Alberta’s new Elementary curriculum – Computer Science

Alberta’s new Elementary curriculum – Computer Science

 

Don’t Stress the Code: Resources for Alberta’s New Elementary Science Curriculum

The new Alberta K-6 Science curriculum is here, and it’s full of exciting new topics for our students to explore. But for many teachers across the province, one particular area has caused a fair bit of stress: the inclusion of computer science!

The idea of teaching coding, abstraction, and computational thinking can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s a new subject for you. You might be asking yourself:

  • How do I even begin to teach these concepts?

  • What resources are out there that are aligned with the new Alberta science curriculum?

  • How can I fit this new content into an already packed science schedule?

I hear you, and I’m here to help. I’ve spent months meticulously creating a suite of no-prep workbooks specifically designed to tackle this challenge, with ready-to-use resources for Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6.

 

Why Computer Science in Elementary School?

 

The new curriculum recognizes that a foundational understanding of computer science is essential for our students’ future. It’s not just about writing code; it’s about developing problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity. The curriculum focuses on core concepts like:

  • Abstraction: Simplifying complex problems by focusing on the most important details (Grades 5 & 6).

  • Algorithms: Following a set of instructions to solve a problem (Grade 4).

  • Sequences, Conditionals, and Loops: The fundamental building blocks of code (Grade 6).

 

My Solution: Grade-Specific, No-Prep Workbooks

 

I’ve taken the stress out of teaching this new material by creating comprehensive workbooks that you can use in your classroom today. These aren’t just generic worksheets; they are a deep dive into the specific KUSPs (Knowledge, Understanding, Skills, and Procedures) of the Alberta Science curriculum.

Alberta’s New Grade 6 Science Curriculum Resources

Alberta’s New Grade 6 Science Curriculum Resources

The new Alberta K-6 Science curriculum has rolled out, bringing a fresh and comprehensive approach to scientific inquiry and understanding. For Grade 6 Science, students delve into a wide array of fascinating topics, from the behaviour of matter and forces to Earth’s climate systems, the wonders of space, and the intricate world of ecosystems. With optional implementation for Grades 4-6 now available (and mandatory in September 2026), many of you are already seeking robust, high-quality Alberta Science curriculum resources that truly align with the new KUSPs (Knowledge, Understanding, Skills, and Procedures).

If you’ve felt the challenge of finding comprehensive Grade 6 Science curriculum materials that are both thorough and easy to use, you’re not alone. The demand for new Alberta Science resources is high! That’s why I’ve meticulously developed my Alberta Grade 6 Science No-Prep Workbook Set – your complete solution for confidently teaching these vital scientific concepts.

Accessible Science for Every Learner

I firmly believe that engaging science education should be available to everyone, regardless of their learning environment or access to technology. Recognizing the persistent digital divide in Alberta, I’ve designed these printable Alberta Grade 6 Science workbooks as a reliable, paper-based learning solution. This makes them perfect for:

  • Alberta homeschooling families seeking a structured, comprehensive Grade 6 Science curriculum for homeschooling.

  • Students engaged in remote learning programs or adaptive learning environments that benefit from clear, offline materials.

But “paper-based” doesn’t mean “limited”! To enrich the learning experience without adding tech complexity, each workbook features strategically embedded QR codes for educational videos. With a simple scan using a tablet or smartphone, students can instantly access curated video content that brings abstract scientific concepts to life. Imagine your students:

  • Watching demonstrations of particle movement in solids, liquids, and gases when heated or cooled.

  • Visualizing Newton’s Third Law with real-world examples of action and reaction forces.

  • Exploring the vastness of the solar system, seeing planets in orbit, or learning about the International Space Station.

  • Understanding the complex interactions within ecosystems and the process of photosynthesis.

This seamless integration of multimedia-enhanced learning provides a truly blended learning experience that is both deeply engaging and incredibly accessible for young scientists.

Comprehensive Coverage of All Grade 6 Science KUSPs

This no-prep Grade 6 Science package isn’t just a collection of worksheets; it’s a meticulously designed pathway through every Knowledge, Understanding, Skill, and Procedure (KUSP) outlined in the new Alberta Grade 6 Science curriculum. Your students will actively engage with:

Matter: Properties and Changes

  • Particle Model of Matter: Deep dive into how particles of matter behave when heated or cooled, explaining phase changes of matter (solids, liquids, gases) through particle movement, attractive forces, and space between particles.

  • Temperature Measurement: Understand how expansion and contraction of matter are the basis for liquid thermometers, relating the Celsius scale to the melting/freezing and boiling points of water.

  • Water’s Unusual Property: Investigate water’s greater volume in solid form (ice is less dense than liquid water), and its vital role in protecting aquatic life.

  • Real-World Applications: Explore the significance of expansion and contraction in infrastructure design (sidewalks, bridges).

Energy: Forces and Resources

  • Forces and Interactions: Analyze external and internal forces (tension, compression, shear, torsion, applied force, friction, elastic force) and their impact on an object’s shape, size, or position.

  • Newton’s Third Law: Understand and demonstrate that for every action force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force.

  • Properties of Materials: Differentiate between plasticity (permanent change) and elasticity (temporary change) in objects.

  • Energy Resources: Investigate factors influencing the selection of energy resources in Alberta (availability, societal, economic, environmental impacts).

  • Responsible Energy Management: Explore ways to manage energy resources responsibly (minimal disruption to nature, restoration, waste management) and classify energy resources as used before or after processing (e.g., wood, fossil fuels, solar, wind, hydro).

Earth Systems: Climate and Change

  • Climate & Interactions: Analyze how complex interactions between humans, Earth’s systems, and the Sun impact climate, including greenhouse gases trapping heat and ice reflecting light.

  • Causes of Climate Change: Differentiate between natural processes (volcanic eruptions, meteors) and human activities (industrialization, pollution) causing changes in climate.

  • Impacts of Climate Change: Describe possible effects of climate change on land, plants, humans, and animals, including impacts on weather, extreme weather events, migration, water resources, and agricultural practices.

