Overview
Social studies is the study of history, geography, economics, civics and citizenship, and government and politics. Students explore important questions and actively engage with issues to understand lessons from the past and to become active and well-informed citizens in their communities. Students use a knowledge-based curriculum and combine social science methods, including research, source evaluation and evidence interpretation, to enhance understanding, draw conclusions and build robust critical-thinking skills.
Learn More (updated May 2025)
- How to use new LearnAlberta (video)
- Read the new and draft K to 6 curriculum on new LearnAlberta
- Download the new K to 6 curriculum fact sheets
Previous and new curriculum comparison
The following table shows how elements in the previous K-6 social studies curriculum, published in 2005, compares to the new 2025 curriculum. The comparisons provide examples and do not represent all the changes that were made.
Previous curriculum (2005) examples | New curriculum (2025) examples | |
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Disciplinary knowledge and skills consistently developed throughout all grades | History, geography, civics, economics, and other social studies-related disciplines are not addressed in each grade. | Content on history, geography, economics, politics and citizenship is present in every grade. |
Content on citizenship in all grades to support civic engagement | The inclusion of civics varied by grade. | Citizenship is an organizing idea across all grades. |
Respectful and authentic inclusion of First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives | Limited inclusion of authentic and respectful First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives in some grades. | First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, contributions and perspectives are included authentically and respectfully. |
Inclusion of pluralism and diverse perspectives | Opportunities to support pluralism and learn about diverse people and communities varied from grade to grade. | Pluralism is included in all grades as students explore cultural diversity in the community, across Canada and throughout the world. |
Snapshot by grade
In social studies, students learn about geography, history, economics, politics and citizenship. The snapshots provide an overview of some of the content students explore in each grade.
- Learn more about critical thinking in the draft K to 6 social studies curriculum
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Kindergarten: Culture, tradition and community
- places in communities
- cultures, traditions and histories
- needs and wants
- leaders in communities
- cooperation and collaboration in groups
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Grade 1: Local communities and cultures
- key physical features and landmarks of communities
- cultures of diverse communities, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit and francophone communities
- exchange of goods and services
- roles and responsibilities in groups
- supporting belonging
- Canada’s official symbols
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Grade 2: Canada – Communities and heritage
- Canada’s physical regions and natural resources
- leaders in Canada, including the prime minister and the premiers
- traditions and heritages across Canada, including those of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, francophones and diverse communities
- ways trade and transportation support communities
- competencies for democratic discussion and decision making
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Grade 3: Alberta and the prairies
- physical regions and political boundaries of Alberta
- First Nations and Métis contributions to Alberta
- francophone settlement and contributions to Alberta
- introduction to discrimination and racism in Alberta
- provincial and municipal governments
- Alberta’s official symbols
- Alberta’s natural resources
- charitable giving and volunteerism
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Grade 4: Colonial Canada and Confederation
- changes in power and influence in pre-Confederation Canada
- Jacques Cartier and early settlements
- Samuel de Champlain and the establishment of Quebec City and New France
- the Treaty of Paris and the transfer of Canada to the British
- the United Empire Loyalists
- the Rebellions of 1837, responsible government and Confederation
- the fur trade and Canada’s natural resources
- citizenship rights and responsibilities
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Grade 5: Ancient civilizations
- the rise and fall of ancient civilizations
- influence of the environment on ancient civilizations
- development of economic practices, including trade networks and taxes
- authoritarian governments and social systems
- legacies of ancient civilizations and empires
- informed citizenship
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Grade 6: Democracy – History, principles and operation
- principles of democracy
- ancient Athenian direct democracy
- Roman Republic representative democracy
- Haudenosaunee Confederacy decision making
- provincial and federal government in Canada
- the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- formal and informal civic participation
- discrimination and racism