CATCA 2025: Full Schedule

COMPLETE THE CATCA 2025 SURVEY TO IMPROVE FUTURE CONVENTION

CLOSURE REMARKS FROM CATCA 2025!

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THE CONVENTION AND FOR CATCA 2026 WILL HAPPEN ON FEBRUARY 19 AND 20, 2026 AT RDP.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM YOUR ATA LOCALS.

All pre-recording videos will be up until May 31st.

9:00am MST

AI Prompting for Teacher Success

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

Discover how to harness the power of AI chatbots like ChatGPT to enhance your teaching practice! In this hands-on professional development session, you’ll learn how to craft effective prompts to get tailored, high-quality results including generating engaging lesson plans, creating differentiated instructional materials, or brainstorming new pedagogical strategies. Perfect for beginners and seasoned tech users alike, this session will equip you with practical skills to use AI as a creative collaborator and thinking partner. Leave with ready-to-use examples, prompt templates, and confidence to make AI work for you in the classroom.

Speakers

Terra Kaliszuk

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Terra Kaliszuk is an Executive Staff Officer in the Professional Development program area of the Alberta Teachers' Association. She brings a passion for understanding and supporting the human journey of learning to all of her work. Terra has led professional learning work for the... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

9:00am MST

The Soul of AI: Do Artificial Intelligence machines have souls?

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room AC222 (Arts Centre)

Increasingly sophisticated displays of artificial intelligence such as CHATGPT has elicited variegated responses ranging from experts decrying the need for regulation to educators embracing new possibilities for lesson planning and student learning. While many marvel at the alacrity by which AI churns out elaborate responses, AI is forcing people to ask themselves questions such as “what exactly divides humanity from machines?” This talk, designed for religious educators, delves into that question. One obvious answer is that machines don’t have souls. But is that really the case? And if so, why? Here we look at what exactly is a soul in light of Sacred Scripture as well as ancient and modern philosophy with the aim of better grasping what human-AI distinctions.

Speakers

Gerard Mclarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Dr. McLarney teaches at St. Isidore Learning Center in Sherwood Park AB., and serves as a sessional instructor at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. His academic interests include Religious Education, World Religions, J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as Sacred Scripture. His doctorate... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room AC222 (Arts Centre)

Religious & Moral Education (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

10:20am MST

Using AI to Enhance Human-Centered Work

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

RDP Room 2501

Join this workshop to explore strategies that leverage AI to enhance communication and connection. We will explore the intersection of AI and our social and emotional world, professional considerations for leveraging AI tools for human-centered work, and versatile strategies that work with a variety of AI tools. Participants are encouraged to bring a device, such as a laptop or tablet, for the hands-on activities included in this workshop.

Speakers

Terra Kaliszuk

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2501

11:40am MST

Hands-on Minds On: The Intersection of Trades and STEM in K-12 Education

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 2303

Dive into an Alberta-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiative in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic that enriches K-12 education with practical trades experience. The session features an interactive opportunity for you to be in your students’ shoes to explore and engage with our free digital and hands-on resources. We'll start with a brief overview of the project and its connections to the mathematics and science curricula and industry. You will then spend the majority of the session interacting with the activities and resources that can be immediately implemented into your practice. We will seek your feedback on classroom application and potential resources. You’ll leave better equipped to answer the question of “Why do I need to learn this?” by connecting mathematics and science concepts to students’ everyday lives.

Speakers

Jöelle Lavergne

Kiri Stolz

Your Partner in STEM - Lethbridge Polytechnic

Lethbridge Polytechnic

Lethbridge Polytechnic: Your Partner in STEM are passionate advocates for the intersection of trades and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects in K-12 education. They play pivotal roles in developing and implementing an innovative STEM initiative in collaboration... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2303

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Science (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

11:40am MST

Using Online Simulations to Enhance Elementary STEM Education

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

Ignite STEM learning with Gizmos, the 2024 CODiE Award Winner for Best STEM Instructional Solution for Grades K-12! When Gizmos simulations are paired with hands-on activities, student understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematical practices takes off! Participants will experience an interactive Gizmos STEM lesson and reflect upon their experience. Access to Gizmos for K-6 teachers has been provided by Alberta Education. Please bring an electronic device to get the most out of this session.

Speakers

Karen Blumhagen

Implementation Coordinator, Alberta, ExploreLearning

Karen Blumhagen is an Implementation Coordinator with ExploreLearning. She has over thirty years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, learning facilitator, and administrator. Karen has observed firsthand the positive impacts of online simulations on student understanding... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

Science (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

11:40am MST

AI Made Simple for the Classroom

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 2602

We invite you to join us for this interactive exploration into how AI can assist you to make a real difference to your work-life balance while also increasing student engagement in your classroom! You'll walk away with an abundance of custom curricular aligned teaching resources for new or existing AB curriculum as well as a supportive community to help you navigate the journey of enhancing your professional practice with AI. Let's take care of your teacher's "to-do" list, so you can take care of your students!

