Social Studies helps learners consider perspectives, think critically, and enables them to participate in society as well-informed, engaged citizens.

Young people often ask why they need to study the past.  They also wonder what is the link between the past and now?

By understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of past events, learners can recognize the connection between understanding the past and acting responsibly in the present and in the future. While the focus of Social Studies 7 is 1820-1920, contextual understanding of the history of communities of the Maritimes as it relates to the course is important in helping learners draw connections to the time period. It is essential that learners understand that the region in which we live today is the ancestral land of the Mi’kmaw people, which has been known since time immemorial as Mi’kma’ki. During the timeframe of the course, it became known to settlers as the British colonies of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick and after 1867, as part of the nation of Canada. Learners will engage with the history of the communities and individuals of what became known as the Maritimes in order to recognize how our shared history continues to impact us today.

An inquiry-based approach takes learners beyond the facts and figures of the period to a deeper understanding of the Civic, Economic, Geographic, and Historic conditions and impacts of the time.  Learners should understand that the decisions, actions, and conditions of the period did not benefit all people.  Inquiry will support students using evidence-based reasoning to support their questions and claims.

Key Social Studies Skills in Grade 7

• Perspectives and Experiences of Others
• Critical Thinking
• Communication of ideas

What are the Social Studies Disciplines?

Civics

Civic engagement requires knowledge of the historical events, decisions and people of Atlantic Canada.  Civic engagement involves individually and collaboratively working to maintain, strengthen, and improve communities, therefore politics and society may both fall into the discipline of civics.  Beyond this, learners may also consider how they participate in school, their community, and the larger world around them.  This requires learners to discuss issues, make decisions, and provide support through evidence-based claims.  These are topics are based in real issues that may require inquiry and reflection.  They may examine how others have participated in society and seek opportunities to participate themselves.

Economics

The economic conditions of the time should be considered to help learners understand how natural resources, land, and other commodities were distributed among the people.  Economic reasoning may help learners understand what was fair and unfair in relation to opportunities for work, wealth, and advancement. How people choose to use resources and who controlled resources may give learners the economic insight they need to understand the conditions of the time.

Geography

Every geographic location is unique physically, historically, and culturally.  However, events in one place can influence events in another.  Where people live can also influence how they live.  Learners should ask questions about their own communities.  This can be helpful in determining what are the decisions that will most benefit the people and environment where they live.  Geographic regions can change over time and asking questions about why and how may be important for learner inquiry.  Are we independent of the place we live?  How do decisions impact this place and the people who live there? 

History

Learners should use historical inquiry to answer questions by finding evidence to support their claims.  Inquiry goes beyond fact, figures, and dates to ask why and how.  Historical inquiry involves supporting investigations with a variety of sources, perspectives, and ideas about the past. Learners may begin with something introduced by the teacher and then consider the concept further through inquiry with various historical resources.  This inquiry should support critical thinking where learners are asking questions, making connections, and becoming better thinkers.