Zoonotic diseases in the Classroom
This week is Animal Health Week (October 2-8) and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is focusing on the importance of ‘One Health,’ meaning that the health of humans, animals and ecosystems is interconnected. With this theme in mind, guest blogger and 4th year animal science student Kelsey Neill discusses zoonotic diseases, classroom animals and what […]
Responding to Disaster: The Fort McMurray Fire
A disaster can happen when we least expect it. But when people step up, get involved and work together, difficult situations can be overcome and the Fort McMurray fire is a great example of this. From the start, the fires moved quickly, intensely and unpredictably. People were forced to evacuate with little warning – this […]
Why should we try to understand animal behaviour?
We love to observe and make guesses about what our pets are thinking or how they’re feeling, but there is a scientific way to examine their actions! Why is it important to look at animal behaviour through a scientific lens and how do we do it? Our guest blogger, and recent MSc graduate in Animal […]
Announcing the 2015 Humane Awards Recipients!
The Alberta SPCA’s Humane Awards recognize Alberta teachers and students who inspire others to show compassion for animals, people and the environment through example and leadership. We are pleased to announce this year’s Humane Award Recipients! For incorporating humane education principles that foster empathy and respect for all living, the 2015 Humane Teacher Award recipient […]
Three ways to Inspire Ethical Citizenship
In Alberta’s Ministerial Order on student learning the government identified fundamental learning goals for students to ensure a prosperous and positive future for Alberta. We must aim to inspire all students to reach their full potential through the three Es’: “engaged thinkers and ethical citizens with an entrepreneurial spirit.” The second of the e’s – […]
Marks of Kindness
Students and teachers across the province have done some wonderful things to make a difference for animals, people and the environment! This short video highlights just some of the things they were up to this past school year. Enjoy! For more examples of students making a difference, visit our Kindness Map!
Grants for Greening Your School
Spring is a great time to start thinking about engaging your school community in finding ways to make your school a greener place – both inside and out. There are many benefits to greening schools, including energy and waste reduction, air quality improvement and even increases in academic performance. Adding green spaces outdoors provides authentic […]
What difference does a week of kindness make?
You tell us! Try just one week of daily kind acts – for animals, people and the environment. It doesn’t require extra class time (or prep time), but can make a big impact. Ask students to commit to one act of kindness each day and record what they did. We have a checklist (or this […]
30th Anniversary of Aggie Days Calgary
This guest blog comes from Shelby Wong, a first year public relations student at Mount Royal University and Alberta SPCA education volunteer. She loves writing, considers herself a “dog person”, and can be found somewhere in the Rocky Mountains during her free time. We are excited to be taking part in the Aggie Days Calgary […]
Measuring Empathy – A University of Alberta Study
This guest blog comes from Stefanie Martin, a 4th year undergraduate Animal Health student at the University of Alberta. Stefanie has worked for and volunteered with a number of animal welfare organizations over the past six years. We are pleased that she’s willing to share her most recent research project with us. Measuring Empathy Humane […]