Curriculum Overview
Social studies is the study of people in relation to each other and to the world in which they live. In Manitoba, social studies comprises the disciplines of history and geography, draws upon the social sciences, and integrates relevant content from the humanities. As a study of human beings in their physical, social, and cultural environments, social studies examines the past and present, and looks toward the future. Social studies helps students acquire the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to become active democratic citizens and contributing members of their communities, locally, nationally, and globally.
Being Together
Kindergarten students explore who they are in relation to others in their world. They become aware of how people live, play, and work together in order to meet their basic needs. Students are encouraged to express interest in the experiences of others and discover their connections to the people around them. As they explore their social and natural environments, they become aware that they live in a country called Canada, and begin to see themselves as part of a larger world.
Cluster 1: Me
Students explore what makes them unique, considering their abilities and interests, and identify groups and places that are important to them. They also examine rules and responsibilities and study basic needs.
Cluster 2: The People around Me
Students identify the people who care for them and influence their lives. They explore different ways of cooperating, communicating, and solving problems in order to live and work together with others. Students also begin to examine time by investigating recurring events in their lives.
Cluster 3: The World around Me
Students study the world around them, exploring the physical environment of their local neighborhood and learning that they live in a country called Canada. They learn that although all people have the same basic needs, they have different ways of meeting those needs.
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Connecting and Belonging
Grade 1 students explore connections and relationships that exist in groups and communities. They become aware of their responsibilities and rights and discover how they can contribute to the well-being of the groups and communities to which they belong. Students enhance their awareness of Canada as a country and consider the connections that bring people together in communities, past and present. As they learn about human diversity and interdependence, students begin to appreciate the importance of connecting and belonging.
Cluster 1: I Belong
Students examine their relationships with others as they explore groups in communities. They discover family and community expressions of culture and identity, and explore how traditions, celebrations, and personal stories connect them to the past.
Cluster 2: My Environment
Students explore their environment. They study maps and globes, locate themselves in their community, in Manitoba, and in Canada, and discover various aspects of their community, including the natural environment and important landmarks and places. They also explore the national aspects of official languages and Canada’s national anthem. In addition, students distinguish between needs and wants, and explore how the media influence choices.
Cluster 3: Connecting with Others
Students explore their responsibilities and rights as members of communities and learn various ways people help and depend upon one another. They consider diverse and similar ways people live, meet their needs, express themselves, and influence each other. They also explore the purpose of rules and the causes of and solutions to conflict.
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Communities in Canada
Grade 2 students explore life in Canada, beginning with a study of their own community and moving outward to other communities. They become aware of their Canadian heritage as they discover stories of their local community's past and present. They explore ways in which people interact with the natural environment and come to understand the nature of communities. Students enhance their awareness of the cultural and geographic diversity of Canada through the study of an Aboriginal community and one other Canadian community. Through this exploration, students discover the diversity and commonalities that link Canadian communities.
Cluster 1: Our Local Community
Students focus on various aspects of communities. They locate their local communities on a map and explore the influence of the natural environment, important people and leaders, and cultural groups in their communities. Through stories of their local community, past and present, students become aware of their identity and heritage. They also consider their personal contributions to leadership and peaceful conflict resolution.
Cluster 2: Communities in Canada
Students enhance their awareness of the cultural and geographic diversity of Canada through the study of one Aboriginal community and one other Canadian community. They explore natural and constructed features of communities and examine concepts related to natural resources, work, goods, and services, and how these factors shape life in communities. They also discover how communities have changed over time.
Cluster 3: The Canadian Community
Students explore different aspects of Canada, including national symbols, the origins of place names, and the presence and influence of diverse languages and cultural communities. They examine the diverse yet similar aspects of the Canadian community and how people in communities meet their needs. They also locate Canada on a map and consider connections that link Canada to other countries.
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Communities of the World
Grade 3 students explore ways of life in selected communities of the world, past and present. They are introduced to world geography and enrich their appreciation of global diversity as they explore communities and cultures. Students study physical, social, and cultural characteristics of two contemporary communities of the world, one of which is an indigenous community. They also explore life in an ancient society selected from Egypt, China, Japan, the Vikings, Incas, Mayas, or Aztecs. Through this exploration, students discover the connections linking diverse communities, past and present, and develop an appreciation of the enduring contributions of communities of the world.
