated for elementary classrooms of the Northwest Territories, there are twelve skills: classifying, communicating, defining operationally, experimenting, formulating hypotheses, formulating models, inferring, interpreting data, measuring, observing, predicting. More specifically, six of these skills are identified with science learning in the first three grades: observing, classifying, communicating, inferring, measuring, and predicting.

Producer: ᐱᕈᕈᑎᒃᓴᓕᐅᖅᑎ: pirurutiksaliuqti: producteur

An organism that manufactures food. Plants and some single-celled organisms are producers. Compare with consumers.

Protein: ᓂᕿᓂ ᓄᑭᑦᑎᐊᕆᖕᓇᖅᑐᖅ: niqini nukittiaringnaqtuq: protéine

Any of a family of organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulphur, found in all plant and animal organisms. A balanced intake of certain protein compounds is essential to the nourishment of animals.

Proton: ᐳᕉᑖᓐ (ᒥᑭᓐᓂᖅᐹᑉ ᐆᒪᔾᔪᑖᓂ ᐆᒪᔾᔭᑦᑎᐊᕆᒃᑐᖅ): puruutaan (mikinniqpaap umajjutaani uumajjattiariktuq): proton

A positively charged particle in the nucleus of an atom.

Pseudoscience: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᒻᒪᕆᐅᙱᑦᑐᖅ: qaujisarnimmariiunngittuq: pseudo-science

Any of several areas of inquiry and investigation which attempt a science-like classification of beliefs and concepts but whose hypotheses have, in general, not satisfied scientific testing methods. Pseudosciences include astrology (claimed influence of stars and planets on human existence), numerology (claimed influence of the numbers associated with a person's life), and such types of extrasensory perception as telepathy (communication between minds) and precognition (ability to know the future).

Psychologist: ᐃᓱᒪᓕᕆᔨ: isumaliriji: psychologue

A scientist who specializes in the study of psychology.

Psychology: ᐃᓱᒪᓕᕆᓂᖅ: isumaliriniq: psychologie

The science which studies mental processes and behaviour.

Pull: ᓄᑦᑐᖕᓂᖅ: nuttingniq: force d'attraction

A force of attraction, for example, "the pull of gravity."

Pulley: ᐃᑲᔫᑦ/ᓄᓱᐊᕉᑦ: ikajuut/nusuaruut: poulie

A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim to accommodate a rope or belt by means of which a load can be raised. A pulley system may multiply force or change its direction.

Push: ᐊᔭᐅᕐᓂᖅ: ajaurniq: poussée

A force of repulsion.

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Q

Quantifying: ᓈᓴᐅᓯᖅᓯᓂᖅ: naasausiqsiniq: quantifier

Expressing amounts and measures in terms of number relations. Having quantified, the next step is to seek relationships among the variables. Northwest Territories curriculum publications link quantifying with measuring as a science process skill.

Quantity: ᖃᔅᓯᐅᓂᖏᖓ: qassiuninga: quantité

A numerical count or estimate.

Quarry: ᐅᔭᕋᒃᑕᕐᕕ, ᑐᐊᐸᒃᑕᕐᕕᒃ: ujaraktarvik, tuapaktarvik: carrière

Excavation (pit) from which stone is removed by cutting or blasting and used in building or road construction.

Quartz: ᐊᓕᒍᖅ: aliguq: quartz

A hard mineral, found in deposits, as a component of rocks, and as sand. The hardness serves in quartz identification, as it is one common mineral that will scratch glass.

Quicksand: ᒪᕐᕆᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: marrinnaqtuq: sable mouvant

Loose, wet deep sand into which a person or heavy object may sink.

Quota: ᑰᑕ: kuuta: quote-part

A maximum number or limiting amount. The number of animals permitted to be killed in a harvest is a common reference to quota.

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R

Radioactivity: ᒪᖁᒃ: maquk: radioactivité

The giving off of particles or rays from the nucleus of an atom as the atom breaks down to yield a lighter element.

Rain: ᒪᖁᒃ, ᓯᓚᓗᒃ, ᓂᐸᓗᒃ: maquk, silaluk, nipaluk: pluie

Precipitation from the atmosphere in liquid form, as raindrops or drizzle. Rainfall can be measured with a simple instrument: the rain gauge.

Rainbow: ᐊᔭᒍᑕᖅ, ᑲᑕᐅᔭᖅ, ᓱᑲᖅ: ajagutaq, kataujaq, sukaq: arc-en-ciel

An arc of colours in the sky produced when sunlight is bent in droplets of falling rain. The sun is behind the observer, and the colours of the light spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) are displayed. Under ideal conditions, an outer secondary rainbow may be visible, the order of colours being reversed.

Ratio Scale: ᖃᓄᖅ ᐊᔾᔨᒌᙱᑎᒋᖕᒪᖔᑕ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕈᑦ: qanuq ajjigiinngitigingmangaata qaujisarut: raison à l'échelle

In measurement, a scale having a "true zero." When we compare lengths of eight metres and two metres, it is reasonable to say that the first measurement is four times the second measurement. It would not be reasonable to say that 40°C is twice as warm as 20°C—the Celsius scale is an interval scale and, as such, lacks a true zero. See Interval Scale, Zero.

Reflection: ᑕᕐᕋᖅ: tarraq: réflexion

The rebounding from a surface, as light from a mirror. An echo is the reflection of sound.

Refraction: ᓴᖑᖅᑰᔨᑎᑦᑎᓂᖓ/ᓴᖑᔫᔮᖅᑎᑦᑎᓂᖓ ᐃᒪᐅᓪᓗ ᐊᓕᒎᓪᓗ: sanguqquujitittiniga/sangujuujaaqtittininga imaullu aliguullu: réfraction

The bending of light as it passes from one material to another. Refraction involving air of different densities produces the phenomenon called a mirage.

Relative Density: ᐃᒪᕐᒧᓪᓗ ᐳᓪᓚᕐᒧᓪᓗ ᒥᒃᓴᐅᓯᖅᓯᓂᖅ: imarmullu pullarmullu miksausiqsininq: densité relative

The ratio comparison of the mass density of a subject to that of a standard substance (commonly water for solids and liquids, air for gases). Alternatively, the ratio comparison of the mass of an object with that of an equal volume of a standard substance. Mercury, the liquid metal, has a mass density of 13.6: its mass (13.6 kg/m³) is 13.6 times that of the standard substance: water (1 kg/m³).

