2011-2012          Grade 8 Social Studies            Mrs. Driscoll              

Overview: “Canadian Identity” is the theme of the Grade 8 Social Studies Program. Students explore this concept within the context of post-World War I Canada and the program follows chronologically from grade 7. In addition to the historical framework,  grade 8 social studies also incorporates geography, sociology, and culture, as well as language arts, fine arts, and technology. Citizenship and its responsibilities is also stressed. 

 Text:   Canadian Identity (Fitton, Kenyon, MacDonald, Parker)

 Supplies: Binder with looseleaf (Social Studies section), pen and occasionally coloured pencils.

 Course Outline:         Canadian Identity

Unit One -       Introduction (Canadian Identity, arts, culture)

Unit Two -      Geographic Influences (physical environment, human activity, migration, geography)

Unit Three-    Decades of Change (1920s &30s, WWII, 1950s to 80s national & global changes)

Unit Four-      Citizenship (governance, rights, responsibilities, Canada’s government system)

Unit Five-        Challenges and Opportunities (population, sustainability, culture, and the future)

Unit Six-          Reflections of Canadian Identity

General Curriculum Outcomes : The general curriculum outcomes for junior high Social Studies (GCOs) are organized into six strands. 

Citizenship, Power, and Governance

Culture and Diversity

Individuals, Societies, and Economic Decisions

Interdependence

People, Place, and Environment

Time, Continuity, and Change

Within these strands, there are a total of 19 specific outcomes for grade 8.

 A detailed curriculum document can be found on the NS Department of Education’s website www.ednet.ns.ca