FRUITS
Which fruit was promoted in the early 1900s as a health miracle, but later research showed that it could cause problems due to its high acidity?
LEMON—In the early 1900s, lemons were widely advertised as a cure-all, including for scurvy, digestive issues, and general “nervous disorders.” Powdered lemon and lemon extracts were sold as health tonics. While lemons are rich in vitamin C and offer real benefits, exaggerated claims have led to disappointment and, in some cases, stomach irritation when consumed in excess.
This is an example of how historical “superfoods” were sometimes overhyped before modern nutritional science could verify their actual effects.
Which Canadian province has the longest average period of snow cover before the spring thaw?
NUNAVUT - Nunavut is in the far north of Canada, within the Arctic Circle. It has a polar climate, meaning very cold temperatures for most of the year. Snow can remain on the ground for up to 8–9 months, from October to June, depending on the region. The reason is that low temperatures prevent snow from melting quickly, and short daylight hours in winter slow warming. In some northern parts of Nunavut, the snow never fully disappears, and patches of ice can persist year-round.
What was the name of the group of Canadian women who fought in the early 20th century to have women legally recognized as “persons” under Canadian law?
FAMOUS FIVE - The "Famous Five" were five Canadian women—Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards—who championed women’s rights.
Their legal case, known as the Persons Case (1929), led to women being officially recognized as “persons” under the British North America Act, allowing them to be appointed to the Senate.
This was a major milestone in Canadian women’s rights and is celebrated every year as part of Canadian history.
Which 100th birthday is Disney celebrating this year?
WINNIE the POOH - Winnie the Pooh is celebrating 100 years of "thoughtful" adventures throughout 2026, marking a century since A.A.Milne's original stories were first published in 1926. While the books were published in 1926, the first story appeared in a London newspaper on Christmas Eve a year earlier.
Alan Alexander Milne, born in 1882, was an English writer best known for his books about the teddy bear Winnie de Pooh, as well as children's poetry.
What everyday practice involves turning waste materials into new products?
RECYCLING - Recycling is the process of collecting and reprocessing materials that would otherwise be thrown away, and turning them into new products. Common materials that can be recycled include paper, glass, plastic, and metals. Recycling helps reduce waste, conserve natural recourses, and save energy by using existing materials instead of producing new ones from raw recourses.
Which fruit is scientifically classified as a berry?
BANANA—Botanically, a banana qualifies as a berry.
Bananas develop from one flower with one ovary, which is the defining starting point of a true berry. Just like a berry, the banana:
Develops from a single flower with one ovary
Has a soft, fleshy interior throughout
Contains seeds inside the flesh
Has no hard pit or stone
Which Arctic phenomenon occurs in spring due to thawing permafrost?
THERMAKARST - thermokarst is a land surface deformation, occurring due to the melting of ground ice in permafrost areas, areas where the grounds are permanently frozen. As massive ice melts, the ground sinks, leading to irregular terrain It acts as a major driver of landscape change in Arctic and alpine regions, creating features like lakes, sinkholes, and hummocks.
Who was the first and only female prime minister of India?
INDIRA GANDHI - Indira Gandhi served as Prime Minister of India between 1966 and 1984. She was known for her strong leadership and played a major role in shaping modern India. Despite sharing the last name, she was not directly related to Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian Independence Movement. Her time in office included both major achievements and controversies, making her one of the most influential and complex political figures in Indian history.
What new baby animal was born on the 8th of March at the Toronto Zoo?
GIRAFFE - a female Masai giraffe calf was born at the Toronto Zoo on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Father Kiko who was 13 years old when he died in a tragic accident, just a couple of months before his daughter's birth. Mother Mstari is the 11-year-old mother is now raising her calf alone. But single parenting is natural for the species, as male giraffes typically play no role in rearing their offspring.
What term describes planting trees to restore forests that have been cut down?
REFORESTATION - Reforestation is the process of planting trees in areas where forests have been cut down, damaged, or destroyed. The goal is to restore ecosystems and bring back the natural balance of plants, animals, and soil.Reforestation helps improve air quality, prevent soil erosion, support wildlife habitat, and reduce the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Which fruit has more potassium than a banana?
AVOCADO—While bananas are famous for potassium, avocados are actually one of the most potassium-rich fruits available.
Potassium is an essential mineral that helps:
Regulate blood pressure
Support muscle and nerve function
Maintain proper fluid balance
An avocado is a fruit—not a vegetable—because of how it grows. It grows from a flower, and it contains a large seed (pit) in the center. It develops as part of the plant’s reproductive process
Which Canadian mammal gives birth primarily in late spring after a winter gestation?
MOOSE—Moose have a long winter pregnancy of about 230 days (roughly 7–8 months). Most moose calves are born in late May or early June, when temperatures are warmer, and food is abundant. Being born in spring gives the calves the best chance to survive: there is plenty of fresh vegetation for the mother to produce milk, there are milder weather conditions compared to winter, and there are fewer predators and easier camouflage in young foliage
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American singer, songwriter, and pianist, often hailed as the "Queen of Soul," and the most successful singer in the nation by 1968.