Reproduction: ᕿᑐᕐᖏᐅᕐᓃᑦ: qiturngiurniit: reproduction

In life science, the production of a new individual organism from reproductive cells of existing individuals, male and female (sexual reproduction), or from a single existing organism (asexual reproduction). Seeds of plants and offspring of animals normally derive from sexual reproduction (see Genetics). Examples of asexual reproduction include budding in yeast, and the origin of a new plant from the "eye" of a potato.

Reproductive System: ᕿᑐᕐᖏᐅᕈᓯᖅ: qiturngiurusiq: système reproducteur

The organs and structures associated with the sexual reproduction of a species. In mammals, they include sources of reproductive cells (ovaries, testes) and related female and male structures. In higher plants, parts where the ovules and pollen are produced, along with structures to facilitate fertilization.

Repulsion: ᓂᐱᑎᑕᒃᓴᐅᙱᓐᓂᖅ: nipititaksaunnginniq: répulsion

A tendency of two entities to push apart as with like magnetic poles (north or south) or objects having the same charge (positive or negative) in electrostatics.

Reptile: ᕋᑉᑕᐃᓕ: raptaili: reptile

A cold-blooded, egg-laying vertebrate that breathes air, and is covered by scales or plates. Crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and lizards are reptiles.

Rhizome: ᐊᐃᕋᖅᑎᒍᐃᓐᓇᖅ/ᐊᑦᑕᑎᑎᒍᐃᓐᓇᖅ ᕿᑐᕐᖏᐅᕐᓂᖅ: araqtigutuinnaq/attatitigutuinnaq qiturngiurniq: rhizome

A horizontal underground stem which in some plant species may serve for vegetative reproduction. This is similar to the rootstock of the strawberry or rhubarb.

River: ᑰᒃ: kuuk: rivière

A large stream of water flowing in a definite course.

Rock: (ᐅᔭᕋᒃ) ᐅᔭᖅᑲᑦ: (ujarak) ujaqqat: roche

A solid composition of mineral particles generally found beneath soil, and constituting Earth's outer crust. Rocks are commonly classified as igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary, according to their origin. See Rock Cycle. Geology is the scientific study of rocks and minerals.

Rock Cycle: ᐅᔭᖅᑲᑦ ᐱᓕᖅᑭᒃᑕᕐᓂᖓ: ujaqqat piliqqirtarninga: cycle de roche

The natural succession over the ages of igneous rocks, formed as molten rock; metamorphic rocks, modified by heat and pressure; and sedimentary rocks, formed under pressure from accumulations resulting from weathering and erosion.

Rocket: ᖁᒻᒧᐊᔪᖅ: qummuajuq: fusée

A vehicle or device propelled forward by discharging backward the products of combustion.

Rodent: ᑭᒋᖅᑎ: kigiqti: rongeur

A relatively small mammal, often characterized by strong front teeth. Beavers, squirrels, rats, mice, and lemmings are rodents.

Root: ᐊᐃᕋᖅ, ᐊᒻᒫᖅ, ᓂᐅᓗᑦ, ᐊᑦᑕᑎᑦ: airaq, ammaaq, niulut, attati: racine

The part of a plant that anchors it in the soil and serves to absorb water and minerals. Some plants store food in modified root structures (carrots, beets).

Ruler: ᐆᒃᑐᕋᐅᑦ: uuktutaut: règle

A straightedge calibrated in units of linear measure, normally centimetres or millimetres. Metre sticks and shorter rulers of 20 centimetre or 30 centimetre length should be appropriate for most science-class linear measurements. Science teaching uses exclusively metric units.

Runner: ᓇᑲᒥᒍᑦ ᓯᐊᒻᒪᕐᓂᖅ: nakamugut siammarniq: coureur

A trailing stem of certain plants terminating in a miniature plant which roots in soil. Strawberry plants and the spiderplant (attractive classroom vegetation) reproduce largely by means of runners.

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S

Salt: ᑕᕆᐅᑦ: tariuq: sel

A chemical compound resulting from the reaction of an acid and a base. Naturally occurring salts are leached from rocks and soils; they end up as the salt water of oceans and some inland seas. Common table salt is sodium chloride.

Sand: ᓯᐅᕋᖅ: siuraq: sable

Loose particles from the wearing down of rock. Typically, sand occurs on beaches, river beds, and in desert areas. Sand may be compressed into sandstone.

Sap: ᖁᕐᓕᐊᖅ: qurliaq: sève

Fluid that circulates in a plant, carrying nourishment. Maple syrup is prepared from the sap of the sugar maple.

Satellite: ᖁᒻᒧᐊᒃᑎᑕᐅᓯᒪᔪᖅ: qummuaktitausimajuq: satellite

A natural or artificial object, orbiting about the Sun, a planet, a moon, or other heavenly body. A communications satellite is in orbit about Earth, normally at such an altitude that, as the Earth rotates, it remains over the same position on Earth's surface (geosynchronous orbit).

Scale (Zoology): ᑲᕕᓯᖅ, ᐊᒥᕋᕐᓗᒃ: kavisiq, amirarluk: écaille

A protective overlapping plate covering the skin, as in many fish and reptiles.

Science: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: qaujisarniq: science

An organized body of knowledge based upon systematic study and accepted methodology. See Endnote 10.

Science, Specialized Branches: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓃᑦ: qaujisarniit: les sciences

Names given to some of the principal branches of science and to the men and women who have them as scientific specialties:

Agriculture, Agriculturist: study/student of the cultivation of land for growing crops and rearing livestock; Agronomy, Agronomist: study/student of soil management and crop production; Anthropology, Anthropologist: study/student of human societies, customs, and beliefs; Archaeology, Archaeologist: study/student of past societies through their remains; Astronomy, Astronomer: study/student of the solar system, the stars, and other aspects of space; Biology, Biologist: study/student of living things; See Botany, Zoology, and their subdivisions; Botany, Botanist: study/student of plant life; Chemistry, Chemist: study/student of substances, their compositions, and their reactions; Climatology, Climatologist: study/student of climate and of its long-term trends; Ecology, Ecologist: study/student of living things and of their relationships; Entomology, Entomologist: study/student of insects; Genetics, Geneticist: study/student of human, animal, or plant heredity; Geology, Geologist: study/student of rocks and minerals; Herpetology, Herpetologist: study/student of reptiles and amphibians; Ichthyology, Ichthyologist: study/student of fish; Mammalogy, Mammalogist: study/student of mammals; Medical Science, Physician or Medical Researcher: general practice and numerous specialized areas; Meteorology, Meteorologist: study/student of weather, its observation, and its short-term prediction; Ornithology, Ornithologist: study/student of birds; Paleontology, Paleontologist: study/student of life in the geological past; Parasitology, Parasitologist: study/student of parasitic organisms and their effects on host species; Pathology, Pathologist: study/student of diseases and their causes; Physics, Physicist: study/student of physical properties and physical processes; Physiology, Physiologist: study/student of vital processes of plants or animals; Psychology, Psychologist: study/student of mental processes and behaviour; Seismology, Seismologist: study/student of earthquakes; Vulcanology, Vulcanologist: study/student of volcanoes; Zoology, Zoologist: study/student of animal life.

