Newfoundland & Labrador · Grade 2
Social Studies, Grade 2
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Grade 2 social studies course, from Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 1. Civic Engagement to Politics - 10. Civic Engagement.
- Units
- 10
- Lessons
- 11
- Skills
- 18
- Provincial exam
- None
- Official curriculum
- gov.nl.ca
Unit by unit
Every skill in the course, numbered by unit.
Unit 1 · 2 skills
Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 1. Civic Engagement
Getting Along and Making Change
Fairness and group decisions
I can make fair group decisions and treat others fairly in my community.
Skill 1.1
Working together to help others
I can work with others and find ways to make my community better.
Skill 1.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 1.1
- Develop the ability to interact effectively as members of Canadian society
- 1.2
- Develop the ability to interact effectively as members of Canadian society
Key ideas
Groups work best when everyone is treated fairly.
We co-create norms so all members can take part.
Groups can make decisions together, like by voting.
Fairness helps everyone belong.
Collaboration means sharing the work and learning from others.
Watch out for
- Thinking the loudest person should decide - the group decides fairly.
- Thinking fairness means everything is identical - it means everyone is treated justly.
- Thinking change is only for adults - students can help too.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 2 · 2 skills
Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 2. Inquiry and Research
Ways Social Scientists Think
Evidence, comparison, causality, and perspective
I can use evidence, compare, find causes, and consider other points of view.
Skill 2.1
The Inquiry Process
Asking, gathering, and responding
I can use the inquiry steps to investigate a question and respond.
Skill 2.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 2.1
- Use concepts and skills common to the social sciences
- 2.2
- Use inquiry processes to investigate and respond to issues
Key ideas
Evidence is a clue from sources like maps, photos, and stories.
Inquiry begins with a meaningful question.
Comparing shows how people, places, or events are alike or different.
We gather and organize information to answer it.
Causality is when one thing causes another.
Watch out for
- Thinking only writing is evidence - photos and maps count too.
- Thinking inquiry is guessing - it is based on gathered evidence.
- Thinking everyone shares my perspective - people differ.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 3 · 2 skills
Civics - 3. Civic Engagement
People Who Make Change
Individuals and groups who bring change
I can explain how an individual or group brought about positive change.
Skill 3.1
How I can help bring change
I can identify how my strengths can help bring positive change.
Skill 3.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 3.1
- Investigate changes brought about by individuals and groups
- 3.2
- Investigate changes brought about by individuals and groups
Key ideas
Individuals and groups can bring positive change.
We can ask: What was the problem? Who helped? How did they help?
Change-makers include people like Terry Fox and Phyllis Webstad (Orange Shirt Day).
Orange Shirt Day honours Survivors of Residential Schools.
Collaboration and teamwork help bring change.
Watch out for
- Thinking only famous adults make change - anyone can contribute.
- Thinking change happens by itself - people work to bring it.
- Thinking I have nothing to contribute - everyone has strengths.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 4 · 1 skill
Civics - 4. Time, Continuity, and Change
Changes in People's Lives
Changes that influence our lives
I can describe changes in people's lives and how they can affect us.
Skill 4.1
The official wording · 1 outcomes
- 4.1
- Investigate changes that influence people's lives
Key ideas
Changes happen to everyone - it is natural.
Changes include growing older, moving, or a new family member.
Changes can affect us and others in different ways.
Some changes feel positive; some feel challenging.
Watch out for
- Thinking change is always bad - many changes are positive.
- Thinking everyone feels the same about a change - feelings differ.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 5 · 2 skills
Geography - 5. People, Place, and Environment
How the Environment Changes
Natural and human influences on the environment
I can explain natural and human causes of environmental change.
Skill 5.1
An introduction to climate change
I can explain that climate change is a global issue affecting the environment.
Skill 5.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 5.1
- Demonstrate an understanding of environmental change
- 5.2
- Demonstrate an understanding of environmental change
Key ideas
The environment changes over time.
Human influences include building and using resources.
Natural influences include erosion, fire, and plant growth.
The environment shapes people's lifestyle and culture.
Climate is the usual weather of a place over time.
Watch out for
- Thinking only people change the environment - nature does too.
- Thinking the environment never changes - it changes constantly.
- Thinking climate and weather are the same - climate is weather over a long time.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 6 · 2 skills
Geography - 6. Time, Continuity, and Change
How We Use the Environment Has Changed
Interactions, culture, and the land
I can describe how people's use of the environment connects to culture and has changed over time.
Skill 6.1
Sustainable, balanced interactions
I can explain why sustainable, balanced interactions with the environment matter.
Skill 6.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 6.1
- Describe how people's interactions with the environment have changed over time
- 6.2
- Describe how people's interactions with the environment have changed over time
Key ideas
How people interact with the environment connects to culture.
The land is deeply important to Indigenous peoples.
The fishery has long been important to Newfoundland and Labrador communities.
These interactions have changed over time.
Our actions have consequences for the environment.
Watch out for
- Thinking the environment and culture are separate - they are connected.
- Thinking people always used the environment the same way - it has changed.
