Canada, A Country of Change: 1867 to Present

Grade 6 Social Studies: Mrs. Carrey

Room 247 acarrey@sjr.mb.ca 204-477-2485 Ext. 586
Social Studies is the study of people in relation to each other and to the world in which they live.
In Manitoba, Social Studies includes the disciplines of geography and history. Social Studies
helps people acquire skills, knowledge, and values necessary to understand the world in which
they live, to engage in active democratic citizenship, and to contribute to the betterment of
society.
KNOWLEDGE
Grade 6 Social Studies focuses on people and events in Canada from Confederation to the
present. Before we dive into this period of history, we will review/learn some of the major places
in Canada, so students have a reference point for locations referred to in our studies. We will
also take a look at government, to tie in with the 2015 Federal Election.
Once we have established a knowledge base of the geography and government of Canada, we
will explore the changing nature of our country over the last 148 years. It is likely that we will
examine territorial expansion, the role of immigration, the evolving relationships between First
Nations, Inuit, and Mtis peoples, the Depression and the two World Wars. Depending on
student interest, however, topics may vary.
The course is divided into four clusters. We will explore a breadth of topics, when possible, and
delve deeper into certain topics when appropriate.
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4

Building of a Nation (1867 to 1914)

An Emerging Nation (1914 to 1945)
Shaping Contemporary Canada (1945 to Present)
Canada Today: Democracy, Diversity, and the Influence of the Past

SKILLS
Active Democratic Citizenship
Managing Information and Ideas
Critical and Creative Thinking

Communication

Students will
Collaborate, use strategies to resolve conflicts, make decisions,
negotiate, recognize bias and discrimination, treat historical
places/objects with respect
Select, organize and record information from primary and secondary
sources in a variety of formats and reference sources accurately,
create timelines and visual organizers, read, label and construct maps
Plan topics and methods for research, evaluate possible solutions to
problems, draw conclusions based on evidence, distinguish fact from
opinion, observe and analyse evidence, assess validity of sources,
compare differing perspectives and accounts of historical events,
interpret information in a variety of media
Listen to others to understand their perspectives, use respectful
language, express differing viewpoints, present information in a variety
of ways, ask and clarify questions in discussions

HOMEWORK
This course does NOT have a heavy homework load, and homework will not be assigned in every
class. Therefore, I have high expectations for homework being completed in a timely manner.
Most homework will be: reading material from the textbook, finishing work not completed in class
and reviewing/studying material for a quiz or test.

ORGANIZATION
Students will take some notes on loose-leaf paper and keep these, along with any handouts, in a
binder, which is shared with Science. The first four dividers in the binder dedicated to Science,
and the last four are for Social Studies. Students will label dividers as instructed. Notes need to be
neat and well-organized. I am happy to assist students in this area, if needed.
BINDER CHECKS
On a regular basis, we will have binder checks. Some may be done as a group and others will
happen individually. We do this to ensure students are on track and have all the papers required.
This will be important when it comes time to study for a test. Students are responsible for
checking the Absent Binder for information and handouts about classes when returning from an
absence.
MATERIALS
Students should the following materials in order to be ready to learn for each class (unless
otherwise directed):

1.5 or 2 inch binder with 8

dividers and loose-leaf
Textbook and Agenda
Pen-blue, black or other dark
colour (no light colours
please)
Charged laptop

Red pen
Pencil
Pencil crayons
Note: you may need other supplies
throughout the year, such as scissors, glue,
ruler

ASSESSMENT
I generally assess work that has been completed at school. This is work that students complete
without assistance from someone at home. Students should not take work home that I have said
we will work on during class time. Students will be assessed on their ability to recall factual
information, to communicate their understanding thoroughly and clearly, to apply knowledge to a
new situation, and to synthesize information.
The categories and their allotted weight for assessment in Social Studies are:
Categories

Percentage of
Grade
45%
25%
10%
20%
100%

Factual Knowledge/Recall
Communication of Understanding
Application of Knowledge
Synthesis of Information
Total

Each reporting period is independent of the other (not cumulative). Therefore, students have a
fresh start each term.
In addition, in each term, students are assessed on their ability to:

Organize time and materials effectively

Set manageable, yet challenging goals
Complete work carefully and on time

Persist when challenged

Respect oneself, others and the environment
Contribute positively to classroom and group
activities