Social+Studies+Curriculum


 * The Importance of Social Studies, History, and Geography**

Students graduating from Ontario schools require the knowledge and skills gained from social studies and the study of history and geography in order to function as informed citizens in a culturally diverse and interdependent world and to participate and compete in a global economy. They also need to develop attitudes that will motivate them to use their knowledge and skills in a responsible manner. //The Ontario Curriculum: Social Studies, Grades 1 to 6; History and// //Geography, Grades 7 and 8//, 2004 outlines the knowledge and skills that students must develop in Grades 1 to 8, as well as the levels of achievement at which they are expected to master them. The focus of teaching and learning in the social studies, history, and geography curriculum is on the development of essential knowledge and skills. Students must develop a thorough knowledge of basic concepts that they can apply in a wide range of situations. They must also develop the broad-based skills that are vital to success in the world of work: they must learn to evaluate different points of view and examine information critically to solve problems and make decisions on a variety of issues.


 * Social Studies**

Social studies seeks to examine and understand communities, from the local to the global, their various heritages, physical systems, and the nature of citizenship within them. Students acquire a knowledge of key social studies concepts, including change, culture, environment, power, and the dynamics of the marketplace. They learn about Canada and the role of citizens in a democratic society within a culturally diverse and interdependent world. They also acquire skills of inquiry and communication through field studies and other research projects; through the use of maps, globes, and models; and through the consideration of various forms of historical evidence. Students apply these skills to develop an understanding of Canadian identity and democratic values, to evaluate different points of view, and to examine information critically in order to solve problems and make decisions on issues that are relevant to their lives.

(Taken from //The Ontario Curriculum: Social Studies, Grades 1 to 6; History and Geography, Grades 7 and 8//, p. 2.)

Below you will see where the Grade 5 topics and strands are located in the continuum of Social Studies/History learning. Highlights of student learning in Grade 5 follow.



The following are highlights of student learning in Grade 5. They provide a quick overview of the big ideas of the knowledge and skills students are expected to acquire in each Social Studies strand in Grade 5. For more details, please refer to the Ontario curriculum documents online.


 * Heritage and Citizenship: Grade 5 – EARLY CIVILIZATIONS **


 * Overview**

Students investigate the influence of the natural environment on the development of various early civilizations around the world.They examine changes in the ways human needs were met as a result of technological advances. Students investigate the significant innovations of early civilizations and assess their continuing relevance to modern society.


 * Overall Expectations**

By the end of Grade 5, students will:
 * identify and compare the ways in which people in various early civilizations met their physical and social needs, including how they interacted with and used the natural environment;
 * use a variety of resources and tools to investigate characteristics of a number of early civilizations, including their significant innovations and technological advances;
 * show how innovations made by various early civilizations have influenced the modern world.

**Canada and World Connections: Grade 5 – ASPECTS OF CITIZENSHIP AND GOVERNMENT IN CANADA**


 * Overview**

Students examine the structure and function of the three levels of government in Canada and how they relate to one another. Students use research skills and critical thinking skills to extend their understanding of the rights of groups and individuals and the responsibilities of citizenship in Canada. Students also identify ways in which government and the responsibilities of citizenship directly affect their own lives.


 * Overall Expectations**

By the end of Grade 5, students will:
 * summarize the structures,functions,and interactions of Canada’s federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal governments, and identify and describe significant Canadian symbols, ceremonies, buildings, and political figures;
 * use a variety of resources and tools to gather and analyse information about government processes, the rights of groups and individuals, and the responsibilities of citizenship in Canada, including participation in the electoral process;
 * identify concrete examples of how government plays a role in contemporary society and of how the rights of groups and individuals and the responsibilities of citizenship apply to their own lives.