The objectives for this session are:
Using AI to assist you with best-practice instructional strategies, assessment, and inclusion.
Using AI to make the complexities of outcome based assessment easy to manage
Teachers will be use AI to differentiate instruction
Teachers will be able to evaluate the output of AI resources on the basis of Teacher Quality Standards
Teachers will be supported while they learn very practical ways to achieve work/life balance with the use of AI
Teachers will be taken through the necessary process of reflection to generate resources built on best practices

Speakers

Sharon Skretting

CEO/Founder, Teacher Time Machine Ltd.

Teacher Time Machine is an Alberta based Educational AI company. We save teacher hours each week by giving them the technology tools and mentorship in outcome based planning and assessment! Some of our best selling features include: Hard Coded AB Curriculum, The ability to create... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2602

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

11:40am MST

Game On! Teaching K-6 Computer Science with MakeCode Arcade

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 2601

Discover how to bring the new K-6 Computer Science curriculum to life through engaging game development projects using MakeCode Arcade! In this hands-on session, educators will explore the basics of game design and coding, all while aligning with key curriculum outcomes. No prior experience in coding or game development is required—participants will learn how to guide students in creating their own pixelated games using an intuitive, block-based coding platform. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and lesson ideas to inspire creativity and computational thinking in your classroom.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All attendees must have a laptop for this session as we will be building a game together.

Speakers

Scott Blenkhorne

Scott Blenkhorne is currently a Specialist with the Teaching and Learning with Technology team at the Calgary Board of Education and has been an educator for the past 17 years, teaching Math, Science, and Computer Science to students from grades 6 - 12. He learned how to code websites... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2601

Science (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

1:00pm MST

Social Media is Killing Our Youth:Sounding the Alarm

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

“It’s toxic for teens” (Instagram internal research)

“God only knows what it’s doing to our children’s’ brains.” (Sean Parker, former president of Facebook)

“Social Media is killing our youth!” (U.S. Lawmakers)

“I am calling for immediate action to protect kids’ and adolescences’ mental health on social media.” (U.S. Surgeon General)

Social media is a major contributing factor to the increase in anxiety and depression and teen suicide deaths over the past 10 years. Healthcare professionals, governments, educators, and child advocates, are sounding the alarm about the impact of social media on our youth. National award-winning speaker, mental health advocate, and social media expert, Wade Sorochan, provides the latest information on how social media is impacting todays' youth, along with vital recommendations to keep kids safe. Learn about current lawsuits and recommended policies and bans, risky online behaviour causing injury and death, whether cellphones should be allowed in schools, and more. Don’t miss this important presentation that many teachers have said is “incredibly informative and overwhelmingly relevant to me as a teacher and parent.” Wade Sorochan is the author of the ground-breaking book Unsocial Media: Virtual World Causing Real World Anxiety and is recognized as a leading mental health advocate and social media addiction expert.

Speakers

Wade Sorochan

Owner, Wade Sorochan Communications

Wade Sorochan is an accomplished broadcaster and national award-winning speaker, author and mental health advocate. Nicknamed the "Tone Arm," Wade became the first broadcaster in history to spontaneously use song clips to enhance a radio talk show. As a mental illness survivor, Wade... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Keynotes and Special Events, Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

1:00pm MST

Solve Real-World Problems Using Gizmos STEM Cases - Division 2 Teachers

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

Facilitate STEM learning in an engaging way with ExploreLearning Gizmos, the 2024 CODiE Award Winner for Best STEM Instructional Solution for Grades K-12! STEM Cases place students in the role of a professional to solve a real-world problem using critical thinking skills. Explore a STEM Case and reflect upon the role of the teacher during the experience. Learn how to monitor student progress and results to facilitate learning throughout the process. Access to Gizmos for K-6 teachers has been provided by Alberta Education. Please bring an electronic device to get the most out of this session.

Speakers

Karen Blumhagen

Implementation Coordinator, Alberta, ExploreLearning

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

Science (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

2:20pm MST

Running an esports option class

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

RDP Room 2302

Over the past two years I have ran an esports option class, where there have been several bumps along the way. During this session I will share some of the things that have worked and some of the things that have failed.

Speakers

Michael Saretzky

Teacher

I am currently a teacher with Red Deer Catholic, teaching grade 8. I have been teaching for almost 20 years, with stops in Fox Creek and Hinton. I have recently completed my Masters in Educational Technology, through UBC. More recently I have delved into the world of esports in the... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2302

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

2:20pm MST

The Power of Scientific Modeling in Elementary Science Education

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

Spark interest and engagement by using online simulations to model natural phenomena. Support learners in making sense of complex scientific concepts with visual models. Students develop a deeper sense of how a system works by interacting with variables and observing connections within systems. Best practices for teaching with Gizmos are modeled. Access to Gizmos for K-6 teachers has been provided by Alberta Education. Teachers are encouraged to bring a device.