Science Fair: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᒐᕐᓂᒃ ᑕᑯᔭᒃᓴᐅᑎᑦᑎᓂᖅ: qaujisagarnik takujaksautittiniq: expo-science

An educational arrangement whereby individual students or groups of students select and research a scientific topic and present their findings through posters, demonstrations, and oral presentations to judges and to a critical audience. A highly developed procedure in some areas at senior high school level, but accessible in simplified form to younger children and to elementary classes.

Scientific Method: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕈᓯᖅ: qaujisarusiq: méthode scientifique

A method of obtaining and extending knowledge through observation, tentative generalization from observations (formulating a theory, a hypothesis), testing of this generalization through further observations and experiments, and accepting provisionally the verified generalization.

Scientific Notation: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕈᓯᕐᒥ ᓈᓴᐅᓯᖅᓱᐃᓂᖅ: qaujisarusirmi naasausiriniq: notation scientifique

The representation of a measurement or other numerical quantity as the product of a number between 1 and 10 (to appropriate precision) times an integral power of 10. For example, the age of planet Earth is estimated to be 4.65 × 10⁹ years.

Scientist: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎᒻᒪᕆᒃ: qaujisaqtimmarik: savant(e)

An expert or a practitioner in a scientific specialty. The scientist normally has met the requirements for advanced degrees in his/her field, and is employed by an educational institution, a government department, or industry. See Science Specialized Branches.

Screw: ᕿᔾᔮᖅ: qijjaaq: vis

A simple machine consisting, essentially, of an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.

Sea: ᑕᕆᐅᖅ: tariuq: mer

A body of salt water. A sea may be part of an ocean or may be landlocked, as is the Dead Sea.

Sedimentary: ᕿᒻᒪᑯᑦ ᐅᔭᕋᒍᕐᓂᑯᑦ: qimmaku ujaragurniku: sédimentaire

Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediments (weathered rock particles or shells) from rivers and streams are deposited, accumulated, and compressed over the ages. Fossils are found in sedimentary rocks.

Seed: ᐱᕈᖅᓯᐊᒃᓴᖅ (ᐱᕈᖅᑐᒃᓴᖅ): piruqsiaksat (piruqtuksat): graine

The reproductive body of a plant, capable of developing into a new plant. A seed results when the ovule (female cell) is fertilized by a pollen grain (male cell).

Seismograph: ᓴᔪᐱᓪᓚᖕᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᐅᑦ: sajupillangnirmik qaujisaut: sismographe

A scientific instrument which detects, records, and measures earthquakes.

Seismologist: ᓴᔪᐱᓪᓚᒃᑐᓕᕆᔨ: sajupillaktuliriji: sismologie

A scientist who specializes in seismology.

Seismology: ᓴᔪᐱᓪᓚᓕᕆᓂᖅ: sajupillaliriniq: sismologue

The science which studies earthquakes.

Sense: ᖃᐅᔨᔾᔪᑎ: qaujijjuti: sens

An information—gathering faculty of an organism. Human senses are sight or vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch (in general, but especially sensation in the fingertips).

Shadow: ᑕᕐᕋᖅ: tarraq: ombre

An area of relative darkness caused by the blocking of light rays. A lunar eclipse results when the shadow of Earth falls on the Moon. Distinction may be made between the umbra, where there is total blockage of light, and the penumbra, where light intensity is reduced due to partial blockage.

Shell: ᓴᐅᓂᖅ: sauniq: coquille

A hard, protective outer covering in many sea and land organisms.

Sight: ᑕᐅᑐᖕᓂᖅ: tautungniq: vue

The ability to see. The eyes are the organs of sight.

Siphon: ᑲᔪᓯᖏᓐᓇᐅᑦ: kajusinginnaut: siphon

A device that permits the transfer of a fluid from a higher to a lower level due to differences in pressure.

Skeleton: ᓴᐅᓃᓐᓇᖅ: sauniinnaq: squelette

The framework of bones supporting and, in certain cases, protecting the body of a vertebrate. See also Exoskeleton.

Slide: ᕿᙳᑎᑦ ᐊᓕᒍᕋᓛᖏᒃ: qinngutit aliguralaangik: plaque

A small rectangular glass plate on which an object is placed through a microscope. The object is covered with a thin cover glass.

Snow: ᐊᐳᑎ: aputi: neige

Solid precipitation in the form of crystalline flakes formed by the freezing water vapour in the atmosphere. Also, the accumulation of this precipitation on the ground. Specialized vocabulary listed below.