ARETHA FRANKLIN - Aretha Franklin (1942 – 2018) Aretha was born in Memphis, Tennessee. She grew up singing gospel music in the church where her father, C.L. Franklin, was a famous preacher and civil rights activist. Known as "the Queen of Soul', she is one of the best-selling music artist, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide.
What is the reason for an annual road closing from mid-March to early April in the City of Burlington?
JEFFERSON SALAMANDER MIGRATION - The City of Burlington closes a section of King Road annually (since 2012) to protect migrating endangered Jefferson salamanders. This allows the salamander to safely cross from their woodland habitats to vernal pools for breeding during warm, rainy nights. The road closures are utilized because the salamanders are too small for drivers to spot (12 to 20cm) and often look like wet leaves on the pavement.
What term refers to the specific place of environment in which a plant or animal naturally lives?
HABITAT - Habitat is the natural place where a plant or animal lives and carries out its life processes. It provides the essential conditions needed for survival, including food, water, shelter, and appropriate climate. Habitats can vary widely, from forests, grasslands, and deserts to lakes, oceans, and wetlands.
Changes too the environment can affect the organism's ability to survive and produce.
Which fruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world?
JACKFRUIT—Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit and can weigh up to 35-50 kg (77-100 lb). It grows directly on the tree trunk or big branches. The jackfruit is a large, spiky fruit, and the taste is like a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango.
It originated in India, where it has been grown for thousands of years and is now most widely consumed across South and Southeast Asia.
Which Canadian bird species migrates north to breed in the boreal forest every spring?
COMMON LOON - Common loons spend the winter along coastal waters in the United States or southern Canada. Each year, they fly north to the boreal forests and lakes of Canada to breed, usually arriving in late April or May. They prefer remote freshwater lakes, which provide safe nesting sites and abundant fish for feeding their chicks.
Loons are famous for their haunting, wailing calls, which are often heard echoing across Canadian lakes in spring and summer.
Remarkable Canadian icon, best known as Canada’s first female astronaut and the first neurologist in space.
ROBERTA BONDAR - Born in December of 1945, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Roberta grew up with a fascination for science and space. She launched from Earth in January 1992 aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery as the first neurologist in space and Canada's first female astronaut.
The first Canadian in space was Marc Garneau in 1984. ( Canadian naval officer and politician).
What is the name of the Persian New Year?
NOWRUZ—Nowruz means “new day” in Persian. It marks the beginning of spring and the start of the new year in the Persian calendar. It has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia and the Middle East. Nowruz symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the start of the new year. It's celebrated by family gatherings and enjoying a traditional Haft-Seen table. (Haft-Seen means “Seven S’s” in Persian).
What environmental term describes the disappearance of plant and animal species from Earth?
EXTINCTION - Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from Earth. Extinction can happen naturally over long periods of time, but it can also be caused or accelerated by factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, or overhunting. When a species becomes extinct ,it can affect the balance of the ecosystem because each species plays a role in its environment.
Which small fruit is considered a “superfood” because it is high in antioxidants?
BLUEBERRY - blueberries are grown worldwide, including in Europe, South America, and Asia, thanks to their popularity as a nutritious “superfood.” It has the following health benefits:
High in antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Supports brain health.
Heart-friendly, helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, and is low in calories and high in fiber. Blueberries aren’t just tasty—they have been an important food for centuries, first used by Indigenous peoples in North America, and now are celebrated worldwide for their health benefits and superfood status.
What is the average number of pothole repairs in Toronto in 2025?
257,000 - based on recent data from the City of Toronto, pothole repairs generally reach over 250,000. Potholes are primarily caused by "severe freeze-thaw cycles", where melting snow and rain seep into asphalt cracks, expand upon freezing, and break the pavement, further weakened by heavy traffic and aging infrastructure. As of late, over 45,000 potholes have already been filled in Toronto this year........only 217,000 more to go!!
Which classic Hollywood actress, known for her deep voice and sultry look, starred alongside Humphrey Bogart in films like To Have and Have Not?
LAUREN BACALL - Lauren Bacall was born in 1924 in New York City, growing up in a modest household with big dreams. Her big break came when she starred alongside Humphrey Bogart in To Have and Have Not. At just 19 years old, her deep voice and calm, magnetic style made her instantly unforgettable. Their on-screen chemistry turned into a real-life romance, and the two became one of Hollywood’s most famous couples.
Who was the British royal who announced her separation from her husband 50 years ago (1976), which became a historic event?
PRINCESS MARGARET—On March 20, 1976, the headline read, "Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones separate." Her Royal Highness, Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, and the Earl of Snowdon have mutually agreed to live apart."
The announcement was made 16 years after the pair had wed and after photos of Margaret with Roddy Llewellyn were published. The divorce between Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon was finalized in 1978. The couple's split was a historic event, as theirs marks the first royal marriage to end in the immediate family since King Henry VIII, who annulled his marriage to Anne of Cleves in 1540 - more than 400 years earlier.
What term describes the variety of life on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms?
BIODIVERSITY - biodiversity refers to the variety of living things in a particular area on Earth as a whole. It includes many different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form. A high level of biodiversity helps ecosystems remain stable and resilient, because many different species contribute to natural processes such as pollution and nutrient cycling.