  • Traditional Knowledge: Research how climate change affects traditional ways of living off the land for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

  • Identifying Climate Change: Understand how climate change is identified through long-term observation and measurement (precipitation, temperature, extreme weather events like heatwaves, hurricanes, wildfires in Canada).

  • Predicting Weather: Identify technologies used to predict extreme weather events (radars, satellites, computer modeling).

  • Collaboration in Climate Science: Discuss how scientists, Elders, and traditional Knowledge Keepers can collaborate to deepen awareness of climate change effects.

Living Systems: Ecosystems and Photosynthesis

  • Ecosystem Components: Investigate biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems and how they influence the diversity of life (plants, animals, micro-organisms, Sun, water, soil, air, temperature).

  • Types of Ecosystems: Compare characteristics of different ecosystems (desert, arctic, grassland, wetland, forest).

  • Photosynthesis: Explain the crucial process of photosynthesis (light, water, carbon dioxide to oxygen and sugar), its importance for plants and animals, and how chlorophyll collects light.

  • Plant-Animal Relationships: Examine the significant relationships between plants and animals in ecosystems, including humans’ reliance on plants for oxygen, food, and other resources, and the reciprocal benefit plants receive from animals.

  • Sacred Plants: Discuss plants considered sacred to First Nations and Métis (sage, sweetgrass, cedar, tobacco) and their cultural significance.

Space: Solar System Exploration

  • Celestial Bodies: Analyze and represent celestial bodies of the solar system (Sun, planets, moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, meteoroids), their characteristics, and the reclassification of Pluto.

  • Space Exploration Technologies: Identify and compare technologies used to explore the solar system (telescopes, satellites, probes, rovers, manned spacecraft, International Space Station) and differentiate between natural and artificial satellites (like Alberta’s Ex-Alta 1).

Computer Science: Abstraction & Technology Impacts

  • Abstraction in Coding: Examine abstraction in design and coding, understanding how it simplifies complex problems by identifying essential details.

  • Coding Structures: Learn basic coding structures like sequences, conditionals (if-then-else), and loops using visual block-based languages.

  • Impacts of Technology: Discuss the personal, social, environmental, and economic impacts of computers, coding, and technology, recognizing both intentional and unintentional effects.

Scientific Method: Explanation and Inquiry

  • Scientific Explanations: Understand the role of explanations in science, how hypotheses are developed and tested, and how reliable, objective data and evidence are used to support or contradict them.

  • Communicating Science: Explore various ways scientific explanations are communicated (written, visual, verbal), including how First Nations, Métis, and Inuit share explanations of natural phenomena through traditional knowledge and stories.

  • Self-Correcting Science: Grasp that science is a self-correcting way of knowing, where new evidence can refine inaccurate explanations.

Your Essential Tool for Grade 6 Science Success:

This comprehensive Alberta Grade 6 Science no-prep workbook set offers:

  • Ready-to-Print Workbooks: Instantly usable content, saving you countless hours of curriculum alignment and resource creation.

  • Embedded QR Codes: Seamless integration of rich, engaging video content to deepen understanding.

  • Complete Answer Keys: Streamline your assessment process and provide immediate, accurate feedback.

  • Versatile Use: Perfect for Alberta homeschooling, remote or adaptive learning, as a robust backbone for the regular classroom teacher, and an excellent emergency substitute teaching plan.

Don’t let the breadth of the new curriculum overwhelm you. Equip your Grade 6 students with a structured, engaging, and accessible path to understanding the incredible world of science!

 

Discover Alberta’s Story: Your No-Prep Grade 3 Social Studies Workbooks for the NEW Curriculum!

Discover Alberta’s Story: Your No-Prep Grade 3 Social Studies Workbooks for the NEW Curriculum!

The new Alberta K-6 curriculum journey continues, and for Grade 3 Social Studies, it’s an exciting deep dive into the heart of our own province! Unlike Grades 4-6, the Grade 3 Social Studies curriculum became mandatory in September 2025, meaning teachers across Alberta are actively seeking high-quality, reliable, and easy-to-implement resources right now.

If you’ve been searching for comprehensive Alberta curriculum resources that truly cover all the intricate KUSPs (Knowledge, Understanding, Skills, and Procedures) for Grade 3 Social Studies, you know they’re not always easy to find. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce my Alberta Grade 3 Social Studies No-Prep Workbook Set – your complete solution for teaching this vital subject!

Accessible Learning for Every Alberta Student

I firmly believe that every child deserves access to excellent educational tools, regardless of their learning environment or access to technology. The reality of the digital divide in Alberta means that not all families have consistent internet or device access. My printable Alberta Grade 3 Social Studies workbooks are designed as a robust paper-based learning solution, making them perfect for:

  • Alberta homeschooling families seeking a structured, comprehensive Grade 3 Social Studies curriculum for homeschooling.

  • Students in remote learning programs or adaptive learning environments that benefit from offline materials.

But “paper-based” doesn’t mean “basic”! To enrich the learning experience without adding tech complexity, each workbook features strategically embedded QR codes for educational videos. Students can simply scan these codes with a tablet or smartphone to instantly access engaging, curated video content that brings abstract concepts to life.

This seamless integration of multimedia-enhanced learning provides a truly blended learning experience that is both deeply engaging and incredibly accessible for young learners.

Comprehensive Coverage of All Grade 3 Social Studies KUSPs

This no-prep Grade 3 Social Studies package is more than just worksheets; it’s a meticulously crafted guide through every Knowledge, Understanding, Skill, and Procedure (KUSP) outlined in the new Alberta Grade 3 Social Studies curriculum.

In this ideologically neutral work package, your students will actively engage with:

Time and Place: Natural and Created Features of Alberta

  • First Peoples & Treaties: Explore that Alberta has been the traditional territory of many First Nations since time immemorial. Students will learn about the five numbered treaties in Alberta (Treaty 4, 6, 7, 8, 10), understanding why First Nations negotiated treaties for peace and land use, and why the government of Canada signed treaties for settlement and resources. 

