Social Studies, Grade 7

Unit 1: Introduction

Exploring the general concept of empowerment - the theme that runs through the whole grade.

• The concept of empowerment

Unit 2: Economic Empowerment

Examining economic empowerment - how the commodities that lead to economic power have changed, how economic systems empower or disempower people, and trends that could affect future economic empowerment.

• How valuable commodities have changed
• How economic systems empower or disempower
• Trends affecting future economic empowerment

Unit 3: Political Empowerment

Examining political empowerment in the mid-1800s - the everyday conditions of diverse peoples (Aboriginal peoples, African-Canadians, and Acadians), the struggle for responsible government, the factors leading to Confederation, and the political structure it created.

• Everyday life for Aboriginal peoples
• Everyday life for African-Canadians
• Everyday life for Acadians

• The struggle for responsible government
• The factors that led to Confederation
• Canada's political structure after Confederation

Unit 4: Cultural Empowerment

Examining cultural empowerment during Canada's expansion (1870s-1880s) - its effect on peoples and regions, the Northwest Rebellion, the empowerment of Aboriginal peoples in Atlantic Canada, and the struggle of new immigrant groups.

• How expansion affected peoples and regions
• The Northwest Rebellion

• Aboriginal empowerment in Atlantic Canada
• The struggle of new immigrant groups

Unit 5: Societal Empowerment

Examining societal empowerment at the turn of the 20th century - everyday conditions for the peoples of Canada, the impact of the Industrial Revolution on industry and workers, and the empowerment of women through social reform.

• Everyday conditions at the turn of the century
• The Industrial Revolution and workers
• Women and social reform

Unit 6: National Empowerment

Examining national empowerment in the early 20th century - the events leading Canada toward independence, Canada's participation in World War 1, and the impact of the war on Canada and its people.

• Events leading toward independence
• Canada's participation in World War 1
• The impact of World War 1 on Canada

Unit 7: Reflection

Reflecting on and portraying an understanding of the extent of empowerment of individuals, groups, and the nation up to 1920 - the year's synthesis.

• Portraying empowerment up to 1920