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Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations

Grade 6 Social Studies

Grade 6 Social Studies exploring communities in Canada past and present, and Canada's links to the world. Students investigate how Canada has changed and how it connects to the global community.

4 units·53 topics·Ages 11-12

01Heritage and Identity: Communities in Canada, Past and Present

13 topics·Term 1

Students explore the experiences of and relationships between different communities in Canada between 1780 and 1850, and how these experiences relate to present-day Canada.

Causes of the American Revolution

Students analyze the underlying causes and key grievances that led to the American Revolution.

Document MysteryThink-Pair-ShareTimeline Challenge
American Revolution's Impact on British North America

Students predict the immediate effects of the American Revolution on the British colonies to the north.

Four CornersThink-Pair-ShareTimeline Challenge
Loyalist Migration and Settlement

Students learn about the United Empire Loyalists who fled the American Revolution and settled in what is now Canada, shaping the character of British North America.

Document MysteryRole PlayThink-Pair-Share
French Canadian Culture Under British Rule

Students explore life in French Canadian communities after the British conquest, including the preservation of language, religion, and culture under British rule.

JigsawStations RotationSocratic Seminar
Early Indigenous Communities and European Contact

Students examine the diverse Indigenous nations inhabiting British North America before and during early European settlement.

Gallery WalkConcept MappingExpert Panel
Impact of European Settlement on Indigenous Lands

Students examine how Indigenous communities were affected by the growing number of European settlers, including the impact on land, resources, and traditional ways of life.

Four CornersThink-Pair-ShareGallery Walk
The Underground Railroad and Black Communities

Students learn about the Black communities in early Canada, including those who arrived via the Underground Railroad, and the challenges of racism and discrimination they faced.

Document MysteryGallery WalkSocratic Seminar
Emergence of the Métis Nation

An exploration of the emergence of the Métis people as a distinct culture and their role in the fur trade and early Canadian economy.

Expert PanelStations RotationCase Study Analysis
Early Canadian Economy: Fur Trade and Agriculture

Students investigate the primary economic activities in early Canada, focusing on the fur trade's impact and the rise of agricultural settlements.

Concept MappingJigsawThink-Pair-Share
Social Structures in Early British North America

Students examine the social hierarchies and daily life within various communities in British North America between 1780-1850.

Gallery WalkRole PlayDocument Mystery
Causes of the War of 1812

Students explore the underlying causes and escalating tensions that led to the War of 1812.

Timeline ChallengeDocument MysteryThink-Pair-Share
Consequences of the War of 1812

Students investigate the key events and lasting impacts of the War of 1812 on British North America and its relationship with the United States.

Formal DebateCase Study AnalysisTimeline Challenge
Rebellions of 1837-1838

Students investigate the causes and outcomes of the Rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada, and their impact on political reform.

Philosophical ChairsDocument MysterySocratic Seminar

02People and Environments: Canada's Interactions with the Global Community

13 topics·Term 2

Students investigate Canada's social, economic, and political connections to the world, and the role of international organizations.

Lord Durham's Report and its Legacy

Students examine Lord Durham's recommendations following the rebellions and their influence on the Act of Union and future governance.

Structured Academic ControversyExpert PanelThink-Pair-Share
The Act of Union (1840)

Students explore the creation of the Province of Canada and its implications for political representation and cultural relations.

Concept MappingJigsawFormal Debate
Early Canadian Identity: A Mosaic of Cultures

Students reflect on the diverse cultural influences present in early Canada and how they contributed to a nascent Canadian identity.

Hexagonal ThinkingGallery WalkGraffiti Wall
Canada's Role in Global Trade

Students explore how Canada trades with other countries, what goods and resources it exports and imports, and how trade connects Canadians to people around the world.

Simulation GameHexagonal ThinkingThink-Pair-Share
International Organizations and Diplomacy

Students learn about Canada's role in international organisations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and La Francophonie.

JigsawSimulation GameThink-Pair-Share
Canada's Peacekeeping Legacy

An examination of Canada's reputation as a peacekeeping nation and its involvement in global conflicts and humanitarian missions.

Formal DebateCase Study AnalysisFishbowl Discussion
Foreign Aid and Global Development

Investigating how Canada provides assistance to developing nations and responds to global natural disasters.

Problem-Based LearningDecision MatrixWorld Café
Canada's Role in Global Environmental Issues

Exploring Canada's responsibility in addressing global environmental issues like climate change and plastic pollution.

Town Hall MeetingCarousel BrainstormProject-Based Learning
Cultural Exchange and Soft Power

Students examine how Canadian culture, arts, and values are shared globally, influencing international perceptions of Canada.

Gallery WalkExpert PanelThink-Pair-Share
Global Health Initiatives and Canada

Students investigate Canada's contributions to global health efforts, including disease prevention and access to healthcare in developing nations.

Case Study AnalysisProblem-Based LearningWorld Café
Canada and Indigenous Rights Globally

Students explore Canada's stance and actions regarding Indigenous rights on an international scale, including UN declarations.

Socratic SeminarPhilosophical ChairsDocument Mystery
Technology and Global Connectivity

Students examine how advancements in technology have increased Canada's connectivity and interactions with the global community.