  • Alberta’s Geography: Discover Alberta’s political boundaries (established in 1905) and its distinct physical features (mountains, badlands, hoodoos). Students will distinguish between physical regions in Alberta (parkland, boreal forest, mountains), and explore how Alberta’s landmarks (natural like canyons or human-made like Fort Edmonton) reveal information about our past.

How Diverse People Contribute to Alberta’s Identity

  • First Nations Diversity: Learn about the distinct languages and cultural practices of First Nations communities in Alberta, understanding their contributions to Alberta’s identity and how they strengthen language, culture, and identity.

  • Métis Heritage: Investigate distinct Métis communities along fur trade routes, their unique ways of living (farming, hunting, trapping), and cultural practices (Métis sash, fiddle). Students will map Métis Settlements in Alberta and learn about the Métis Nation of Alberta’s self-governance.

  • Francophone Contributions: Discover how Francophone Roman Catholic missionaries established early communities and agricultural hubs, making French the first European language spoken in Alberta. They’ll learn about Franco-Albertans’ advocacy for their language and culture, and map Francophone communities in Alberta.

  • Settler Stories: Explore the diverse reasons settlers came to Alberta (free land, religious freedom), including Black settlers from the United States, Ukrainian immigrants, and Chinese settlers. Students will investigate the challenges faced by settler groups and their contributions to Alberta’s development (urban/rural communities, farms, businesses, places of worship).

  • Immigrant Impact & Addressing Racism: Understand why immigrants come to Alberta today (global events, jobs, family, rights), and how their diverse beliefs and cultures continue to enrich Alberta’s identity through skills, ideas, and landmarks. Crucially, students will learn about racism and discrimination toward cultural communities in Alberta and explore actions that can be taken to overcome racism (learning about cultures, interacting with diverse people, speaking up).

Systems: Resource Use, Decision Making, and Government

  • Resource Use: Discover how Alberta’s natural resources (renewable like water, wind, sun; non-renewable like coal, oil, natural gas) influence economic activities and how settlement in Alberta was shaped by resource location. Students will analyze the importance of protected areas and parks in preserving land and resources.

  • Municipal Government: Learn about municipal governments in Alberta, their leaders (Chief, mayor, reeve), responsibilities (fire, libraries, roads), and how citizens vote for representatives. Students will simulate decision-making processes in municipal government.

  • Provincial Government: Understand the provincial government in Alberta, its leaders (Lieutenant-Governor, Premier, MLAs, ministers), responsibilities (education, health care), and where they meet (Legislative Assembly in Edmonton). 

Citizenship: Alberta’s Identity and Civic Actions

  • Alberta’s Unique Identity: Analyze the factors that shape Alberta’s unique identity (geography, natural resources, history, people, government, cultural diversity) and explore ideas to protect and promote Alberta’s identity.

  • Civic Actions: Understand what it means to be an active citizen through charity (donating) and volunteering (spending time to help). Students will grasp the importance of voting in choosing leaders and making decisions, recognizing it as a responsibility of citizens in building a stronger society.

Your Essential Classroom & Home Learning Solution:

This comprehensive Alberta Grade 3 Social Studies no-prep workbook set offers:

  • Ready-to-Print Workbooks: Instantly usable content, saving you valuable time on curriculum alignment and resource creation.

  • Embedded QR Codes: Seamless integration of engaging video content to deepen understanding.

  • Complete Answer Keys: Simplify assessment and provide immediate, accurate feedback.

  • Versatile Use: Perfect for Alberta homeschooling, remote or adaptive learning, as a robust backbone for the regular classroom teacher, and an excellent emergency substitute teaching plan.

Don’t let the new curriculum overwhelm you. Equip your Grade 3 students with a structured, engaging, and accessible path to understanding the rich tapestry of Alberta’s history, people, and places!

New Alberta Grade 5 Social Studies Curriculum Resources

New Alberta Grade 5 Social Studies Curriculum Resources

Unraveling Ancient Civilizations: Your No-Prep Grade 5 Social Studies Workbooks for Alberta’s New Curriculum!

The new Alberta K-6 Social Studies curriculum offers a captivating journey through time, and for Grade 5 Social Studies, that journey takes us deep into the fascinating world of ancient civilizations and empires. While the Grade 4-6 curriculum becomes mandatory in September 2026, it’s already available for optional implementation in the 2025-2026 school year. This means many of you are actively seeking robust, reliable, and easy-to-use Alberta curriculum resources to prepare.

You’re not alone if you’ve found that finding comprehensive, Alberta curriculum-aligned Grade 5 Social Studies materials can be a challenge, especially with the recent curriculum changes. That’s why I’ve meticulously developed my Alberta Grade 5 Social Studies No-Prep Workbook Set – your ultimate partner in bringing ancient history to life!

Bridging the Digital Divide with Accessible Learning

I understand the varied learning environments across Alberta. Screen time is another important consideration; do we really want students to be on a screen all day? Probably not. Plus, logging in and out of different applications can be a lot for a family to manage. Homeschooling in Alberta, or homeschooling anywhere is not exactly easy. My solution? These printable Alberta Grade 5 Social Studies workbooks are designed for paper-based learning, offering a familiar and low-tech approach that’s perfect for:

  • Alberta homeschooling families seeking a structured, comprehensive Grade 5 Social Studies curriculum for homeschooling.

  • Students engaged in remote learning programs or adaptive learning environments where offline accessibility is key.

But “paper-based” doesn’t mean “limited”! Each workbook is enriched with strategically embedded QR codes for educational videos. With a simple scan using a tablet or smartphone, students can instantly access curated video content that visually explains complex concepts. Imagine your students:

  • Watching animations illustrating different measurements of time based on worldview (linear vs. cyclical).

  • Taking virtual tours of ancient cities and their geographical features.

  • Understanding the rise and fall of ancient empires like Kush and Axum.

  • Visualizing the impact of technological innovations in ancient civilizations like aqueducts or early writing systems.

This seamless integration of multimedia-enhanced learning provides a truly blended learning experience that is engaging and highly accessible, without the stress of multiple logins or software.