• Tongue-Like Snow Drift: ᐅᖃᓗᕋᖅ: uqaluraq
• Snow Block: ᐊᐅᕕᖅ/ᓴᕘᔭᖅᑐᐊᖅ: auviq/savuujqaqtuaq
• Snow On The Ground: ᐊᐳᑦ: aput
• Overhanging Snow: ᐊᓗᐃᖅᑲᓂᖅ: aluiqqaniq
• Snow For Drinking: ᐊᓂᐅ: aniu
• Perpetual Snow Patch: ᐊᓂᐅᕙᒃ: aaniuvak
• Soft Undercrust Snow: ᐊᕿᓪᓗᖅᑲᖅ: aqilluqqaq
• Harder But Breakable Snow: ᐳᑲᐃᖓᔪᖅ: pukaingajuq
• Uniformly Soft Snow: ᐳᑲᒃ: pukaq
• Granular, Crystallized Snow: ᐳᑲᔮᖅ: pukajaaq
• Hard Packed Snow: ᑎᓯᓪᓗᖅᑲᖅ: tisilluqqaq
• Deep Snow: ᒪᐅᔭᖅ: maujaq
• Slush: ᒪᓴᒃ: masak
• Wet Snow: ᒪᓴᖕᓇᖅᓯᔪᖅ: masangnaqsijuq
• Snow Marbles: ᓂᓚᕈᕙᒃ: nilaruvak
• Ground Drifting: ᓇᑎᕈᕕᐊᒃᑐᖅ: natiruviaktuq
• Sleet: ᓇᑕᖅᑯᕐᓇᖅ: nataqqurnaq
• Sparkling Snow: ᕿᓪᓛᓂᖅ: qillaaniq
• Snow Drift: ᕿᒧᒡᔪᒃ: qimugjuk
• Fluffy Snow On The Ground: ᖃᓂᐅᑎ: qaniuti
• Snow Flurry: ᖃᓐᓂᐊᐱᒃᑐᖅ: qanniapiktuq
• Snow Fall: ᖃᓐᓂᖅᑐᖅ: qanniqtuq

Solar Energy: ᓯᕿᓂᕐᒥᑦ ᐊᐅᓚᔪᓐᓇᐅᑦ: siqinirmit aulajunnaut: énergie solaire

Energy derived from that portion of the Sun's radiation that strikes Earth. Solar energy warms water and land, causes evaporation to perpetuate the water cycle, and provides light for photosynthesis. Solar energy may also refer to electrical energy derived from solar radiation through photovoltaic cells.

Solar System: ᓯᕿᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᑲᐃᕙᑦᑎᔪᑦ: siqinirmik kaivattijut: système solaire

The Sun and the planets and other bodies that orbit about it. Comets, asteroids, meteoroids, and planets' moons therefore also belong to the Solar System.

Solid: ᑕᖏᓕᒃ: tangilik: solide

The state in which matter has definite volume and shape (regularity of structure) Solids are crystalline, and their atoms are more closely packed than in other states. The matter in a solid may liquefy (melt) to liquid state or sublimate directly to gaseous state.

Solidification: ᑕᖏᖅᑖᕐᓂᖅ: tangiqtaarniq: solidification

The changing of a substance from liquid to solid state. This change in water usually is termed freezing.

Solstice: ᓯᕿᓂᐅᑉ ᐅᑎᕆᐊᕐᓂᖓ: siqiniup utiriarninga: solstice

Literally "sun stands still," the time in June and December when day by day, the Sun ceases and reverses its tendency to be higher or lower in the sky. Accordingly, for locations where the noon Sun remains above the horizon, the longest and shortest days of the year. Exact dates are affected by leap years, reflecting the fact that Earth's year is not an integral number of Earth's days (1 solar year = 365.242 solar days). The solstices, traditionally, mark the beginning of summer and winter seasons.

Solute: ᐊᐅᒃᑎᑕᖅ: auktitaq: substance en solution

In solution, the substance that is being dissolved.

Solution: ᐊᐅᒃᑎᑦᑎᓂᒃᑯᑦ ᐃᓚᓯᒪᔪᖅ: auktittinikkut ilasimajuq: solution

A mixture, uniform throughout, of a liquid (the solvent) and a solid or gas (the solute) where chemical properties are unchanged. A solution in alcohol is called a tincture (e.g. tincture of iodine). A solution in mercury is called an amalgam (e.g. dental amalgam). Sea water is a solution of salts in water.

Sound: ᑐᓴᖅᓴᖅ: tusaqsaq: son

A longitudinal (compressional) wave form of energy of a frequency and intensity that is capable of being detected by the human ear. Sound originates with a vibrating body. For transmission, sound waves require a medium such as air or water. Frequencies between 20 hertz (vibrations per second) and 20 000 hertz are audible to most humans, though sensitivity at higher frequencies tends to diminish with age. Still, higher frequencies are audible to dogs and to some other animals.

Species: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᐊᔾᔨᒌᖕᓂᖏᑦ: uumajut ajjigiingningit: espèce

In the overall classification of organisms, a group of similar individuals capable of breeding and producing fertile offspring. Dogs represent a species, birds (being of many species) do not.

Species, Endangered: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᓄᖑᓕᖅᑐᑦ: uumajut nunguliqtut: espèce en voie d'extinction

A species that is considered to be close to becoming extinct.

Species, Extinct: ᐆᒪᔪᑦ ᐱᑕᖃᕈᓐᓃᖅᑐᑦ: uumajut pitaqarunniiqtut: espèce disparue

A species which no longer exists. All dinosaur species are extinct. The mammoth, dodo, and passenger pigeon have become extinct in relatively recent times.

Spectroscope: ᖃᐅᒪᒥᒃ ᕿᒥᕐᕈᐊᕈᑎ: qaumamik qimirruaruti: spectroscope

An instrument used to measure the bands or lines of light in a spectrum.

Spectrum: ᐊᔭᒍᑕᐅᑉ/ᑲᑕᐅᔭᐅᑉ/ᓱᑲᐅᑉ ᑕᖅᓴᖏᑦ: ajagutaup/kataujaup/sukaup taqsangit: spectre

The band of colours into which white light can be separated. Its appearance resembles the rainbow, which is a natural colour separation.

Spider: ᐋᓯᕙᒃ: aasivak: araignée

An eight-legged invertebrate, having a body in two parts, which is capable of spinning silken threads for cocoons and webs, often elaborate, to trap insect prey. Some spiders are venomous. See Venom. Compare with insect.

Spontaneous Generation (Abiogenesis): ᑕᕝᕙᙵᑦᑕᐃᓐᓇᖅ ᓴᖅᑭᓐᓂᖅ: tavvanngattainnaq saqqinniq: génération spontanée

The scientific theory, now discredited, that life arises "spontaneously" when conditions are right to support it; that, for example, flies appear on rotting meat which can provide needed nourishment. Carefully controlled experiments confirm that unless there have been flies to lay eggs, new flies (maggots) will not spontaneously appear.

Spore: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᒃᓴᖅ: piruqtuksaq: spore

The microscopic reproductive cell (corresponding to a seed) in a plant such as a mushroom or a fern.

Stalactite: ᑯᓱᒐᖅ: kusugaq: stalactite

An icicle-like accumulation of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof of a limestone cave. See also Stalagmite.

