Grade 7
The Grade 7 social studies course views Earth as a tiny spaceship travelling through the vast universe. This unique spaceship supports life and is divided into compartments called countries. Within these compartments there are both similarities and differences. Five units of study are designed to promote an understanding of what this spaceship is like, how it works and the interdependence of life on board. Throughout these studies, students realize the importance of people living in harmony with each other and the ecosystem, if life is to continue on Spaceship Earth.
Grade 8
The Grade 8 social studies course focuses on the history of people and development of civilizations throughout time. The course moves through various time periods, up to our modern day world, providing an exciting opportunity for us to learn and understand how our society, practices and culture came into being.
Unit 1
What is history?
• Role and significance of history
• Sources of information
• Points of view – Is perception truth?
• Define society, civilization and culture
Life in Early Times
• Challenges faced
• Historical challenges in collecting data
• Physical and social environmental challenges and changes
• Connections to past (i.e. cultural groups maintaining traditional life)
Life in River Valleys: Mesopotamia and Egypt
• Characterizations of such civilizations
• Differences between these people and people of early times
• Similarities of the same
• How were cultural needs met?
• Contributions of these societies today
Unit 2
Civilizations of the Past
• European civilizations
• Greece and Rome
Life in Central and South America
• Maya, Aztec and Inca
• Asia and Africa
• China, India and Africa
Overviews consist of brief information, allowing students to define general characteristics of each group; specifics that set them apart and some similarities. The goal is to provide students with interest in the various civilizations so that a research project can be undertaken.
Unit 3
Life in Early Modern Europe
• Life during feudalism
• Main characteristics of the Middle Ages
• Causes of its decline
• Remnants of feudalism today
• The Crusades
• Contributions to present day society
Life during the Renaissance
• Define the Renaissance period; major characteristics, purpose
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Major values, attitudes and ideas developed during this time
• Changes in knowledge about the world during this time
• Present day benefits and influences because of this time
Reformation
• Characteristics of this period
• Major changes that occurred within and outside of the church
• Effects on Europe and the world
• Influence of religion today
Life during Colonization and Industrial Revolution
• Characteristics of both
• Major strengths and weaknesses
• Influences on today
Unit IV
Life in the Modern World
• Characteristics of a developed vs. undeveloped society
• Causes for both
• Challenges faced by both
• Characteristics and examples of a developed society
• Characteristics and examples of a developing society (e.g. Mexico)
• Characteristics and examples of an undeveloped society
• World issues associated with the same
Grade 9
Unit 1
Canadian Identity and Multiculturalism
• Who or what is a Canadian?
• What is meant by Canadian identity?
• Examine multiculturalism
• Why is Canada considered a multicultural country?
• Settlement patterns in Canada
Unit 2
Canada's Physical Environment, Unifying Forces and Challenges
• What are the names of Canada's six physical regions?
• Canada's political boundaries, provinces, territories and capital cities
• What are the characteristics of each region, including geographical and economic characteristics?
• What forces are challenging Canada's survival as a nation? (size, regionalism, population distribution and communication)
• American influence
Unit 3
Political and Legal Process
• What forms of government does Canada have?
• How do we elect our political leaders? How are decisions in government made?
• Why do we need government? How does Canada's system of law work? Why do we need laws?
• What are our legal rights? Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Unit 4
Prime Ministers
• Who are all of Canada's prime ministers?
• What political parties did they belong to?
• When were they in office?
• General information
Unit 5
Canada and the World
• Develop an understanding of Canada's interdependence with the United States
• Canada's role in world organizations (NATO, NORAD, the Commonwealth)
Unit 6
Economic Process and Technology
• What type of economic system does Canada have? How does our economic system work?
• How do other countries economic systems work?
• What is technology?
• How is our society affected by technology?
Unit 7
Canada in the Future
• What is Canada's future role in the world?
• How can Canada overcome future challenges?
• What can Canada offer you (students) in the future?