Grade 3 Social Studies
8 units matched to the Alberta Curriculum. Kids see this subject as “Our World”.
Organizing ideas
- Alberta has distinct physical regions (the Rocky Mountains, foothills, parkland, grasslands and boreal forest) and political boundaries that it shares with its neighbours.
- First Nations and Métis peoples have made, and continue to make, important contributions to Alberta.
- Francophone settlers and communities have helped shape Alberta.
- Everyone deserves respect: children begin to learn what discrimination and racism are and how to stand up for fairness.
- Provincial and municipal governments make decisions and provide services, and citizens take part.
- Official symbols show what Albertans value and share.
- Natural resources shape Alberta's land, jobs and way of life, and need to be used wisely.
- Charitable giving and volunteering help communities.
Units
Unit 1
Alberta's Regions & Borders
Alberta's physical regions (Rocky Mountains, Foothills, Parkland, Grasslands, Boreal Forest), its neighbours, its capital and the Prairie provinces.
Learning outcome: physical regions and political boundaries of Alberta · Alberta's physical regions, borders and the Prairie provinces
Unit 2
First Nations & Métis in Alberta
Alberta is home to many distinct First Nations, the Métis and Inuit people. Questions are light and written in the present tense about living communities. Each Nation has its own language and history, and Treaty 6, 7 and 8 cover Alberta. Please talk with your child about local Nations and Elders; this unit is not a full account.
Learning outcome: First Nations and Métis contributions to Alberta · First Nations and Métis peoples, treaties, languages and contributions
Unit 3
French-Speaking Albertans
French-speaking fur traders, missionaries and settlers, French communities in Alberta today, and Canada's two official languages.
Learning outcome: francophone settlement and contributions to Alberta · francophone settlers and communities in Alberta
Unit 4
Fairness & Respect
An age-appropriate introduction to discrimination and racism: what they mean, why they hurt, and what children can do, such as welcoming others, telling a trusted adult and standing up kindly.
Learning outcome: introduction to discrimination and racism in Alberta · what discrimination and racism are and how to treat others fairly
Unit 5
Alberta's Governments
The roles of municipal and provincial governments: who leads, what each looks after, and how citizens take part through voting.
Learning outcome: provincial and municipal governments · what provincial and municipal governments do and who leads them
Unit 6
Alberta's Symbols
Alberta's official emblems, such as the wild rose, lodgepole pine, great horned owl, bighorn sheep and the provincial flag.
Learning outcome: Alberta’s official symbols · Alberta's flag, coat of arms and official plant and animal emblems
Unit 7
Alberta's Natural Resources
Alberta's natural resources (oil and natural gas, farmland, forests and water), renewable and non-renewable resources, and using them wisely.
Learning outcome: Alberta’s natural resources · Alberta's natural resources and how people use them wisely
Unit 8
Giving & Volunteering
Charitable giving and volunteering: how time, skills and donations help people and animals in our community.
Learning outcome: charitable giving and volunteerism · how charity and volunteering help communities
Ready to try Gradelings?
Curriculum-matched practice for Kindergarten to Grade 9 in British Columbia and Ontario and Alberta and Saskatchewan, with kind hints, learning games and no ads. Free for 30 days, no card needed.