Comprehensive Coverage of All Grade 5 Social Studies KUSPs

This no-prep Grade 5 Social Studies package is more than just worksheets; it’s a meticulously designed guide through every Knowledge, Understanding, Skill, and Procedure (KUSP) outlined in the new Alberta Grade 5 Social Studies curriculum. Your students will actively engage with:

Time and Place: Studying People, Places, and Events

  • Social Science Methods: Explore how social scientists (historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, geographers) gather and interpret information from diverse primary and secondary sources (artifacts, maps, timelines, letters, wampum).

  • Time and Chronology: Master timelines (using CE and BCE), understanding how time is measured in different ways based on worldview, and constructing chronologies of ancient civilizations.

  • Maps & Geography: Analyze maps (topographic, climate, political), understand elements like scale, latitude, and longitude, and use absolute location to pinpoint ancient cities.

  • Interpretation & Worldview: Develop critical thinking by understanding that interpretations of events may vary depending on personal experience, location, time, and worldview.

  • Research Skills: Apply social science research processes from formulating questions and gathering information to drawing conclusions, citing reliable sources, and limiting bias in research.

  • Ancient Civilizations & Environment: Investigate how geographical features (river valleys, coastlines) and environmental changes (flooding, drought) contributed to the settlement and trade of ancient civilizations (e.g., Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, India, Arab civilizations).

  • Agriculture & Urbanization: Understand the significance of agriculture (irrigation, domesticated animals) in shifting from nomadic to settled societies, leading to urban settlements with specialized jobs and the development of early economic practices (markets, currency, taxation).

  • People-Environment Relationship: Analyze the reciprocal relationship between people and the environment, examining how ancient civilizations adapted to or modified their natural surroundings (e.g., canals, aqueducts, terrace farming) and the intended and unintended consequences of these changes.

Systems: Government and Organization of Civilizations and Empires

  • Defining Civilizations & Empires: Explore the characteristics that define civilizations, empires, and dynasties, and how technological innovations (writing systems, architecture, calendars, metallurgy) contributed to their success.

  • Trade Routes & Cultural Exchange: Investigate extensive networks of land-based and water-based trade routes (e.g., Silk Road, Trans-Saharan), understanding how they facilitated the exchange of goods, cultures, innovations, and ideas (religions, medicine, worldviews), as well as the challenges faced by traders.

  • Taxation: Discover the origins of taxes in ancient societies and how governments used them to provide community services.

  • Complex Organization: Analyze how complex organizational systems (governments, legal systems, class structures, economic systems) developed with population expansion.

  • Authoritarian Rule: Examine authoritarian governments prevalent in most ancient civilizations and empires, including oligarchies, monarchies, and dictatorships, and the reasons people followed such leaders (tradition, stability, fear). Students will critique opportunities and challenges with authoritarian rule.

  • Social Class Structures: Compare hierarchical social class structures (patricians/plebians, Varna system) and their impact on power, privilege, rights, and social mobility, including the reality of enslavement in ancient societies and gender roles (patriarchal, matriarchal, egalitarian).

  • Rise and Decline of Civilizations: Determine the internal and external factors that led to the rise and decline of civilizations and empires (e.g., military conquest, rebellions, environmental changes, economic disputes), including examples like the African empires (Kush, Axum, Ghana, Mali, Songhai) and Asian empires (Ottoman, Mongol), and the effects of colonization on Indigenous populations (Aztecs, Inca, Maya).

Citizenship: Legacies and Taking Action

  • Enduring Legacies: Analyze the enduring legacies of ancient civilizations and empires (art, architecture, astronomy, medicine, writing systems, philosophy, government structures, trade routes) and how they influence people, places, and events in the world today.

  • Understanding Contemporary Issues: Connect the study of ancient societies to understanding complex contemporary issues, such as how technology created turning points or how economics influenced trade.

  • Informed Citizenship: Develop skills for informed citizenship by seeking information from diverse sources, comparing perspectives on issues, and using this understanding to respond to local, provincial, national, and global events through various actions.

Your Go-To Resource for Grade 5 Social Studies:

This comprehensive Alberta Grade 5 Social Studies no-prep workbook set offers:

  • Ready-to-Print Workbooks: Instantly implementable content, saving you hours of curriculum alignment and resource creation.

  • Embedded QR Codes: Effortless integration of rich multimedia content to deepen understanding.

  • Complete Answer Keys: Simplify grading and provide immediate, accurate feedback.

  • Versatile Use: Perfect for Alberta homeschooling, remote or adaptive learning, and as an invaluable backbone for the regular classroom teacher. It’s also an ideal emergency substitute teaching plan.

Don’t let the new curriculum feel overwhelming. Empower your Grade 5 students with a structured, engaging, and accessible path to understanding ancient civilizations and their lasting impact on our world.

No Prep Alberta Grade 4 New Curriculum Social Studies Resources

No Prep Alberta Grade 4 New Curriculum Social Studies Resources

No-Prep Grade 4 Social Studies Workbooks for Alberta’s New Curriculum!

The new Alberta K-6 Social Studies curriculum is here, bringing exciting shifts to elementary classrooms across the province. For Grade 4 Social Studies, students embark on a captivating journey through the formation of Canada, exploring how our nation’s past continues to shape its present. 

You’re not alone if you’ve found that resources for Alberta’s new Social Studies curriculum are not yet widely available, especially for Grade 4. That’s why I’ve poured months into developing my comprehensive Alberta Grade 4 Social Studies No-Prep Workbook Set – designed to be your indispensable tool for teaching these vital concepts.

Bridging the Digital Divide with Accessible Learning

I strongly believe in equitable access to education. Digital resources sometimes present challenge for families, impacting access to online learning tools. Understanding this, I’ve created these printable Alberta Grade 4 Social Studies workbooks as a robust, paper-based learning solution. They are ideal for:

  • Alberta homeschooling families seeking a structured and comprehensive Grade 4 Social Studies curriculum for homeschooling.

  • Students in remote learning programs or adaptive learning environments where consistent internet access or device availability might be an issue.

However, “paper-based” doesn’t mean “limited”! Each workbook features strategically embedded QR codes. Students can simply scan these codes with a tablet or smartphone to instantly access high-quality, supplementary videos that bring the content to life. Imagine your students engaging with:

  • Visualizations of Canada’s changing political boundaries through historical maps.