Speakers

Karen Blumhagen

Implementation Coordinator, Alberta, ExploreLearning

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Science (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

9:00am MST

Computational Thinking 101: Foundations for Every Educator

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room 1328

Unlock the power of computational thinking for you and your students! Discover how computational thinking can enhance problem-solving skills while connecting with storytelling, nature, art, and more. This session provides a gentle introduction to core concepts found in the new curriculum such as decomposition, abstraction, and algorithms. Through exploring a variety of activities, both plugged-in and unplugged, you’ll learn how to seamlessly incorporate these principles into your classroom regardless of subject or grade level. No prior experience in teaching computer science needed!
Please bring a laptop, Chromebook or tablet to this session

Speakers

Maura Armstrong

Director, Education, Maura Armstrong

TELUS World of Science - Edmonton inspires life-long learning as we create a positive science and technology culture in our region. Enjoy our themed galleries, Zeidler Dome, IMAX Theatre, and Science Stage. We offer an array of in-person and virtual school programs. Our programs are... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1328

Science (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

11:40am MST

Exploring the New Curriculum Through MakeCode Arcade Games

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 1328

Strengthen your students’ problem-solving skills and engage creatively with the curriculum by creating games in Microsoft MakeCode Arcade! This session will provide you with the foundational knowledge to help your students design their own video games, then bring those games to life through block-based coding. Learn how computational thinking skills such as pattern recognition, algorithm design, and debugging are necessary when coding and how to connect games to cur-ricular concepts in any subject. This session explores connections to the Computer Science curriculum for grades 4 and up.

One lucky participant will head back to class with a new Micro:bit!
A laptop, Chromebook, or tablet is required for this session.
Some devices will be available for loan on a first come, first served basis.

Speakers

Maura Armstrong

Director, Education, Maura Armstrong

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1328

Science (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

11:40am MST

Artemis Generation - Using Space Exploration to Inspire ANY Classroom!

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 2301

CSA Astronaut, Jeremy Hansen, is part of the Artemis II mission and will be the first Canadian to travel around the moon! Come and learn about a variety of Canadian contributions to space exploration and how you can inspire future Artemis astronauts to help us get a maple leaf on the Moon! Amanda Green is a CSA Canadian Space Ambassador and will share all of the resources already out there and can show you how to connect space exploration to a variety of STEM subjects like; environmental science, plants, energy and electricity, coding and technology, Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being, & so much more! Amanda primarily focuses on Junior High (both in English and French), but has many ideas you can use with students of all ages.

Speakers

Amanda Green

Teacher, Science Council

Amanda's spark for science ignited at an early age exploring nature with her family and grew into a flame for space exploration as she followed Canada's journey skyward. She teaches Junior High STEM classes in both English and French in Beaumont, Alberta. Alongside her colleague Julie... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2301

Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

11:40am MST

Energize Fractions with Online Simulations

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

Dive into the world of interactive math simulations, where conceptual understanding and student confidence grows. Gizmos online simulations can inspire your students to think like mathematicians. Participants will engage in an interactive lesson with scaffolding fraction Gizmos. Explore Gizmos resources that you can incorporate immediately into your classroom! Access to Gizmos for K-6 teachers has been provided by Alberta Education. Please bring an electronic device to get the most out of this session.

Speakers

Karen Blumhagen

Implementation Coordinator, Alberta, ExploreLearning

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

1:00pm MST

Coding for Climate - Using Microbits to Teach about Energy and Sustainability

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 2301

Micro:bits are little pocket-sized computers packed with infinite possibilities! Come and see how to use this powerful tool to build engaging lessons around sustainability and energy conservation. Amanda Green will show you a variety of projects that focus on energy sources, environmental monitoring and coding for climate change. She will introduce you to InkSmith Climate Action kits and connect you with local energy organizations like Inside Education and the Alberta Emerald Foundation for free resources and potential funding. Amanda primarily focuses on Junior High (both in English and French), but has many ideas you can use with students of all ages. If you would like to try a Microbit please make sure to bring your own laptop or Chromebook.

Speakers

Amanda Green

Teacher, Science Council

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2301

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Science (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

1:00pm MST

Digital Escape Room

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST

RDP Room 2304

Join me for this captivating half-day session where we’ll create our very own digital escape room. This engaging escape room is perfect for concept reviews and exciting holiday activities. Students will be presented with a video hook (as seen in the example below) and then asked to solve a series of clues to "escape" or find a location from the video.

Please bring your laptops so we can create clues tailored to your subject and classroom needs. To get a sneak peek of what we'll be working on, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wa1YhEtLik. I'm eagerly looking forward to our time together, please note that this session will be very similar to last year’s.

Speakers

Jennifer Mahal

My name is Jennifer Mahal. As a teacher, I’ve had experience substituting across different schools in Calgary. I also spent time teaching Science at an academy in Hastings, UK. After my time abroad, I continued to teach in Calgary. With 11 years of teaching experience, I believe... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2304

Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

3:20pm MST

AI Made Simple for the Classroom

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

Speakers

Sharon Skretting

CEO/Founder, Teacher Time Machine Ltd.

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

Post Convention Recordings Sharon Skretting