Stalagmite: ᑯᓱᒐᓕᓂᖅ: kusugaliniq: stalagmite

A pillar-like accumulation of calcium carbonate rising from the floor of a limestone cave. See also Stalactite.

Starch: ᑭᓂᖅᓴᐅᑦ: kiniqsaut: amidon

A carbohydrate which is important in human nutrition and which is available from a range of plant sources.

Stem: ᐊᑦᑕᑦ, ᓇᑲᒃ, ᓇᑲᖅ: attat, nakak, nakaq: tige

The above-ground central part of a plant which serves to support the leaves and flowering parts, and to transport water and minerals from the roots and nutrients from the leaves.

Stomach: ᐊᕿᐊᕈᖅ: aqiaruq: estomac

A major organ of digestion. Digestion begins in the mouth with the mixing of food and saliva, and continues in the stomach and small intestine where the food mixes with the acids and other secretions.

Strait: ᐃᑭᖅ, ᐃᑭᕋᓴᒃ, ᐃᑲᕐᕋᖅ: ikiq, ikirasak, ikarraq: détroit

A narrow channel that connects two larger bodies of water; for example, Hudson Strait.

Stratification: ᖃᓕᕇᒃᑐᑦ: qaliriiktut: stratification

Arrangement in layer or strats. Sedimentary rock may show stratification. The dating of fossils depends partly upon the principle that younger layers normally lie on top of older layers.

Streak (Mineral): ᕿᓱᖕᓂᑯ: qisungniku: veine

The line where a mineral specimen has been scraped along the surface of a tile of unglazed pottery (streak plate). The colour of the streak provides a more reliable identification of the mineral than the surface colour of the specimen.

Sublimation: ᑕᖏᐅᓚᐅᖅᖢᓂ ᐳᓪᓚᕈᕐᓂᖅ: tangiulauqłuni pullarurniq: sublimation

Change of state from solid directly to gas, as with dry ice or with snow which disappears without appreciable melting.

Sugar: ᓱᑲᖅ, ᒪᒪᖅᓴᐅᑦ, ᓯᐅᕋᐅᔮᖅᑐᖅ: suqaq, mamaqsaut, siuraujaaqtuq: sucre

A sweet, crystalline substance synthesized from carbon dioxide and water by chlorophyll in the leaves of plants. Much commercial sugar comes from sugar cane and sugar beets (recall also maple sugar), but sugars are present in juices of all plants.

Sun: ᓯᕿᓂᖅ: siqiniq: soleil

The star—a fairly representative one—about which Earth and eight other planets revolve. The Sun is the source of most light and warmth that reaches the Earth's surface.

Sunlight: ᓯᕿᓐᓂᕐᓂᖅ, ᓯᕿᓂᐅᑉ ᖃᐅᒪᓂᖓ: siqinnirniq, siqiniup qaumaninga: lumière du Soleil

Light derived from the Sun's visible spectrum. Refraction shows this white light as a rainbow of colours—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, purple. See Spectrum. The blue is more scattered by atmospheric particles (hence the blue sky), giving sunlight at ground level a yellowish appearance. See Photosynthesis.

Switch: ᐃᑭᑦᑕᐅᑦ: ikittaut: commutateur

A device which can control a process; for example, the flow of an electric current.

Symbol, Chemical: ᐃᓚᐅᕈᑎᒃᓴᐃᑦ ᓇᓗᓇᐃᒃᑯᑎᖏᑦ: ilaurutiksait nalunaikkutangit: symbole chimique

See Chemical Symbol.

Symbol, Measurement Unit: ᐆᒃᑐᕋᐅᓰᑦ ᓇᓗᓇᐃᒃᑯᑎᖏᑦ: uukturausiit nalunaikkutangit: symbole métrique

Measurement units are denoted by standard symbols, and simple rules govern their use. Symbols for units likely to be used in the elementary science classroom or science fair projects are:

• length or distance: metre, m; centimetre, cm; millimetre, mm
• mass: gram, g; kilogram, kg; milligram, mg
• area: square metre, m²; square centimetre, cm²
• volume/capacity: cubic centimetre, cm³
• volume/capacity: litre, L
• energy/work: joule, J
• force: newton, N
• pressure: pascal, Pa
• atmospheric pressure: kilopascal, kPa
• time: second, s; minute, min; hour, h; year, y
• temperature: degree Celsius, °C

Symbols are not abbreviations. They are neither pluralized nor followed by a period—unless there is a period for the end of a sentence. A space separates the numeral from the symbol, except for degrees Celsius where the degree sign substitutes for the space. For example, 78 cm, 2.7 kg, 100 mL, 200°C.

Symbiosis: ᐆᒪᑎᖃᑦᑕᐅᑎᓂᖅ: uumatiqattautiniq: symbiose

A situation in which two living things live together and each is necessary to the other. For example, a lichen consists of an alga and a fungus, where the alga provides nourishment for the fungus and the fungus assures moisture for the algae.

Synthesis: ᑲᑎᖅᓱᐃᓪᓗᓂ ᓴᓇᓂᖅ: katiqsuilluni sananiq: synthèse

The combining of component parts to make a complex whole. The artificial production of a substance which occurs naturally, such as synthetic rubber. See Analysis. See also Photosynthesis.

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T

Tadpole: ᐱᒡᓕᕆᐊᒃᓴᖅ: pigliriaqsak: têtard

The immature form of a frog or toad. Tadpoles live in water and obtain their oxygen through gills.

Taiga: ᓇᐹᖅᑐᕋᓛᓕᒃ: napaaqturalaalik: taïga

Evergreen coniferous forest, a biome which extends across North America's subarctic. The tundra is north of the taiga.

Taste Bud: ᐅᖃᐅᑉ ᑎᐱᓯᐊᕈᑎᖏᑦ: uqaup tipisiarutingit: papille gustative

The bump on the surface of the tongue that is sensitive to taste. In humans, taste buds on different parts of the tongue are sensitive to sweet, salty, sour, and bitter taste.

Taxonomy: ᐆᒪᔪᓂᒃ ᐱᕈᖅᑐᓂᒡᓗ ᓇᓗᓇᐃᔭᐃᓂᖅ: uumajunik piruqtuniglu nalunaijainiq: taxonomie

A system of classification by ranks or taxa (taxons); in particular, the scientific classification of living and extinct organisms.

