Is STEM taught in Alberta elementary schools?
Short answer: Yes — and more than most people realize.
Alberta’s K–6 curriculum does include science, tech, and practical skills
Alberta Education’s renewed K–6 curriculum includes dedicated strands for Science, Mathematics, and Practical Skills (which covers early tech literacy).
This means STEM isn’t just an optional add‑on — it’s baked into the core curriculum.
Some school boards offer full STEM programs starting in Kindergarten
For example, Edmonton Public Schools runs a full STEM program from K–12, with hands‑on, project‑based learning, problem‑solving, and technology use starting right in Kindergarten.
That’s huge — it means entire elementary schools are already structured around STEM thinking.
But availability varies by district
Not every school in Alberta offers a dedicated STEM program. Some boards (like EPSB) have specialized STEM schools, while others integrate STEM concepts into regular classes without branding it as a “STEM program.”
STEM concepts → taught to all K–6 students
Formal STEM programs → available in certain schools, depending on district
Linux is in Alberta classrooms — just not advertised.
It’s embedded in:
- Raspberry Pi programs
- Robotics
- Coding curriculum
- CTS tech courses
- Maker labs
- After-school STEM clubs
Alberta schools do teach Linux skills — but not as a named “Linux class.”
Instead, Linux shows up inside Career & Technology Foundations (CTF), Career & Technology Studies (CTS), and the Information & Communication Technology (ICT) curriculum. These programs let teachers choose the tools, and many divisions use Raspberry Pi, micro:bit, and open‑source platforms, which naturally means Linux is part of the learning.
Get your kids involved ! building pi kits “Ad” and robot rovers “Ad” is a great way to spend time with them and spark an interest in the sciences !