- Thinking resources never run out - overuse harms them.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 7 · 2 skills
Economics - 7. Individuals, Societies, and Economic Decisions
Many Kinds of Work
Goods, services, and sectors of work
I can name different kinds of paid work and explain their value to the community.
Skill 7.1
Unpaid work and volunteering
I can explain how volunteering (unpaid work) helps the community.
Skill 7.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 7.1
- Recognize the importance of a variety of occupations and types of work
- 7.2
- Recognize the importance of a variety of occupations and types of work
Key ideas
Some work provides goods; some provides services.
Public services include education and law enforcement.
The private sector includes construction and food production.
All these kinds of work help the community.
Not all work is paid - volunteering is unpaid work.
Watch out for
- Thinking all work makes physical goods - much work is services.
- Thinking only some jobs matter - all kinds of work help the community.
- Thinking only paid work is valuable - volunteering is valuable too.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 8 · 2 skills
Economics - 8. Time, Continuity, and Change
How Work Has Changed
Work changing with time and technology
I can compare how work is done today with how it was done in the past.
Skill 8.1
Changing ideas about who does which work
I can explain how ideas about who can do which jobs have changed over time.
Skill 8.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 8.1
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the nature of work has changed over time
- 8.2
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the nature of work has changed over time
Key ideas
Work changes over time.
Technology changes how work is done.
We can compare work in the past and present.
Population and demand affect how much of a kind of work is needed.
Social norms about work change over time.
Watch out for
- Thinking work has always been done the same way - it changes.
- Thinking technology does not affect jobs - it changes them a lot.
- Thinking some jobs are only for men or only for women - all fields are open to all.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 9 · 2 skills
Politics - 9. Citizenship, Power, and Governance
Citizenship in My Community
Rights and responsibilities of citizens
I can explain the rights and responsibilities of citizens in my community.
Skill 9.1
Elections and community leaders
I can describe how communities choose leaders and name the roles of municipal and Indigenous leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Skill 9.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 9.1
- Demonstrate an understanding of citizenship and governance at the community level
- 9.2
- Demonstrate an understanding of citizenship and governance at the community level
Key ideas
Citizenship is membership in a community with rights and responsibilities.
Rights include protection under the law and freedom from discrimination.
Responsibilities include following the law and caring for others.
Recognizing rights and responsibilities benefits everyone.
Citizens take part in governance by voting in elections.
Watch out for
- Thinking citizens only have rights - they have responsibilities too.
- Thinking rights and responsibilities help only oneself - they help the community.
- Thinking all leaders have the same title - municipal and Indigenous governments use different roles.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 10 · 1 skill
Politics - 10. Civic Engagement
Making Decisions in My Community
Using a decision-making model
I can use a decision-making model to help address a community issue.
Skill 10.1
The official wording · 1 outcomes
- 10.1
- Develop decision-making skills in the context of the local community
Key ideas
Decision-making is a deliberate, thoughtful process.
First stop and think, then identify the problem and feelings.
Consider possible choices, then select and try one.
Finally, evaluate the decision's strengths and limitations.
Watch out for
- Thinking good decisions are just guesses - they follow a process.
- Thinking you never review a decision - evaluating it is a key step.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Plan the term
Pick your term and the days you study. Each unit gets its share of the weeks and comes back a week later for a review. The last two weeks go over the whole course.
The official curriculum
This page follows Newfoundland & Labrador’s own curriculum for Social Studies, Grade 2.
Study it in MapleMind
MapleMind teaches Social Studies, Grade 2 one skill at a time. Each skill gets a short lesson, practice as you go and a check worth up to three stars. It remembers where you stopped.


Course Companion
Your year in one workbook
A fun way to keep Social Studies, Grade 2 organized, get to know your child better and see early when they need a hand. Fill it in on a screen, or print it.
- Pages
- 47
- Fillable fields
- 1,517
- Price
- $4.99
Questions about Social Studies, Grade 2
What is Social Studies, Grade 2?
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Grade 2 social studies course: 10 units and 18 skills, from Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 1. Civic Engagement to Politics - 10. Civic Engagement.
What units are in Social Studies, Grade 2?
1. Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 1. Civic Engagement, 2. Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 2. Inquiry and Research, 3. Civics - 3. Civic Engagement, 4. Civics - 4. Time, Continuity, and Change, 5. Geography - 5. People, Place, and Environment, 6. Geography - 6. Time, Continuity, and Change, 7. Economics - 7. Individuals, Societies, and Economic Decisions, 8. Economics - 8. Time, Continuity, and Change, 9. Politics - 9. Citizenship, Power, and Governance and 10. Politics - 10. Civic Engagement.
Is there a provincial exam for Social Studies, Grade 2?
No. Newfoundland & Labrador gives no provincial exam for Social Studies, Grade 2.
What comes after Social Studies, Grade 2?
Social Studies, Grade 3.
Can MapleMind help with Social Studies, Grade 2?
Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Social Studies, Grade 2, step by step, with practice and checks, and its tutor answers questions about any of them. It’s free with daily limits, on iPhone, Android and the web.