Grade 8 History & Geography

Students analyze the political structures, economic ties, and social divisions within British North America before 1867.

Students examine the political, economic, and security factors in British North America that necessitated a federal union.

Students investigate the external threats and influences, particularly from the United States, that pushed colonies towards union.

A deep dive into the negotiations between the Fathers of Confederation and the drafting of the 72 Resolutions.

Students examine the key provisions of the BNA Act and the immediate challenges faced by the new Dominion of Canada.

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.

Students examine the role of Louis Riel in the Red River Resistance and the creation of Manitoba as a province.

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.

Students assess the leadership of Wilfrid Laurier and his vision for 'Canada's Century.'

Students investigate Canada's evolving relationship with the British Empire under Laurier, including the Boer War and Naval Service Act.

Analyzing the aggressive recruitment of immigrants to settle the Western prairies.

Students explore the challenges and opportunities faced by diverse immigrant groups settling the Canadian West.

Investigating the shift from rural life to factory work and the birth of Canadian labour unions.

Students examine the reasons for the formation of labour unions and early social reform movements in Canadian cities.

Following the struggle for political rights led by Nellie McClung and the Famous Five.

Students critically examine the inclusivity of the suffrage movement and its impact on different groups of women.

A critical look at the systemic racism embedded in Canada's early immigration laws.

Students investigate the Komagata Maru incident as a reflection of Canada's 'White Canada' immigration policy.

Deconstructing the legislation that gave the federal government control over First Nations lives and identity.

Students examine how the Indian Act defined 'Status' and restricted traditional Indigenous governance and ceremonies.

Comparing the written text of treaties with the oral traditions and understandings of First Nations.

Students investigate the concept of 'Spirit and Intent' versus the literal legal text of the Numbered Treaties.

Examining the origins and early operation of schools designed to 'kill the Indian in the child.'

Students investigate the long-term impacts of residential schools and early forms of Indigenous resistance to the system.

Focusing on the diplomatic efforts by Indigenous leaders to protect their lands and rights through petitions to the Crown.

Students explore the historical roots of Indigenous land claims and the ongoing struggle for self-determination.

Identifying the physical factors that influence where people choose to live globally.

Students explore human factors such as economic opportunities, political stability, and historical events that shape population distribution.

Analyzing the rapid growth of cities and the emergence of massive urban agglomerations.

Students investigate the challenges megacities face regarding infrastructure, sanitation, and social equity.

Investigating how competing interests for land (agriculture, industry, housing) lead to geographic tension.

Students explore how zoning laws and urban planning strategies are used to manage land-use conflicts and promote sustainable development.

Evaluating the ecological footprint of different types of human settlements.

Students investigate the importance of green spaces, parks, and 'Green Belts' in urban environments.

Comparing different indicators of development, such as GDP per capita vs. the Human Development Index (HDI).

Students explore non-economic indicators of quality of life, including access to healthcare, education, and environmental quality.

Investigating the historical and geographic reasons for the divide in global wealth.

Students examine contemporary factors contributing to global inequality, such as debt, trade imbalances, and conflict.

Understanding the four sectors of the economy and how they vary between developing and developed nations.

Students explore the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary sectors of the economy and their role in economic development.

Examining how consumer choices in Canada affect the quality of life for workers globally.

An overview of Canada's major resources (forestry, water, minerals) and their global importance.

Students investigate the environmental trade-offs and social impacts of large-scale resource extraction in Canada.

A case study on the management of the world's largest freshwater system.

Students explore the ethical debate around water as a human right versus a commodity to be sold.

Investigating the disproportionate impact of global warming on Canada's Northern regions.

Students explore how Inuit Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Western science are working together to address climate change in the Arctic.

Reviewing how to formulate effective questions in history and geography.

Students practice gathering evidence and evaluating sources for bias and reliability in historical and geographic contexts.

Students begin researching the development of their own community from 1850 to the present.

Students analyze their collected data and synthesize findings to draw conclusions about their community's development.

Students practice different ways to share their research, from digital presentations to creative writing.

Students learn to use maps and data visualizations to support their arguments and enhance their research presentations.

A concluding look at what it means to be a Canadian citizen in a globalized world, informed by historical understanding.

Students reflect on their role in continuing the work of Truth and Reconciliation in their daily lives.