  • Stories of European explorers in North America like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain.

  • Explaining the War of 1812 and its impact on national identity.

  • Understanding the Underground Railroad and the Great Migration to Canada.

This innovative approach offers a truly blended learning experience, enhancing understanding without demanding constant screen time or complex digital logins.

Comprehensive Coverage of All Grade 4 Social Studies KUSPs

This workbook set is a meticulously crafted, no-prep solution that covers every single Knowledge, Understanding, Skills, and Procedures (KUSP) outlined in the new Alberta Grade 4 Social Studies curriculum. Your students will delve into:

Time and Place: The Formation of Canada

  • Shifting Boundaries: Investigate changes in Canada’s political boundaries over time, exploring how claims on territory, treaties, and historical events shaped our nation’s map. Students will compare historical maps to understand Canada’s changing boundaries prior to Confederation.

  • European Exploration & Colonization: Explore the reasons for European exploration (ca. 1500), the expansionism of countries like France and Britain, and the establishment of permanent French settlements in Canada (e.g., Port-Royal, Québec City, Montreal). They’ll analyze the relationships between First Nations and European explorers, including treaties like the Two Row Wampum, and assess the dynamics between home countries and colonies. We also delve into the powerful concept of imperialism and colonization and encourage students to hypothesize different perspectives on colonization.

  • Colonial Transfers & Acts: Understand how colonies were transferred from France to Britain through conflicts like the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) and the Treaty of Paris (1763). Crucially, they’ll analyze the profound impact of the Royal Proclamation (1763) on First Nations’ rights (recognition as original inhabitants, self-government, nation-to-nation treaties) and the Quebec Act (1774) on French language and religious rights, setting foundations for bilingualism in Canada.

  • Post-American Revolution Influences: Examine how the United States’ independence led to Loyalists moving to Canada (including Black Loyalists and enslaved people), the division into Upper and Lower Canada (Constitution Act, 1791), and the War of 1812 against the Americans, which contributed to a burgeoning Canadian identity.

  • Great Migration & Growing Dissatisfaction: Learn about the Great Migration (1815–50), bringing English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish immigrants and the concurrent influx of enslaved Black people escaping via the Underground Railroad to Canada. Students will analyze how this immigration increased English speakers, impacting Francophones in Canada, and contributing to the Rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada (1837-38), leading to changes like the Act of Union.

  • Confederation: Explore how Canada became a country through negotiations (Charlottetown, Quebec, London Conferences), driven by external pressures and internal opportunities (fear of American expansionism, desire for a railroad). Students will investigate the views of Fathers of Confederation and justify the importance of Confederation in 1867 with the British North America Act.

Systems: Historical Influences on Government

  • Evolution of Canadian Government: Understand how Canada’s government structure evolved, shaped by historical events and reflecting British governance. Students will explore the BNA Act (1867), establishing a constitutional monarchy, parliamentary system, and federal division of responsibilities (federal and provincial).

The Fur Trade’s Contribution to Canada:

  • System of Exchange: Analyze the fur trade as a system of exchange between North America and Europe, involving European companies like the Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company.

  • Interactions and Roles: Investigate the intricate interactions between First Nations, Métis, and Europeans in the fur trade, and the diverse roles of First Nations and Métis women (interpreters, fur processors, negotiators).

  • Impact of the Fur Trade: Examine the profound changes brought by the fur trade (shared knowledge, disease exposure, reliance on goods) and its contribution to economic growth in Canada.

Citizenship: Rights and Responsibilities in Canada

  • Belonging and Contribution: Explore the meaning of citizenship, emphasizing belonging to and contributing to a society.

  • Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities: Differentiate between rights and responsibilities in Canada, understanding that rights and freedoms can be limited (e.g., free speech vs. hate speech) and have changed over time to address racism.

  • Active Citizenship: Discover how responsible citizenship involves active participation and what actions can be taken to overcome discrimination and inequality.

Your Essential Classroom & Home Learning Backbone:

This comprehensive Alberta Grade 4 Social Studies no-prep package provides:

  • Ready-to-Print Workbooks: Instantly usable, saving you hours of planning time for the new curriculum.

  • Embedded QR Codes: Seamless integration of multimedia learning without complex tech setup.

  • Complete Answer Keys: Easy assessment and immediate feedback for students.

  • Ideal for Diverse Settings: Perfect for homeschooling, remote learning, adaptive programs, and as a solid backbone for the regular classroom teacher. It’s also an exceptional emergency substitute teaching plan.

Don’t wait for resources to catch up! Equip your Grade 4 students with the tools they need to succeed in the new Alberta Social Studies curriculum with confidence and engagement.

Alberta’s New Grade 6 Social Studies Curriculum – Resources

Alberta’s New Grade 6 Social Studies Curriculum – Resources

Unlock Grade 6 Social Studies: Your No-Prep Workbook Set for Alberta’s New Curriculum!

The new Alberta K-6 Social Studies curriculum marks a significant evolution in how our students understand the world around them. For Grade 6 Social Studies, this means a deep dive into the fascinating history and principles of democracy, exploring everything from ancient civilizations to our own Canadian governance and civic participation. As a seasoned educator, I’ve seen the struggle to find truly comprehensive, Alberta curriculum-aligned resources that cover all thenew architecture of this curriculum, specifically the KUSPs (Knowledge, Understanding, Skills, and Procedures).

That’s precisely why I am choosing to make available the resources I have crafted for my own students. Here is my solution: my Alberta Grade 6 Social Studies No-Prep Workbook Set. This robust package is designed to be your indispensable tool for confidently navigating the new curriculum and empowering your students to master these vital concepts.

Solving the Resource Scarcity for Alberta’s New Social Studies

If you’re an Alberta elementary teacher or a homeschooling parent in Alberta, you know that resources for the new Alberta Social Studies curriculum are still emerging. The search for effective, Grade 6 Social Studies curriculum materials that precisely align with the updated learning outcomes can be daunting. This no-prep set fills that critical gap, providing a comprehensive, ready-to-use solution that saves you precious planning time.