Carousel BrainstormConcept MappingThink-Pair-Share
Global Tourism and Canada's Economy

Students investigate the economic and cultural impacts of international tourism on Canada and its regions.

Project-Based LearningDecision MatrixGallery Walk

03The Road to Confederation and Governance

13 topics·Term 3

Tracing the political evolution of Canada from separate colonies to a united nation and understanding the structure of the federal government.

Canada's Energy Resources and Global Demand

Students explore how Canada's natural resources, particularly energy, connect it to global markets and environmental debates.

Formal DebateCase Study AnalysisExpert Panel
Global Food Security and Canada's Role

Students examine Canada's contributions to global food security through agriculture, aid, and policy.

Problem-Based LearningTown Hall MeetingDecision Matrix
Canada's Role in Space Exploration

Students learn about Canada's contributions to international space exploration and its scientific and technological impacts.

Expert PanelThink-Pair-ShareConcept Mapping
Pressures for Confederation

Students explore the political, economic, and military reasons that pushed the British North American colonies towards uniting as one country.

Four CornersJigsawThink-Pair-Share
Key Figures of Confederation

Students learn about the key figures who negotiated and debated the terms of Confederation, including John A. Macdonald and George-Etienne Cartier.

Role PlaySimulation GamePress Conference
The British North America Act (1867)

Understanding the legal document that created Canada and defined the powers of the federal and provincial governments.

Document MysteryConcept MappingExpert Panel
Structure of Canada's Federal Government

An overview of how the Canadian government works today, including the role of the Prime Minister, Parliament, and the Governor General.

Mock TrialSimulation GameStations Rotation
Levels of Government and Responsibilities

Distinguishing between municipal, provincial, and federal responsibilities and how they impact daily life.

Stations RotationInside-Outside CircleTown Hall Meeting
The Role of the Monarchy in Canada

Students explore the historical and contemporary role of the British Monarchy in Canada's constitutional framework.

Formal DebateExpert PanelThink-Pair-Share
Electoral Systems and Voting

Students learn about Canada's electoral process, including how elections work, the role of political parties, and the importance of voting.

Simulation GameMock TrialStations Rotation
The Canadian Constitution and Amendments

Students explore the foundational principles of the Canadian Constitution and how it can be amended to reflect societal changes.

Document MysteryConcept MappingSocratic Seminar
Indigenous Governance Systems

Students learn about traditional and contemporary Indigenous governance structures and their relationship with Canadian governments.

Case Study AnalysisExpert PanelJigsaw
The Judicial System in Canada

An introduction to Canada's court system, the role of judges, and the principles of justice.

Mock TrialCase Study AnalysisThink-Pair-Share

04Immigration and the Changing Face of Canada

14 topics·Term 4

Exploring the history of migration to Canada and how different groups have contributed to the nation's development and identity.

Citizenship and Civic Participation

Students explore the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens and various ways to participate in civic life beyond voting.

Project-Based LearningTown Hall MeetingCarousel Brainstorm
Media and Democracy

Students examine the role of media in informing citizens, shaping public opinion, and holding governments accountable.

Structured Academic ControversyFormal DebateFour Corners
Federalism and Regionalism

Students explore the concept of federalism in Canada and how regional identities and interests influence national politics.

Philosophical ChairsJigsawConcept Mapping
Historical Waves of Immigration

Students explore the waves of immigration that have shaped Canada, learning about why people come to Canada and the contributions immigrants make.

Gallery WalkCarousel BrainstormRole Play
Discriminatory Immigration Policies: Chinese Head Tax

A critical look at the discriminatory policies faced by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Document MysterySocratic SeminarStructured Academic Controversy
Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Canada

Examining Canada's role in providing a safe haven for people fleeing war, persecution, or natural disasters.

Case Study AnalysisFishbowl DiscussionPhilosophical Chairs
Settlement of the Canadian West

Investigating the government's efforts to recruit European farmers to the Prairies and the impact on Indigenous land rights.

RAFT WritingTimeline ChallengeGallery Walk
Immigration Policy Evolution

Students trace the evolution of Canadian immigration policies from the early 20th century to the present day, noting shifts in priorities and values.

Timeline ChallengeDocument MysterySocratic Seminar
Multiculturalism and Integration

Students explore the concept of multiculturalism in Canada, examining its benefits and challenges for immigrant integration.

World CaféCarousel BrainstormThink-Pair-Share
Challenges Faced by Newcomers

Students investigate common challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in Canada, such as language barriers, credential recognition, and cultural adjustment.

Case Study AnalysisProblem-Based LearningExpert Panel
Contributions of Immigrant Communities

Students highlight the diverse economic, social, and cultural contributions of various immigrant groups to Canada's development.

Gallery WalkMuseum ExhibitProject-Based Learning
Demographic Changes Due to Immigration

Students examine how immigration has shaped Canada's population demographics, including growth, diversity, and regional distribution.

Concept MappingThink-Pair-ShareInquiry Circle
Global Migration Trends and Canada

Students explore broader global migration patterns and how Canada fits into the international context of human movement.

JigsawWorld CaféExpert Panel
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Students learn about the fundamental rights guaranteed to all Canadians and how they are protected by the Constitution.

Mock TrialFour CornersCase Study Analysis
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