Newfoundland & Labrador · Grade 6
Social Studies, Grade 6
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Grade 6 social studies course, from Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 1. Civic Engagement to Anthropology - 7. People, Place, and Environment.
- Units
- 7
- Lessons
- 14
- Skills
- 17
- 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
Democratic Principles and Positive Change
Democratic systems and the rule of law
I can explain democratic principles like democratic systems, liberty, and the rule of law.
Skill 1.1
Collaboration and promoting positive change
I can explain how collaboration promotes positive change in society.
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
Democratic principles include democratic systems, liberty, and the rule of law.
Canada upholds democratic values.
These principles can be explored locally, nationally, and globally.
The rule of law means everyone is subject to the law.
Collaboration means working together toward a goal.
Watch out for
- Thinking democracy is only voting - it includes liberty and the rule of law.
- Thinking laws apply only to some - the rule of law applies to all.
- Thinking change is only for adults or governments - anyone can help.
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
The Social Scientist's Forms of Analysis
Six forms of analysis
I can use the six forms of analysis to investigate cultures.
Skill 2.1
Inquiry and Taking Action
Inquiry and responding to issues
I can use inquiry to investigate an issue and respond to it.
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
Using evidence means analyzing sources and observations.
Inquiry begins with meaningful questions.
Making comparisons and understanding causality reveal connections.
We gather, organize, interpret, and draw conclusions.
Considering perspectives helps us understand others.
Watch out for
- Thinking analysis is opinion - it uses evidence and criteria.
- Thinking inquiry ends at research - it can lead to action.
- Thinking one tool suffices - the forms work together.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 3 · 2 skills
Anthropology - 3. Citizenship, Power, and Governance
Government Decisions and Culture
How government decisions influence culture
I can explain how government decisions protect or restrict cultural expression.
Skill 3.1
Global Citizenship
Rights and responsibilities of global citizenship
I can explain the rights and responsibilities of global citizenship.
Skill 3.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 3.1
- Investigate how government decisions influence culture
- 3.2
- Explain the rights and responsibilities of global citizenship
Key ideas
Freedom of cultural expression is a cornerstone of culture.
Global citizenship means seeing ourselves as part of a global community.
Democratic states tend to protect this freedom.
It carries rights and responsibilities.
Authoritarian states may restrict it.
Watch out for
- Thinking governments never affect culture - their decisions strongly do.
- Thinking citizenship is only national - we are also global citizens.
- Thinking all governments protect cultural freedom - some restrict it.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 4 · 1 skill
Anthropology - 4. Civic Engagement
Global Issues and Social Activism
Investigating a global issue and responding
I can investigate a global issue and propose a response.
Skill 4.1
The official wording · 1 outcomes
- 4.1
- Investigate global issues that affect people and their culture
Key ideas
Global issues affect people and their cultures.
Issues include poverty, climate change, and human rights.
They also include Indigenous land rights, sovereignty, and self-determination.
Social activism is a way to respond and promote positive change.
Watch out for
- Thinking global issues do not affect culture - they strongly do.
- Thinking one person cannot respond - social activism empowers people.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 5 · 7 skills
Anthropology - 5. Culture and Diversity
The Role of Culture
The role and types of culture
I can explain the role of culture and the different types of culture in my life.
Skill 5.1
Reflecting on my own culture and belonging
I can reflect on the cultures I belong to and how they shape my life.
Skill 5.2
The Common Elements of Culture
The common elements of culture
I can identify the common elements of culture and compare two cultures.
Skill 5.3
Comparing Canadian culture to another country
I can compare the elements of Canadian culture with another country's.
Skill 5.4
Traditions and Beliefs
How beliefs, values, and traditions are expressed
I can explain how beliefs, values, and traditions are expressed.
Skill 5.5
Cross-Cultural Understanding
The importance of cross-cultural understanding
I can explain why cross-cultural understanding matters.
Skill 5.6
Indigenous Cultures in Canada and the World
Indigenous cultures within Canada and the world
I can explore Indigenous cultures in Canada and the world with respect and understanding.
Skill 5.7
The official wording · 7 outcomes
- 5.1
- Recognize the role of culture in people's lives
- 5.2
- Recognize the role of culture in people's lives
- 5.3
- Demonstrate an understanding of the common elements of culture
- 5.4
- Demonstrate an understanding of the common elements of culture
- 5.5
- Investigate how traditions and beliefs influence culture
- 5.6
- Explain the importance of cross-cultural understanding
- 5.7
- Explore Indigenous cultures within Canada and the world
Key ideas
Culture is an important part of our lives as individuals and groups.
All cultures share common elements.
Beliefs and values are central aspects of culture.
Cross-cultural understanding means learning about and valuing other cultures.
Indigenous Peoples have rich, distinct cultures and ways of knowing, being, and doing.
Watch out for
- Thinking a person belongs to one culture - people belong to several.
- Thinking cultures share nothing - they share common elements.
- Thinking traditions are just old habits - they express deep values.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 6 · 1 skill
Anthropology - 6. Interdependence
The Rise of Global Culture
Factors that create global culture
I can explain the factors that create a global culture.
Skill 6.1
The official wording · 1 outcomes
- 6.1
- Explain factors that contribute to a global culture
Key ideas
Global culture is aspects of culture shared by people in many parts of the world.
Globalization spreads cultural products internationally.
Technology and social media contribute to global culture.
Migration also brings cultures together.
Watch out for
- Thinking cultures never share globally - a global culture is emerging.
- Thinking only one factor causes it - globalization, technology, and migration all do.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 7 · 2 skills
Anthropology - 7. People, Place, and Environment
Cultural Regions
The concept of a cultural region
I can explain what a cultural region is and how it is identified.
Skill 7.1
How Environment Influences Culture
How environments and resources influence culture
I can explain how environments and resources influence culture.
Skill 7.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 7.1
- Explain the concept of a cultural region
- 7.2
- Investigate how environments influence culture
Key ideas
A cultural region is an area sharing common elements of culture.
Resources help meet needs and wants and influence culture.
Elements include language, history, economy, religion, and government.
Resources can be renewable or non-renewable.
Canadian cultural regions include the Arctic, Atlantic, and Prairies.
Watch out for
- Thinking regions are only physical - cultural regions are defined by culture.
- Thinking environment does not affect culture - resources strongly shape it.
- Thinking a region shares everything - it shares common cultural elements.
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 6.
Study it in MapleMind
MapleMind teaches Social Studies, Grade 6 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 6 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
- 38
- Fillable fields
- 1,367
- Price
- $4.99
Questions about Social Studies, Grade 6
What is Social Studies, Grade 6?
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Grade 6 social studies course: 7 units and 17 skills, from Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 1. Civic Engagement to Anthropology - 7. People, Place, and Environment.
What units are in Social Studies, Grade 6?
1. Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 1. Civic Engagement, 2. Social Studies Concepts and Skills - 2. Inquiry and Research, 3. Anthropology - 3. Citizenship, Power, and Governance, 4. Anthropology - 4. Civic Engagement, 5. Anthropology - 5. Culture and Diversity, 6. Anthropology - 6. Interdependence and 7. Anthropology - 7. People, Place, and Environment.
Is there a provincial exam for Social Studies, Grade 6?
No. Newfoundland & Labrador gives no provincial exam for Social Studies, Grade 6.
What comes after Social Studies, Grade 6?
Social Studies, Grade 7.
Can MapleMind help with Social Studies, Grade 6?
Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Social Studies, Grade 6, 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.