Social Studies 6

Unit 1: People on the Move

Big Idea: complex global problems require international co-operation and difficult choices for the future. Looking at where and how people live — why cities are growing, why people migrate, and how poverty and inequality (through both class and gender) show up differently across the world.

• Why cities grow and people migrate

• Poverty and class structure

• Gender inequality

Unit 2: Who Makes the Decisions

Big Idea: systems of government vary in their respect for human rights and freedoms. Looking at who acts on global issues — individuals, governmental organizations, and NGOs (including groups representing Indigenous peoples) — and the many different systems of government used around the world.

• The role of individuals and activists

• Governmental organizations

• NGOs and groups representing Indigenous peoples

• Comparing systems of government

Unit 3: A Connected World Economy

Big Idea: economic self-interest can be a significant cause of conflict among peoples and nations. Looking at how societies make economic choices, how they manage natural resources (and how that affects Indigenous peoples), how economies depend on one another, and how nations work together on shared problems.

• Economic policies

• Resource management and effects on Indigenous peoples

• Globalization and economic interdependence

• International co-operation

Unit 4: Conflict and the Media

Big Idea: media sources can both positively and negatively affect our understanding of important events and issues, including the ways conflicts are portrayed. Looking at why regional and international conflicts happen and how media technology shapes what we see and understand about them.

• Regional and international conflict

• How media technologies cover current events