Cluster 1: Connecting with Canadians
Students examine the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens and explore their connections with other Canadians. This includes a focus on Canada’s national anthem and Remembrance Day. Students also consider community influences and interactions related to identity, leadership, and decision making, and explore ways of dealing with conflict and bullying.
Cluster 2: Exploring the World
Students are introduced to world geography and the use of maps and images to represent geographic concepts such as borders, hemispheres, and the equator. They explore common concerns and connections between world communities. They also examine human rights, the role of community services, and the effects of personal decisions.
Cluster 3: Communities of the World
Students enrich their appreciation of global diversity as they explore communities and cultures in other places of the world. Students explore the elements that constitute a culture and examine the physical, social, and cultural characteristics of two contemporary communities of the world, one of which is an indigenous community.
Cluster 4: Exploring an Ancient Society
Students explore life in one ancient society selected from a choice of Egypt, China, Japan, the Vikings, Incas, Mayas, or Aztecs. They consider various aspects of that society, including its ways of life, cultural expressions, customs and traditions, and enduring contributions.
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Manitoba, Canada, and the North: Places and Stories
Canada, Manitoba, and Canada's North. They enhance their knowledge of Canada's physical and human geography and develop an awareness of Canadian citizenship and governance. Students explore the places, stories, and cultures of Manitoba and discover the diversity and shared experiences of Manitobans, past and present. They also develop an awareness of life in Canada's North through a study of the physical and human geography of one of the northern territories. Through this exploration, students develop a sense of belonging and enrich their understanding of citizenship in Manitoba and Canada.
Cluster 1: Geography of Canada
Students study the physical geography of Manitoba and Canada, including the political boundaries and geographic regions of Canada.
Cluster 2: Living in Canada
Students enhance their awareness of Canada by examining various aspects of government, leadership, and power, including concepts related to citizenship and democracy. This study includes a focus on national, provincial, and territorial symbols, monuments, and commemorative days.
Cluster 3: Living in Manitoba
Students explore the physical and natural environment, people, places, and communities of Manitoba. They also consider Manitoba’s contributions and links to the rest of the world.
Cluster 4: History of Manitoba
Students explore important events and individuals from Manitoba’s past. This study includes a focus on early settlement, contributions of diverse cultural communities, and ways in which life in Manitoba has changed over time.
Cluster 5: Canada’s North
Students explore one of Canada’s northern territories. They consider the physical and human geography of the territory studied, which includes a focus on stories, traditions, and changes in ways of life in Canada’s North. Students examine Aboriginal contributions, as well as the contribution of the North to the Canadian community.
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Peoples and Stories of Canada to 1867
Grade 5 students focus on the stories of the peoples of early Canada and how they came to share this land. They explore ways of life of First Peoples before and after European contact and consider how Aboriginal cultures have influenced this country. Students examine early European exploration and consider the experiences of French and British settlers and of diverse cultural groups as they developed roots in this country. They become aware of the development of Canada as a nation, from a vast land rich in natural resources inhabited by Aboriginal peoples, to a colony of France and then of Britain, and, finally, as a confederation of provinces and territories. They study the fur trade and the rise of the Métis Nation, and examine cultural interaction and interdependence in early Canada. As students reflect upon the stories of people and events that shaped early Canada, they learn how the history and geography of this land influenced Canadians.
Cluster 1: First Peoples
Students explore First Peoples’ ways of life before and during their early contact with Europeans, which includes a focus on the daily life, leadership, culture, and beliefs of First Peoples communities. Students also consider traditional territories of First Peoples and their connections with the natural environment.
Cluster 2: Early European Colonization (1600 to 1763)
Students examine causes and consequences of European exploration and settlement in early Canada. This study includes a focus on individuals and places of the period, as well as daily life of French and British colonists and their relationships with First Peoples. Students explore the influence of the environment, resources, trade, and conflict during the establishment of the French and British colonial empires. They also study the Acadian deportation, settlement of Nouvelle-France, and the British conquest of Nouvelle-France.
