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.
Heritage and Identity: Communities in Canada, Past and Present
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.
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.
Students explore life in French Canadian communities after the British conquest, including the preservation of language, religion, and culture under British rule.
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.
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.
An exploration of the emergence of the Métis people as a distinct culture and their role in the fur trade and early Canadian economy.
People and Environments: Canada's Interactions with the Global Community
Students investigate Canada's social, economic, and political connections to the world, and the role of international organizations.
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.
Students learn about Canada's role in international organisations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and La Francophonie.
An examination of Canada's reputation as a peacekeeping nation and its involvement in global conflicts and humanitarian missions.
Investigating how Canada provides assistance to developing nations and responds to global natural disasters.
Exploring Canada's responsibility in addressing global environmental issues like climate change and plastic pollution.
The Road to Confederation and Governance
Tracing the political evolution of Canada from separate colonies to a united nation and understanding the structure of the federal government.
Students explore the political, economic, and military reasons that pushed the British North American colonies towards uniting as one country.
Students learn about the key figures who negotiated and debated the terms of Confederation, including John A. Macdonald and George-Etienne Cartier.
Understanding the legal document that created Canada and defined the powers of the federal and provincial governments.
An overview of how the Canadian government works today, including the role of the Prime Minister, Parliament, and the Governor General.
Distinguishing between municipal, provincial, and federal responsibilities and how they impact daily life.
Immigration and the Changing Face of Canada
Exploring the history of migration to Canada and how different groups have contributed to the nation's development and identity.
Students explore the waves of immigration that have shaped Canada, learning about why people come to Canada and the contributions immigrants make.
A critical look at the discriminatory policies faced by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Examining Canada's role in providing a safe haven for people fleeing war, persecution, or natural disasters.
Investigating the government's efforts to recruit European farmers to the Prairies and the impact on Indigenous land rights.
Rights, Responsibilities, and Global Citizenship
Understanding the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and what it means to be an active participant in a globalized world.
Students learn about the fundamental rights guaranteed to all Canadians and how they are protected by the Constitution.
Students explore what it means to be a global citizen and consider how Canadians can contribute to solving global challenges.
Comparing the rights enjoyed in Canada with the human rights situation in other countries.
Exploring how Canadians use their voices to bring about change through voting, activism, and peaceful protest.
Identity and Reconciliation
Reflecting on the complex history of Canada and the ongoing journey towards truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
A sensitive and age-appropriate examination of the residential school system and its lasting impact on Indigenous families.
Students deepen their understanding of reconciliation, learning about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its Calls to Action.
Exploring Canada's official policy of multiculturalism and how it differs from the "melting pot" model.
Students investigate the symbols, values, and traditions that represent Canada, from the flag to values like peace and inclusion.
Students reflect on the question of Canadian identity, exploring what unites Canadians and what makes the country's identity unique.