Alberta Regions Research Project Based Learning | Paper and Digital

This lesson and project was designed to learn about the physical regions of Alberta through a variety of activities that require only moments to prep. Students are challenged to research the different Alberta regions, but everything teachers need is included.

This resource is part of our Alberta Regions Project Bundle.

Get Grade 3 Alberta Social Studies for a full year and save money at the same time.

This hands-on resource includes:

• Boreal Forest, Parkland, Rocky Mountains, Grasslands, Foothills, and the Canadian Shield. This is based on the resources we have available in our school. Most of the activities can still work if you use different regions (except the map and the cube activity).
• information about natural resources, physical features, towns/cities, vegetation, animals, climate and landmarks for each region.
• a map lesson to learn the different regions of Alberta.
• a lesson about landforms.
• an interactive notebook template lesson to learn the different landforms for each region. This gives students the chance to learn some of the basic similarities and differences of the regions before starting on their projects.
• six different project-based learning activities for students to choose from. These projects further deepen the understanding of the regions. Students create a project and present it. Some of the projects can be done digitally.
• suggestions for how to do project-based learning in your classroom.
• background information about each region for the teacher.
• assessment rubrics for the projects.
• simple quizzes and assessment activities to see what students know about the different geographical regions.
• self-assessment opportunities for students so they can review their work.
• an art project that wraps up the lessons so students can show off what they have learned.
• modifications to help you differentiate without spending more of your time.
• photographs of student examples.
• checklists for each project.
• advice from our students.
• the ability to pick and choose so it can work in your classroom.
• digital versions of most of the pages to help support your students or reduce printing. To access the digital version, download the PDF and use the link inside that file.
• a list of Alberta outcomes to help with planning.
  

These projects have been tested several times by various groups of students and they are enjoyed every year! This resource was originally written for Grade 4 students, so your Grade 3 students may need some support, especially at the beginning of the school year.

While some of the projects can be done digitally, these activities are designed for a hands-on approach.

Ninja Note: If you teach in Alberta, this resource has been updated for the new social studies curriculum. Learn more about how we're writing and adjusting resources for the new curriculum. https://brainninjas.ca/social-studies-in-alberta/

These activities align with:

• the Alberta Social Studies Curriculum Grade 3 ©2025
• the Alberta Program of Studies Grade 4 Social Studies

Looking for more social studies for Alberta teachers?

• Time and Place Unit for Alberta Social Studies Grade 3
• Systems Unit for Alberta Social Studies Grade 3
• Citizenship Unit for Alberta Social Studies Grade 3 (COMING SOON)

Our Grade 3 Social Studies Full Year is here.

Save money and get materials to teach the Alberta regions in our Alberta Regions Project and Lesson Bundle here.

Ninja Note: To access the digital version of this file, download the PDF and click on the access link in that file.

Have a question? Before contacting us, check our Frequently Asked Questions page.