It is important to note that these workbooks are ideologically neutral. They explain how systems work, but they do not delve into left or right wing politics, as understanding and engaging with those perspectives are not part of this curriculum. These resources exist to teach children about HOW government functions, and what the historical roots of government are; not to provide influential political details.

Bridging the Digital Divide with Innovative, Accessible Learning

I strongly believe that quality education should be accessible to all. The digital divide in Alberta education remains a real concern for many families. That’s why the cornerstone of these resources is paper-based learning. These printable Alberta Grade 6 Social Studies workbooks offer a traditional, low-tech environment for core learning, making them ideal for:

  • Alberta homeschool families seeking structured Grade 6 Social Studies.
  • Remote learning programs requiring independent, engaging activities.
  • Flexible learning environments needing reliable, offline resources.

However, “paper-based” doesn’t mean “limited”! To enrich the learning without creating tech headaches, I’ve integrated QR codes for educational videos directly into the workbooks. Students can simply scan these codes with a device (smartphone, tablet or webcam) to instantly access curated, supplementary videos that bring abstract concepts to life.

This set of three booklets provides a powerful blended learning experience that is both deeply engaging and refreshingly low-stress.

Comprehensive Coverage of All Grade 6 Social Studies KUSPs

This workbook set isn’t just a collection of worksheets; it’s a meticulously designed pathway through every KUSP of the Alberta Grade 6 Social Studies curriculum. Your students will actively engage with:

Time and Place: Principles of Democracy and Civic Participation

  • Defining Democracy: Students will explore how political systems provide structure for society, understanding that democracy is a political system where the government is accountable to citizens, built on fundamental principles like equality under law, justice, freedom, and representation.
  • Global Democracies: They’ll compare different ways countries apply democratic principles throughout history and today.
  • Canadian Citizenship: Deep dives into Canadian citizenship rights and responsibilities, including the nuances of civic participation in Canada (both formal and informal actions like voting, petitions, social media campaigns, and community involvement).
  • Historical Limitations: Students will examine how civic participation was limited in Canada’s past by factors like gender, property ownership, and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit status, linking to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protecting and evolving these rights.
  • Influencing Change: Activities will empower students to understand how individuals and groups can influence change in society through critical thinking, discussion, and action, recognizing civic participation as a responsibility of citizens.
  • Government Structure and Geography: Explore the fascinating relationship between geographical features and structures of government.

Historical Models of Democracy:

  • Ancient Athens: Students will summarize the structure and operation of Athenian direct democracy, connect its features (like majority rule) to contemporary practices, and critique its challenges (e.g., limited participation for women and non-citizens).
  • Roman Republic: Analyze the structure and operation of representative democracy in the Roman Republic, evaluating its opportunities and challenges and comparing its enduring features (elected consuls, senators) to modern systems.
  • Haudenosaunee Confederacy: Discover the rich history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s governing system, including the Great Law of Peace, the role of Chiefs and Clan Mothers, and the power of consensus decision-making. Students will model the responsibilities of decision-makers and connect these practices to fundamental democratic principles.
  • English Foundations of Democracy: Unpack the profound impact of key English legislative changes, including the Magna Carta (1215), the Habeas Corpus Act (1679), and the Bill of Rights (1689). Students will analyze their legacies and justify which event had the largest impact on democracy’s advancement.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

  • Entrenchment and Values: Understand how the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) was entrenched in the Constitution to reflect Canadian democratic values and diverse heritage.
  • Freedoms, Individual, and Collective Rights: Identify fundamental freedoms, individual rights (equality, legal, religious), and collective rights in Canada (Aboriginal and treaty rights, Francophone/Anglophone language education rights).
  • Protection and Limits: Examine how the Charter protects all Canadians and applies to all levels of government, while also understanding its reasonable limits and how it can be used to challenge unjust policies and advocate for societal change.
  • Addressing Discrimination: Critically examine cultural groups that experience discrimination and racism in Canada, such as antisemitism and Islamophobia, and how the Charter aims to address these issues.

Provincial Systems of Government:

  • Alberta’s Provincial Government: Analyze the structure of the provincial government in Alberta, including the roles of the Lieutenant-Governor, Premier, Cabinet Ministers, and MLAs, understanding its basis in the British parliamentary system.
  • Democratic Practices: Connect democratic practices in Alberta’s provincial government to earlier systems, evaluating the contributions and legacies of historical models.
  • Simulating Elections: Hands-on activities will allow students to simulate elections, gaining practical insight into this vital civic process.

Civic Participation and Project Planning:

  • Taking Action: Students will explore both informal and formal ways to be an active citizen in Canada’s democracy, from community support to voting and running for office.
  • Project Planning for Change: Learn essential project planning steps (identifying issues, research, setting goals, resources, reflection) to empower them to plan projects for the community and actively contribute to societal well-being.

Designed for Your Success:

  • No Prep Required: Simply print and teach! All instructions are clear, and activities are student-ready.
  • Embedded QR Codes: Effortless access to supplementary video content enhances engagement without tech setup hassle.
  • Complete Answer Keys: Streamline your assessment process and provide immediate feedback to students.
  • Excellent for Emergency Subs: A complete, independent unit that any substitute can easily manage.

Don’t let the new curriculum overwhelm you. This Alberta Grade 6 Social Studies no-prep workbook set is your comprehensive, accessible, and engaging solution to ensure your students not only understand but also connect with the rich KUSPs of the new curriculum.

Save yourself the hassle of trying to cobble together resources for Alberta’s new social studies curriculum implementation. Head over to my Teachers Pay Teachers store to grab your copy!

Resources for Alberta’s New Elementary Curriculum

Resources for Alberta’s New Elementary Curriculum

Alberta’s New K-6 Curriculum

Essential Paper-Based Resources for Every Learning Environment

 

Hello fellow educators, parents, and homeschooling families!

The phased implementation of Alberta’s new K-6 curriculum has been a significant journey, moving from optional use in 2023 to full, province-wide implementation across Alberta elementary schools. This shift has amplified the need for high-quality, accessible Alberta curriculum resources that support not only classroom teachers but also Alberta homeschool families and students in flexible and adaptive learning programs.