Cluster 3: Fur Trade
Students explore the influence of the fur trade on the exploration, westward and northward expansion, and historical development of Canada. This study includes a focus on explorers and other groups associated with the fur trade, social and economic aspects of the fur trade, rivalry between the Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company, the rise of the Métis Nation, and settlement of the Red River colony.
Cluster 4: From British Colony to Confederation (1763 to 1867)
Students examine life and citizenship in British North America. This study includes a focus on the United Empire Loyalists, War of 1812, Selkirk Settlement, 1837 to 1838 Rebellions, and the people, issues, and events surrounding the origins of Canadian Confederation. Students explore cultural diversity in early Canada, including relationships between Europeans, First Peoples, and Métis people. They also consider issues related to traditional Métis lands and communities, immigration, culture, and identity.
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Canada: A Country of Change (1867 to Present)
Grade 6 students focus on people and events in Canada from Confederation to the present. They explore the changing character of this country as they examine territorial expansion, the role of immigration, and the evolving relationships between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and the Canadian government. Students learn about democratic processes and study the emergence of Canada as a culturally diverse, bilingual, and democratic society. They focus on Canadian questions regarding the environment, citizenship, identity, and diversity. Students also consider contemporary world events that have shaped Canadian society. As they explore Canada's past and present, they enhance their awareness of democratic ideals and their understanding of Canadian citizenship.
Cluster 1: Building a Nation (1867 to 1914)
Students examine life in post-Confederation Canada. They explore the expansion of Canada through the addition of new provinces and territories, including the influence of individuals and events of this time. Students focus on the entry of Manitoba into Confederation, establishment of treaties and reserves, building of railroads, role of the North West Mounted Police, the 1885 Resistance, and the gold rushes. Students consider the impact of immigration and hardships faced by new settlers. They also study cultural diversity, including the evolving relationships between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and the Canadian government, and relationships between anglophones and francophones.
Cluster 2: An Emerging Nation (1914 to 1945)
Students examine Canada as a newly emerging nation. This study includes a focus on the Winnipeg General Strike, the Depression, the causes and events of the two World Wars, and Canada’s involvement in these wars. Students explore social, political, and economic changes that occurred during this period, such as women’s suffrage, urbanization, and technological developments.
Cluster 3: Shaping Contemporary Canada (1945 to Present)
Students explore factors that have shaped contemporary Canadian life. This study includes a focus on the impact of global events and forces, Canadian involvement in international organizations and world conflicts, and the impact of technological and industrial advancements. Students also study developments regarding Aboriginal rights and the evolution of Canada as a bilingual and multicultural nation.
Cluster 4: Canada Today: Democracy, Diversity, and the Influence of the Past
Students explore Canadian governance, citizenship, and identity, and the ideals, responsibilities, and rights of democracy. This study includes a focus on electoral processes, as well as federal, provincial, First Nations, and municipal governments, and the responsibilities of elected representatives. Students examine issues related to the protection and expression of culture and identity and the role of various groups and organizations in the promotion of identity and democratic rights. Students also consider the influence of the natural environment, as well as the contributions of past generations in shaping modern-day Canada.
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People and Places in the World
Grade 7 students focus on environmental, social, and cultural factors that affect quality of life for people in various places in the world. They study physical and human geography and global demographic trends. Students enhance their awareness of indigenous peoples and explore ways of life in other places. They examine how various factors shape ways of life in a contemporary society of Asia, Africa, or Australasia. They also focus on a contemporary society in Europe or the Americas as they consider the human impact of urbanization and technological change. Students become aware of the commonalities that link cultures and societies and the disparities that divide them. As they explore global challenges and opportunities, students become aware of the importance of international cooperation and begin to understand their roles as citizens in an increasingly interdependent world.
Cluster 1: World Geography
Students examine human and physical geography and their connections. This study includes a focus on maps and mapping, population clusters, principal regions, bodies of water, vegetation and climatic zones, more and less developed nations, and time zones.
Cluster 2: Global Quality of Life
Students examine environmental, social, and cultural factors that affect quality of life for people in Canada and other places in the world. This study includes a focus on concepts related to universal human rights, diverse cultural perspectives, citizenship and democracy, identity, and discrimination. Students examine the role of international agencies and global cooperation, the relationship between wealth, resources, and power, as well as the impact of their personal actions on quality of life for people in other places.
