Grade 10 · Scientific investigation
Outsmarting Cancer
From research question to public presentation
Term 2 · December–March
Overview
Students conduct a genuine scientific investigation into how cancer begins, spreads, or might be treated - choosing their own angle and carrying it through as real research, not a simulated case study. Strong projects don't stop at the classroom door: they go on to an external science fair.
How this challenge is structured
See the full week-by-week breakdown ↓
Science (SNC2D) - Cell division and organ systems - how normal processes go wrong in cancer.
Why do the body's own repair systems miss it?
Math (MPM2D) - Model cell-population growth data.
What does the shape of that growth tell you?
English (ENG2D) - Evaluate scientific sources and frame a real research question.
What makes a claim trustworthy enough to build a project on?
History (CHC2D) - Changes in Canadian health care and medical research policy.
How has Canada's approach to cancer research changed, and why?
Business (BEP2O) - How a lab discovery becomes a treatment people can access.
What has to happen between discovery and a patient benefiting?
Computer Science (ICD2O) - Cell-population simulations and digital imaging as research tools.
How do computational tools study what's too small to observe directly?
This week produces:
A one-page research proposal.
Where each subject shows up
| Subject | In this challenge |
|---|---|
| Science (SNC2D) | Cell biology, chemistry, and scientific investigation |
| Math (MPM2D) | Modelling growth and experimental data |
| English (ENG2D) | Research, scientific writing, and public communication |
| History (CHC2D) | Canadian health policy and medical research |
| Business (BEP2O) | Pathways from research to real treatment |
| Computer Science (ICD2O) | Simulations, data analysis, and visualization |
Ends in…
A research symposium, with standout projects entered in an external science fair
Portfolio evidence
An original research report, scientific poster, and presentation
Real credit
This challenge counts toward SNC2D, MPM2D, ENG2D, CHC2D, BEP2O, and ICD2O - real Ontario high school credits, not just enrichment.
Every challenge is built on Ontario Ministry-recognized courses delivered through TVO ILC on our schedule.
Ideas become action when students are trusted with questions that actually matter.