For months,  including the summer of 2025, I’ve dedicated myself to an intensive instructional design process, meticulously crafting a series of printable workbooks for Alberta K-6 students. My goal? To provide foundational, paper-based resources that can be easily integrated into any learning environment, offering a realistic and predictable approach to mastering the new curriculum.

Bridging the Digital Divide with Accessible Learning Tools

I understand that educational technology accessibility isn’t a given for every family. The digital divide in education remains a very real challenge, making truly inclusive learning resources paramount. That’s why building the core learning elements of these workbooks on paper was a crucial decision. These Alberta curriculum worksheets are designed for straightforward use, primarily relying on traditional pencil-and-paper responses.

However, to enrich the learning experience without overwhelming families, I’ve innovatively embedded QR codes in educational materials. These interactive learning workbooks enable students to seamlessly access a broader multimedia landscape – think supplementary videos, interactive diagrams, or audio clips – by simply scanning a code with a device. This approach minimizes the stress on parents and students of logging into multiple applications, providing a truly blended learning experience that leverages technology judiciously.

Robust Support for Classroom Teachers and Independent Learners

For Alberta elementary teachers seeking a solid foundation for their daily classroom activities, these Alberta curriculum workbooks offer an ideal backbone. They are meticulously designed to cover all Knowledge, Understanding, and Skills (KUSPs) outlined in the new curriculum. Every specific outcome that facilitates the learning of these broader objectives has been carefully addressed within these resources.

In a regular classroom setting, these independent student activities within the workbooks are perfect for “seat work,” allowing teachers the flexibility to circulate, provide individualized support, and facilitate richer, more dynamic learning experiences. Imagine the freedom to focus on collaborative learning strategies, engage in classroom discussions, or implement other pedagogically sound teaching methods while students are independently engaged.

Furthermore, these Alberta curriculum activity books make for an exceptional emergency substitute teaching plan. They provide clear, engaging tasks that any substitute can easily manage, ensuring continuity of learning even in your absence.

Whether you’re an Alberta teacher seeking to reinforce core curriculum concepts, a homeschooling parent looking for structured Alberta curriculum support, or managing an adaptive learning program, these downloadable and printable K-6 workbooks are designed to be your go-to resource.

I’m incredibly excited for you to explore how these Alberta education resources can simplify your planning and enrich the learning journey for your students.

In the spirit of keeping it simple, my resources are available on Teachers Pay Teachers; a platform accessed by teachers worldwide. 

 

I’ve put my Grade 4 Scientific Method workbook on TPT for FREE so you can have a little peek. There are only a handful of outcomes for that unit, so the workbook is smaller than the others, but it gives you an idea as to my layout and design for these learning materials.

I got my Ethics Approval!

I got my Ethics Approval!

I got the green light today! 

The ethics process is not an interesting one to blog about, but it is a crucial step in the research process. The questions in the ethics application delve deeply into the rationale for conducting the research, but more importantly, the impact that the research may have upon participants. The application was completed by me, with my supervisor as the Principal Investigator. She assisted me in ensuring that the appplication was thoroughly completed.

The application is then reviewed by the Institutional Research Information Services Solution (IRISS) and they respond with items that need clarification and/or attention. After a couple of back and forth online conversations regarding the needed revisions, my application was approved.

I then had to file the approved paperwork with the school district I will be working with for my research as they require the paperwork 30 days in advance of the commencement of my research. I have submitted that already, as I am hoping to deploy my survey on August 20, as there is a looming threat of a teacher strike occurring early this fall. If I am going to have to be on strike, I’d like to be conducting the data analysis while that happens!

I am now a Doctoral Candidate!

I am now a Doctoral Candidate!

I passed it!!

I passed my candidacy exam this morning! The above images reveal my nervousness in the moments leading up to the Zoom exam, and in the moments at the end. Let me explain.

The photo of the papers are my specific research questions as they are worded in my proposal, and the propositions that I have put forth as part of my case study methodology. I anticipated that I might freeze and then panic trying to recall exactly how I worded them in the final proposal, and words matter. The last thing I wanted to do was to misquote myself with respect to where the final wording landed for the questions and end up babbling!!

The photo on the right is of the esteemed faculty who served as my examination committee. I forgot to ask permission to post a photo to blog about my experience, so I have blurred all individuals as they were not offered an opportunity to decline.

What is a Doctoral Candidacy Exam like?

I can only speak to my personal experience, but if you are curious, this is how it played out:

In advance of the exam, I met with my Candidacy; a group that comprises my incredible supervisor, and two other faculty members who are experts in the field of studies where my specific research has landed. We selected two other faculty members (both were from UCalgary as well, and when I defend, there will need to be a member from another institution, but for candidacy, the examinors can all be from UCalgary) and my proposal was provided to them several weeks prior to the exam.

A seventh professor particpates in the examination as the “neutral chair”; and their job is to ensure that times are adhered to, and that protocols are followed. As I understand it, this allows the other professors to focus on the examination as someone else is watching the clock.

To start the exam, I was given the first fifteen minutes to give a presentation to the group about my research and my proposal. Upon completion of my presentation, each examiner, beginning with the professor who is “farthest from my research” asked me questions about my research. I then had ten minutes in which to respond to the questions. I was allowed to take my time in considering my responses, and if I wished to consult my paperwork, notes, etc. that was allowable. But ten minutes to respond is actually a fairly truncated period of time, so it was important to be well-versed and confident in my research intentions. Then the second examiner asked a question and again, I had ten minutes to respond. The questions then moved to the members of my Candidacy Committee, each had the same opportunity to pose questions about my research, and again, I had ten minutes to respond to each. The last to question me was my Supervisor.

We then took a 5 minute break.

And then we repeated the above process.

At the end of the second round of questioning, I logged out of Zoom entirely to allow the examiners to discuss the status of my candidacy. 

While they were only discussing for a matter of minutes, not hours, it felt much longer than it was.

But with a unanimous decision, they declared that I had passed the exam, and I am now a doctoral candidate, and I can proceed with completing my ethics application to the university to earn the green light to conduct my research!