Technology: ᓴᓇᕐᕈᑏᑦ ᐊᑑᑎᖏᑕ ᖃᐅᔨᒪᔭᐅᓂᖏᑦ: sanarrutit atuutingita qaujimajauningit: technologie

The application of scientific knowledge and discoveries to industrial processes and to aspects of daily living. The airplane, automobile, communications satellite, computer, television, and global positioning system are examples of modern technology.

Temperature: ᐅᖅᑰᓂᖅ, ᓂᒡᓚᓱᖕᓂᖅ: uqquuniq, niglasungniq: température

A measure of warmth—that is, of the activity level of the molecules of a subject. Measurement is by the thermometer. Temperature scales used in science are the Celsius scale and Kelvin (absolute) scale (or, equivalently, the kelvin unit).

Terrarium: ᐱᕈᖅᑐᒃᑯᕕᒃ: piruqtukkuvik: terrarium

An aquarium-like tank containing soil, moisture, and other requisites for the study and exhibit of such land organisms as plants or small animals.

Testes: ᐃᒡᔫᒃ: igjuuk: testicules

In male mammals, the organs producing the sex cells (sperm) and male sex hormones.

Test-Tube: ᐊᓕᒍᑯᑖᒃ: aligukutaak: éprouvette

A glass tube closed at one end, used in laboratories to perform tests and to observe chemical reactions. The glass will normally permit intense heating.

Theory: ᑕᐃᒪᐃᓐᓇᓱᒋᓐᓈᓂᖅ: taimainnasuginnaaniq: théorie

A reasoned idea advanced as an explanation that remains subject to verification. Continental drift began as a theory, but increasing evidence suggests that it is true.

Thermometer: ᐆᓇᕐᓂᖅᓯᐅᑦ: uunarniqsiut: thermomètre

An instrument for the measurement of temperature. Measurement may be in terms of the expansion of a coil spring, the change with temperature of electrical resistance, the colour change of liquid crystal, or other scientific principle.

Thunder: ᐃᒃᑐᓚᐅᖅ/ᐃᕗᓘᒥ: iktulauq/ivuluumi: tonnerre

The sound accompanying a lightning discharge. The lightning is seen virtually instantaneously, while the sound follows after an interval where three seconds corresponds to one kilometre.

Thunderstorm: ᑲᓪᓕᖅᑐᖅ: kalliqtuq: orage

A storm condition, sometimes violent, where rain is accompanied by lightning discharge and thunder. Characteristic thunderhead cloud formations are associated with thunderstorms, and winds and hail may also occur.

Tide: ᐅᓕᑦᑕᕐᓂᖅ: ulittarniq: marée

The periodic rise and fall in the level of seas (and some large lakes) caused by Earth's rotation and the gravitational pull of Moon and Sun.

• Flow: ᐅᓕᑦᑐᖅ, ᐅᓕᙵᔪᖅ: ulitttuq, ulinngajuq
• Ebb: ᑎᓂᑦᑐᖅ, ᑎᓂᙵᔪᖅ: tinitttuq, tininngajuq

Tideland (Tidal Zone): ᐅᓕᓐᓂᖅ, ᑎᓂᓐᓂᖅ: ulinniq, tininniq: laisse

The shoreline between low and high tide levels, marked by tidal pools and significant diversity of marine organisms.

Time: ᐊᓂᒍᖅᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖅ: aniguqpallianiq: temps

Treated as a dimension in much of science, the succession that represents past, present, and future. Time is measured in units that reflect the Earth's movements (days and years), ancient Babylonian sexagesimal (sixties) reckoning (hours, minutes, and seconds), and multiples of ten (decades, centuries, millennia). The rock cycle is measured by geological time.

Toad: ᐱᒡᓕᕆᐊᑦ ᓄᓇᒥᐅᑕᑦ: pigliriat nunamiutat: crapaud

A frog-like amphibian having dry bumpy skin, living mostly on land.

Tobacco: ᑎᐹᒃ, ᑕᕝᕚᑭ: tipaak, tavvaaki: tabac

A broad-leaved plant of Western Hemisphere origin grown for its leaves which are smoked (as cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco), used as snuff or as chewing tobacco. The active ingredient is nicotine, an alkaloid which has come to be recognized as highly addictive.

Tornado: ᐅᓚᔪᔭᕐᔪᐊᖅ: ulajujarnjuaq: tornade

A violent, localized storm phenomenon characterized by a rapidly rotating funnel-shaped cloud which may reach ground level.

Touch: ᐃᒃᐱᖕᓂᕐᓂᖅ: ikpingnirniq: toucher

The sense that allows the texture of an object to be perceived. In humans, this sense is highly developed in the tips of the fingers.

Tree: ᓇᐹᖅᑐᖅ: napaaqtuq: arbre

A perennial plant with an upright woody stem or trunk. Most trees are deciduous (shedding their leaves in autumn) or coniferous (evergreen).

Tree Line: ᓇᐹᖅᑐᖃᕐᓂᖅ: napaaqtuqarniq: limite des arbres

In the Northern Hemisphere, an appropriate line which marks the furthest north that trees will grow. (Kuujjuaq lies on the tree line in Arctic Quebec, and trees growing there are of reduced height and limited to sheltered areas).

Tributary: ᐊᕙᓗᖅᑯᐊᖅ, ᓴᐳᑕᐅᔭᖅ: avaluqquaq, saputaujaq: tributaire/affluent

A river that joins another to produce a larger river. Also, a glacier that similarly flows into another glacier.

Troposphere: ᐃᓗᓪᓕᖅ ᐊᓂᕐᓂᖃᕐᓂᐅᑉ: ilulliq anirniqarniup: troposphère

The lowest level of the Earth's atmosphere (up to 20 kilometres), in which most weather phenomena occur.

Trough: ᐃᖏᐅᓕᐅᑉ ᐊᑦᑎᖕᓂᐊ: ingiuliup attingninga: creux d'une vague

The lowest point of a wave.

Tsunami: ᒪᓕᒡᔪᐊᖅ: maligjuaq: tsunami

A large, destructive ocean wave caused by an earthquake or an undersea volcanic eruption.

Tundra: ᓇᐹᑐᖃᕈᓐᓇᙱᑦᑐᖅ: napaaqtuqarunnanngittuq: toundra

A biome north of the tree line having slight precipitation and long and severe winters. Mosses and lichens are its dominant plant forms.

