Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 8 History & Geography
Grade 8 History and Geography exploring Canada from Confederation to World War I, immigration waves, Indigenous treaties, and global geographic patterns. Students deepen their historical and geographic thinking through inquiry.
Creating Canada: 1850–1890
An exploration of the internal and external factors that led to Confederation and the subsequent expansion of the Canadian state.
Students examine the political, economic, and security factors in British North America that necessitated a federal union.
A deep dive into the negotiations between the Fathers of Confederation and the drafting of the 72 Resolutions.
Investigating the transfer of vast territories from the Hudson's Bay Company to the Dominion of Canada without Indigenous consent.
Analyzing the Métis response to Canadian expansion and the leadership of Louis Riel in establishing a provisional government.
Evaluating the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway as a tool for national unity and a site of human rights abuses.
An examination of the escalating tensions in Saskatchewan leading to the Battle of Batoche and the trial of Louis Riel.
Canada 1890–1914: A Changing Society
Examining the social reforms, industrialization, and the "Last Best West" immigration boom.
Students assess the leadership of Wilfrid Laurier and his vision for "Canada's Century."
Analyzing the aggressive recruitment of immigrants to settle the Western prairies.
Investigating the shift from rural life to factory work and the birth of Canadian labour unions.
Following the struggle for political rights led by the Nellie McClung and the Famous Five.
A critical look at the systemic racism embedded in Canada's early immigration laws.
Exploring the social and environmental impacts of the Klondike Gold Rush on the North.
Indigenous Realities and Resistance
A dedicated study of the state-led efforts to assimilate Indigenous peoples and the persistence of Indigenous cultures.
Deconstructing the legislation that gave the federal government control over First Nations lives and identity.
Comparing the written text of treaties with the oral traditions and understandings of First Nations.
Examining the origins and early operation of schools designed to "kill the Indian in the child."
Focusing on the diplomatic efforts by Indigenous leaders to protect their lands and rights through petitions to the Crown.
Global Settlement: Patterns and Sustainability
A geography unit focusing on where people live globally and the environmental consequences of human settlement.
Identifying the physical and human factors that influence where people choose to live.
Analyzing the rapid growth of cities and the emergence of massive urban agglomerations.
Investigating how competing interests for land (agriculture, industry, housing) lead to geographic tension.
Evaluating the ecological footprint of different types of human settlements.
Exploring innovative models for communities that balance economic, social, and environmental needs.
Global Inequalities: Economic Development
Analyzing global patterns of wealth, quality of life, and the factors that contribute to economic disparity.
Comparing different indicators of development, such as GDP per capita vs. the Human Development Index (HDI).
Investigating the historical and geographic reasons for the divide in global wealth.
Understanding the four sectors of the economy and how they vary between developing and developed nations.
Examining how consumer choices in Canada affect the quality of life for workers globally.
Evaluating the effectiveness of international aid and the role of NGOs.
Canada and the Global Environment
Focusing on Canada's role in global environmental issues, resource management, and climate change.
An overview of Canada's major resources (forestry, water, minerals) and their global importance.
A case study on the management of the world's largest freshwater system.
Investigating the disproportionate impact of global warming on Canada's Northern regions.
Comparing Canada's fossil fuel industry with the growth of green energy sectors.
Historical and Geographic Inquiry Capstone
Students apply their skills to a self-directed project connecting history and geography.
Reviewing how to formulate questions, gather evidence, and evaluate sources in history and geography.
Students research the development of their own community from 1850 to the present.
Students practice different ways to share their research, from digital presentations to creative writing.
A concluding look at what it means to be a Canadian citizen in a globalized world.
Students propose a solution to a global geographic or historical injustice.