Take the Challenge! Make this the Best Year Ever!

Take the Challenge! Make this the Best Year Ever!

Download our free planner here!!

A great school year is built on great relationships…. for both teachers and students. The best learning occurs in classrooms where relationships are prioritized. 

Our free planner provides you an EASY strategy to take control of those relationships in a deliberate, equitable, targeted manner where all student strengths will be celebrated.

Developed from the research literature on the Teacher-Student relationship, this planner lays out a strategic approach for the coming school year to easily build great relationships with every student, and their families. 

Citations for the references contained in the planner are listed at the bottom of this page.

References

Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (2015). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Routledge. (Original work published in 1979).

Ang, R. (2005). Development and Validation of the Teacher-Student Relationship Inventory Using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The Journal of Experimental Education, 74(1), 55–74. https://doi.org/10.3200/JEXE.74.1.55-74

Ang, R. P., Ong, S. L., & Li, X. (2020). Student Version of the Teacher–Student Relationship Inventory (S-TSRI): Development, Validation and Invariance. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1724. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01724

Aultman, L. P., Williams-Johnson, M. R., & Schutz, P. A. (2009). Boundary dilemmas in teacher–student relationships: Struggling with “the line.” Teaching and Teacher Education, 25(5), 636–646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2008.10.002

Birch, S. H., & Ladd, G. W. (1996). Interpersonal relationships in the school environment and children’s early school adjustment: The role of teachers and peers. In J. Juvonen & K. Wentzel (Eds.), Social motivation: Understanding children’s school adjustment. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Corbin, C. M., Alamos, P., Lowenstein, A. E., Downer, J. T., & Brown, J. L. (2019). The role of teacher-student relationships in predicting teachers’ personal accomplishment and emotional exhaustion. Journal of School Psychology, 77, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2019.10.001

Hamre, B. K., & Pianta, R. C. (2001). Early Teacher-Child Relationships and the Trajectory of Children’s School Outcomes through Eighth Grade. Child Development, 72(2), 625–638. https://doi.org/

10.1111/1467-8624.00301

Hattie, J., & Yates, G. (2013). Visible learning and the science of how we learn. Routledge. https://doi-org.ezproxy.lib.ucalgary.ca/10.4324/9781315885025

Peter, F., & Dalbert, C. (2010). Do my teachers treat me justly? Implications of students’ justice experience for class climate experience. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 35(4), 297–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2010.06.001

Quin, D. (2017). Longitudinal and contextual associations between teacher–student relationships and student engagement: A systematic review. Review of Educational Research, 87(2), 345–387. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654316669434

Stuhlman, M. W., & Pianta, R. C. (2002). Teachers’ narratives about their relationships with children: Associations with behavior in classrooms. School Psychology Review, 31(2), 148–163. https://doi.org/10.1080/02796015.2002.12086148

Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. V. MCole, S. John-Steiner, S. Scribner & E. Souberman (Eds.). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Wentzel, K. R. (1997). Student motivation in middle school: The role of perceived pedagogical caring. Journal of Educational Psychology 89(3), 411-419.

Masterclass in Graduate Studies Organization

Masterclass in Graduate Studies Organization

Completing a graduate degree while working full-time, having a family, and wanting to still have some personal time requires planning and deliberate strategies. As a specialist in education and educational technology, I have developed a simple, but layered plan through which to complete my doctoral degree with minimal stress. 

In the video below, I outline for you how to set yourself up to enjoy your degree, experience success, and feel in control of the process every step of the way.

Through the use of an iPad equipped with the app Goodnotes, and a computer with Zotero and Google slides, I have limited my paper consumption significantly, and have streamlined my research process.

ChatGPT – Getting Started Beginner’s Guide

ChatGPT – Getting Started Beginner’s Guide

ChatGPT is the AI tool you’ve probably heard the most about. OpenAI made big headlines after deploying this chatbot tool in November, 2022.

If you haven’t taken it for a test drive yet, and don’t want to ask someone to show you how to get started, this quick video will take you through setting up your account and entering your first prompts.

This is fun, it’s amazing, and it has the potential to reduce some of the burdens of teaching. You need to check this out as soon as possible!!

Let ChatGPT Teach You How to use ChatGPT

Let ChatGPT Teach You How to use ChatGPT

No one is an expert in AI. It’s too new. We are all learning what this is, what it means, and how to use it. There’s no reason to feel embarrassed for feeling a little bit out of sorts about this whole AI thing.

So, here’s the thing… if you want to learn at your own pace, and not feel embarrassed for being an artificial intelligence newbie, use ChatGPT to teach you how to use ChatGPT. I know that sounds really weird. ChatGPT-ception?? The video below will show you how to go about doing this.

And I also have a getting started with ChatGPT video that shows you how to find it, and how to get started.

Human vs AI: 5 Tips for Detecting AI-Generated Text

Human vs AI: 5 Tips for Detecting AI-Generated Text

A quandary all teachers are facing in 2024. How can we be certain if a student has used AI to write an assignment that has been submitted for grading. 

Sometimes it’s our first instinct to look to technology to solve challenges that technology has created. In other words, we want a utility that can assure us either way with respect to the potentially plagiarized work. These tools exist, but the reviews are iffy so far.

So, here are 5 tips for teachers to try to identify student essays that were generated using artificial intelligence tools. The sixth tip suggests using online plagiarism detection tools. The 5 tips I offer in this video involve human inspection, and trusting your teacher eyes.

Isn’t ChatGPT Just Another Search Engine?

Isn’t ChatGPT Just Another Search Engine?

You ask it questions. It gives you answers. That’s a search engine, right?

Not exactly.

ChatGPT being a chatbot, it will converse with you. It doesn’t provide you with a bunch of pertinent websites that you need to read through and summarize in your head (or on paper). It answers your question, like a human would. It composes sentences, and responds using human-like language. Further, you can ask follow-up questions to the chatbot and it will respond to your follow up questions. And the follow up question could be asked literally months after the conversation, and ChatGPT will respond like no time has passed. 

It’s worth trying it out!!

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