Typhoon: ᐸᓯᕕᒃ ᑕᕆᐅᕐᔪᐊᖓᓂᑦ ᐅᓚᔪᔭᕐᔪᐊᖅ: pasivik tariurjuanganit ulajujarjuaq: typhon

A violent storm with heavy rain and strong winds like a hurricane originating over tropical Pacific waters.

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U

Ultrasonic: ᓂᐲᑦ ᑐᓵᔪᓐᓇᙱᑕᕗᑦ: nipiit tusaajunnanngitavut: ultrasonique

Refers to compressional waves similar to sound waves, but at a frequency higher than those which the human ear can register. A "silent" dog whistle creates ultrasonic frequencies that a dog is able to hear.

Unicellular: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᑐᐊᓕᒃ: ijaruvaujatualik: unicellulaire

Refers to a microscopic organism whose body comprises a single cell.

Universe: ᓯᓚᕐᔪᐊᖅ: silarjuaq: univers

Refers to the totality of matter, energy, and space.

Uterus: ᐃᒡᓕᐊᖅ: igliaq: utérus

The hollow organ in which the young offspring in a female mammal develop prior to birth.

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V

Valley: ᓇᖅᓴᖅ: naqsaq: vallée

A land form involving a depression between hills or other higher lands. A valley often has a river or stream flowing through it. Distinction may be made between a V-shaped valley caused by water erosion and a U-shaped valley caused by glaciation.

Vein: ᑕᖃ: taqa: veine

In the vertebrate circulatory system, a blood vessel that returns deoxygenated blood to the heart. Compare with Artery, Capillary. Refers also to the vein of a leaf, which transports water, minerals, and plant nutrients.

Velocity: ᓇᒧᙵᐅᓂᖅ ᓱᒃᑲᓕᓂᕐᓗ: namunngauniq sukkalinirlu: vélocité

Refers to the speed and direction of motion of an object.

Venom: ᑐᖁᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: tuqunnaqtuq: venin

Poisonous secretion produced by some animals as defence or to subdue prey. Some snakes inject venom through hollow fangs. Some insects defend themselves or their nests by stinging. Some spiders and scorpions also produce dangerous venom.

Vertebrate: ᕿᒥᕐᓗᓕᒃ: qimirlulik: vertébré

An animal with a backbone. Vertebrates include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Virus: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐃᑦ ᐊᐃᑦᑐᐃᓐᓇᖅᑐᑦ: qupirruit aittuinnaqtut: virus

A tiny entity capable of living and reproducing within cells. A range of viruses can be transmitted and cause disease in plants, animals, and humans. Influenza (flu) and the common cold are well-known viral infections.

Viviparous: ᐆᒪᔪᒥᒃ ᐃᕐᓂᓲᖅ: uumajunik irnisuuq: vivipare

Said of an animal species giving birth to live offspring. Polar bears are viviparous. See also Oviparous.

Volcano: ᐅᑯᔪᐊᓗᒃ: ukujualuk: volcan

The land form built up when lava, ash, and gases escape through the Earth's crust. A volcano may be active, dormant or extinct.

Volt: ᓱᑲᓐᓇᖅᑑᑉ ᓴᙱᓂᖓ: sukannaqtuup sanngininga: volt

The standard unit of voltage, the resistance associated with the flow of electrical current. For example, a 9-volt battery, a 110-volt electrical circuit in the home.

Vulcanologist: ᐅᑯᔪᐊᓗᓕᕆᔨ: ukujualuliriji: vulcanologiste

A scientist who specializes in vulcanology.

Vulcanology: ᐅᑯᔪᐊᓗᓕᕆᓂᖅ: ukujualuliriniq: vulcanologie

The scientific study of volcanoes.

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W

Waterfall: ᖁᕐᓗᖅᑐᖅ: qurluqtuq: chute d'eau

A vertical flow of water, typically from considerable height, where a river flows over a ledge.

Watt: ᕗᐊᑦ (ᖃᐅᒻᒪᖅᑯᑎᐅᑉ ᓴᙱᓂᖓ): vuat (qaummaqqutiup sanngininga): watt

A standard unit for the measurement of power.

Wave: ᒪᓕᒃ, ᒪᓕᐅᔭᖅ: malik, maliujaq: onde

In the most general sense, a disturbance or variation that transfers energy from point to point in a medium (e.g. sound wave in air, a longitudinal or compressional wave). Also, a moving ridge or swell on the surface of a liquid. (e.g. an ocean wave, which is a transverse wave). The high point of a wave is the crest; the low point is the trough. The wavelength is the distance between successive crests or successive troughs. The height of the wave is the vertical distance between trough and crest.

Wave Height: ᒪᓕᐅᑉ ᐳᖅᑐᓂᖓ: maliup puqtuninga: hauteur d'ondes

Vertical height from the wave trough to its crest.

Wavelength: ᒪᓕᐅᑉ ᐊᑯᓐᓂᖓ: maliup akunninga: longueur d'ondes

The horizontal distance between successive crests or successive troughs of a wave.

Weather: ᓯᓚᐅᑉ ᖃᓄᐃᓐᓂᖓ: silaup qanuinninga: temps

The current or short-term conditions of the atmosphere including temperature, pressure, wind speed and direction, sunshine and cloud cover, and amount and nature of precipitation. Long-term conditions constitute climate.

Weathering: ᓯᓚᒧᑦ ᓄᖑᑕᒃᑕᐅᕙᓪᓕᐊᔪᖅ: silamut nungutaktauvalliajuq: altération

The breaking down and alteration of rocks and minerals by physical and chemical processes, including frost action, temperature change, and acidic reactions. Removal of the products of weathering—as by water, wind, and glacial action—is termed erosion.

Weather Vane: ᐊᓄᕆᑦᑎᐅᑎ/ᐊᓄᕆᓯᐅᑎ: anurittiuti/anurisiuti: girouette

A pivoted arrow or a similar shaped object which rotates to show the direction of the wind.

Wedge: ᖁᖁᖓᔪᖅ: ququngajuq: coin

A simple machine formed when a triangular prism receives force at one end and is thrust between surfaces to cause separation or used to exert force.

