Social Studies, Grade 8

Unit 1: Physical Setting

Examining the physical setting of Atlantic Canada - its location in wider contexts, its area and physical features, its weather and climate, the link between human activity and natural resources, and its settlement patterns from Aboriginal peoples to the present.

• Locating the Atlantic region
• Area, size, and physical features
• Weather and climate patterns

• Human activity and natural resources
• Settlement patterns over time

Unit 2: Culture

Examining culture in Atlantic Canada - the concept of culture, contemporary and historical influences, the region's cultural, ethnic, and linguistic groups, cross-cultural understanding, culture and occupations, cultural change, and political culture.

• A general concept of culture
• Contemporary culture and global connections
• Local and global factors shaping culture

• Cultural, ethnic, and linguistic groups
• Cross-cultural understanding

• Culture and occupations
• Forces that change cultures
• Shaping political culture

Unit 3: Economics

Examining economics in Atlantic Canada - basic economic principles in daily life, the role of economics in society, entrepreneurship, the sectors of the economy, economic patterns and issues, and trade linkages with the wider world.

• Economic principles in daily life
• The role of economics in society
• Economics and entrepreneurship

• The four sectors of the economy
• Economic patterns and issues
• Trade and economic linkages

Unit 4: Technology

Examining technology in Atlantic Canada - the concept of technology, its historical application, and its effects on employment, transportation and communications, manufacturing, resource industries, and community life.

• A concept of technology
• Historical technology in the region
• Technology, employment, and living standards

• Technology, transportation, and communications
• Technology and manufacturing
• Technology and resource industries
• Technology and community life

Unit 5: Interdependence

Examining interdependence - developing a world view, understanding how Atlantic Canadians belong to the global community, the qualities needed to contribute to it, and the importance of cooperation with the national and global communities.

• Developing a world view
• Members of the global community
• Qualities of a global citizen
• Cooperation for future well-being