Cluster 3: Ways of Life in Asia, Africa, or Australasia
Students examine how various factors shape ways of life in one contemporary society, selected from a choice of Asia, Africa, or Australasia. This study includes a focus on environmental, historical, social, political, and cultural issues, as well as a focus on indigenous peoples. Students also explore economic activities, including work and trade, and consider the impact of technological change, urbanization, industrialization, and westernization within the selected society.
Cluster 4: Human Impact in Europe or the Americas
Students examine the impact of human activities in one contemporary society, selected from a choice of Europe or the Americas. This study includes a focus on environmental, social, political, cultural, and economic issues. Students explore historical events, climate change, technological development and urbanization, use of natural resources, food production and distribution, and consumerism. They also consider concepts related to sustainable development. Finally, as students assess the consequences of their personal actions and choices, they come to understand their roles as citizens in an increasingly interdependent world.
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World History: Societies of the Past
Grade 8 students explore societies of the past and make connections between the past and present. They examine the origins of human societies from early hunter-gatherer ways of life to societies of the nineteenth century. They study significant people, ideas, and events of historical periods that have shaped the modern world and consider the implications of contact between diverse societies. As they explore selected past societies, students become aware of differing world views and the factors that influence change in societies. They assess the influence of the past on the present and develop an appreciation for the historical significance of past societies and civilizations.
Cluster 1: Understanding Societies Past and Present
In Cluster 1, students explore concepts related to society, civilization, and world view. This study includes a focus on stories and theories of the origin and development of human life and the transition from hunter-gatherer to agrarian ways of life. In addition, students examine ways in which societies change or remain the same, how they organize and perpetuate themselves, and how the natural environment influences their development. Students also study various sources of historical knowledge and consider the importance of knowing and understanding the past.
Cluster 2: Early Societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, or the Indus Valley
Cluster 2 begins with a brief world overview, focusing on Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China, from about 3500 to 500 BCE. Students then explore life in one early society, selected from a choice of Mesopotamia, Egypt, or the Indus Valley. This comprehensive study includes a focus on the physical environment and the social, political, technological, and cultural aspects of the selected society.
Cluster 3: Ancient Societies of Greece and Rome
Cluster 3 begins with a brief world overview, focusing on China, Greece, Rome, Persia, and the Mayas and Incas, from about 500 BCE to 500 CE. This overview includes a consideration of world religions that emerged during this time period.
Students then explore life in ancient societies of both Greece and Rome. This comprehensive study focuses on the physical environment and the social, cultural, political, economic, and technological issues of these societies. Students consider the enduring qualities of the art, architecture, science, and ideas of ancient Greece and Rome, and explore their influence on the contemporary world.
Key Concepts
- Greece: rise and decline, social organization, citizenship and democracy, life in Sparta and Athens, Greek myths, technology, and achievements.
- Rome: rise and decline, governance, trade, empire building, war and territorial expansion, technology, and achievements.
Cluster 4: Transition to the Modern World (Circa 500 to 1400)
Cluster 4 has a global perspective. It begins with a brief world overview, focusing on China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas from about 500 to 1400. Students then explore individuals and events in selected places in the world during this time period. This study includes a focus on the impact of the fall of Rome, the rise of Islam, Arab conquests and Viking invasions, life in medieval Europe, and the expansion of the Mongol and Ottoman Empires.
Students examine the significance and impact of technological development and the spread of ideas during this period. Through an exploration of art, architecture, literature, and science, students consider achievements and contributions of diverse cultures during this period of transition to the modern world.
Cluster 5: Shaping the Modern World (Circa 1400 to 1850)
Cluster 5 begins with a brief world overview, focusing on Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas from about 1400 to 1850.
Students then explore individuals, ideas, and events related to the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, global exploration, and the Industrial Revolution. Students also focus on the impact of changing social and political ideas and advances in science and technology. They examine the motivations for global exploration and territorial expansion and their impact on diverse groups, including indigenous peoples. Through an exploration of art, architecture, ideas, literature, science, and technology, students consider achievements and contributions of diverse cultures of the past and how they continue to influence and shape the modern world.
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