Weighing Scale: ᐅᖁᒪᐃᓂᕐᓂᐊᕈᑦ: uqumainirniarut: balance

Strictly speaking, a massmeter, or any device intended to measure the mass of an object, in terms of its weight (the gravitational pull on it), or otherwise. A simple two-pan balance determines mass by placing the object on one pan, and selected masspieces ("weights") on the other one, until balance is achieved. A triple-beam balance using sliding masses involves the level concept. Spring scales are calibrated to measure mass in terms of gravitational force and its effect in stretching a coiled spring. Other devices determine mass in "weightless" situations.

Wheel and Axle: ᐊᒃᓴᓗᐊᖅ ᐊᑦᑕᑖᓗ: aksaluaq attataalu: roue et essieu

A simple machine comprising a disc with grooved edge and the shaft which the wheel turns.

Wind: ᐊᓄᕆ: anuri: vent

Air in motion. Wind results from difference in air pressure, which itself may derive from difference in temperature. Thus, land and water tend to warm and cool at different rates, causing wind from sea to land or from land to sea.

Wing: ᐃᓴᕈᖅ: isaruq: aile

A structure present in birds, bats, and most insects to permit either vigorous flight or gliding through air.

Work: ᓱᓕᕆᓂᖅ: suliriniq: travail

In physical science, the effect of a force acting through a distance. Work is measured by the energy unit, the joule. See Joule.

Worm: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᖅ, ᑯᒪᒃ: qupirruq, kumak: vers

Elongated, soft-bellied invertebrate animals. See Earthworm. Some worms are parasitic, living in the intestines of humans and other animals.

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X

X-Ray: ᑕᕐᕋᖅᑐᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ, ᐊᔾᔨᓕᐅᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: tarraqtuqtauniq, ajjiliuqtauniq: rayon X

Radiation of shorter wavelength than both visible light or ultraviolet. X-rays can pass through many forms of matter, permitting the viewing and photographing of internal organs and industrial components.

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Y

Year: ᐊᕐᕌᒍ: arraagu: an, année

The period of Earth's revolution about the Sun. Earth completes one revolution of its near-circular (elliptical) orbit in approximately 365.25 days. See Calendar.

Yeast: ᐳᑦᑐᖅᓴᐅᑦ/ᐳᔾᔪᖅᓴᐅᖅ: puttuqsaut/pujjuqsaut: levure

A single-celled fungus used in baking and brewing.

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Z

Zenith: ᖁᓕᓪᓗᐊᕐᒦᑦᑐᖅ: qulilluarmiittuq: zénith

The point in the sky that is directly above (overhead to) the observer. At the North Pole, Polaris (the North Star), is at the zenith.

Zero: ᔨᕈ: jiru: zéro

The Celsius zero is the freezing point of pure water. The Celsius temperature scale is not a ratio scale. Rather, it is an interval scale having an arbitrary zero. A true zero refers to the kelvin or absolute scale. Zero kelvins (never reached) is the point where there is no atomic movement. This corresponds to -273.15°C or absolute zero.

Zodiac: ᐅᓪᓗᕆᐊᑎᒍᑦ ᐊᕐᕌᒍᓕᕆᓂᖅ: ulluriatigut arraaguliriniq: zodiaque

A band of the sky which contains the Sun, Moon, and most planets. The zodiac, traditionally, is divided into twelve signs, each named for a constellation of stars located in it. This is related to the superstitious belief that stars rule human destiny, and to the non-science of astrology.

Zoologist: ᐆᒪᔪᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑎ: uumajunik qaujisaqti: zoologiste

A scientist who specializes in the study of animal life.

Zoology: ᐆᒪᔪᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: uumajunik qaujisarniq: zoologie

The scientific study of animal life. Further specializations include mammalogy (mammals), ornithology (birds), ichthyology (fish), and entomology (insects).

Zygote: ᐱᙳᓕᕆᐊᖅᑐᒥ ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᕐᖓᐅᑦ: pinnguliriaqtumi ijaruvaujarngaut: zigote

The cell formed by the union of male and female cells of an animal or plant, creating the first cell of a new organism.

End Notes

1. Anatomy. "Anatomy is the gateway to medicine," one reads in the introduction to Gray's Anatomy (Henry Gray, Anatomy, Descriptive and Surgical, Classic Collector's Edition, New York: Bounty Books, 1977), the still-in-print, nineteenth-century definitive work on this most basic of health sciences. For the teacher wishing to research a lesson, it is a standard library reference book.
2. Birds. Attractive illustrated references include National Geographic Society, Field Guide to the Birds of North America (no date), and M. Wyndham, Birds of Nunavut (Iqaluit, 1997, available in Inuktitut and English).
3. Constellation. Traditional Inuit knowledge of star patterns, traditional names, and related beliefs have been documented at the Igloolik Research Centre, Science Institute of the Northwest Territories (now Nunavut Research Institute).
4. Dinosaur. Setting dinosaurs and their kin in prehistoric perspective, Rodney Steel and Anthony P. Harvey, The Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Life, (London: Mitchell Beazley, 1979) treats (alphabetically) relatively advanced topics which keen children might raise in class.
5. Earth. Kevin W. Kelley, editor, The Home Planet (Reading, Mass: Addison—Wesley, 1988) presents space-age perspective on Earth, unique illustrations offering much food for thought.
6. Ecology. Paul Colinvaux, Ecology (New York: John Wiley, 1986), presents itself as a teaching tool, and represents strong background reading for Life Science Teaching.
7. Migration. Baker, Robin, Chief Contributing Editor, The Mystery of Migration (Toronto: John Wiley, 1980), offers a thorough background on this topic of strong northern relevance.
8. Northern Animals. Fred Bruemmer, Arctic Animals: A Celebration of Survival. (Toronto: McClellan and Stewart, 1986) combines superb illustrations with accessible, teacher-relevant text.
9. Northern Plants. See Page Burt, Barrenland Beauties (Yellowknife: Outcrop 1991). Also for particularly attractive photography, seek In-cho Chung, Eastern North America as Seen by a Botanist: The Arctic Region (Daytona Beach: the author, 1989).
10. Science. In offering background science course work to prospective Eastern Arctic elementary teachers, a particular worthwhile general reference volume, I found was General Science, Patricia A. Watkins and others, (Orlando Florida: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1989). The text appears to be a general science overview at senior high school level, but also a sound general reference for taking the elementary teacher comfortably beyond class expectation, both for personal/professional growth and for overall support when a child extends a science fair commitment into, for child and perhaps teacher, new terrain.