Connection: Information for Teachers (October 2008)

Science

Elementary Science
Work is progressing on the K–6 Science Program of Studies, with consideration of:

  • information and communication technology (ICT)
  • scientific literacy
  • the relationships among science, technology and society
  • First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) perspectives.

The K–6 Science Working Group and FNMI representatives have worked collaboratively to initiate infusion of FNMI perspectives into the revised program of studies.  The K–6 Advisory Committee met in May 2008 and provided input on the initial draft. A consultation draft is scheduled to be available for review and feedback in early spring 2009.

Senior High Science
The newly authorized Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 30 programs of study were implemented in September.  The first administration of diploma examinations for these revised courses will be in January 2009.

Basic resources for these 30-level courses are available in both English and French at the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) as part of the combined 20-level/30-level textbooks.

Professional Development Opportunities
Learning opportunities will be provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia to support implementation of the senior high science programs.

Resource Update
Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
Kindergarten–Grade 3
Grade 4–Grade 6
Grade 7–Grade 9
Science 10
Biology 20
Biology 30
Chemistry 20
Science 20
Science 30

New Digital Resources on LearnAlberta.ca: New digital resources for science are available on LearnAlberta.ca.  View details regarding these resources.

New Distributed Learning Resources: Several new distributed learning resources are available for science.  View details regarding these resources.

Free Educational Materials Available from the National Research Council of Canada
Copies of sky charts, periodic tables, and information folders on bacteria and viruses are available from the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).  View further information on these and other free resources, and access the online order form. 

The NRC’s Teachers’ Corner also includes interactive activities, image galleries, glossaries and teaching and assessment strategies and tools for topics in Astronomy and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.  This information is relevant particularly for secondary students and teachers.

Contacts
For more information regarding science programs and resources, connect with one of Alberta Education’s key contacts for science.

Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

Search for authorized science resources.