Newfoundland & Labrador · Grade 8
Social Studies, Grade 8
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Grade 8 social studies course, from History - 1. Citizenship, Power, and Governance to History - 5. Time, Continuity, and Change.
- Units
- 5
- Lessons
- 11
- Skills
- 20
- Provincial exam
- None
- Official curriculum
- gov.nl.ca
Unit by unit
Every skill in the course, numbered by unit.
Unit 1 · 3 skills
History - 1. Citizenship, Power, and Governance
Politics in 19th-Century Newfoundland and Labrador
Political context and challenges of the 19th century
I can explain the political context and challenges of 19th-century Newfoundland and Labrador.
Skill 1.1
The 1930s and Confederation with Canada
The impact of the political events of the 1930s
I can explain the impact of the political events of the 1930s.
Skill 1.2
Entering Confederation with Canada
I can explain the process by which Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canada.
Skill 1.3
The official wording · 3 outcomes
- 1.1
- Demonstrate an understanding of the political context and challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 19th century
- 1.2
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of political events of the 1930s
- 1.3
- Demonstrate an understanding of the process whereby Newfoundland and Labrador entered into confederation with Canada
Key ideas
In the 19th century Newfoundland and Labrador moved toward governing itself.
The 1930s brought severe economic and political crisis.
It gained representative and then responsible government.
Newfoundland gave up self-government for the Commission of Government.
Political challenges included divisions and the struggle for self-rule.
Watch out for
- Thinking self-government came easily - it was a struggle.
- Thinking the 1930s were politically stable - they brought crisis.
- Thinking the 19th century was politically calm - it had real challenges.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 2 · 3 skills
History - 2. Culture and Diversity
Indigenous Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Indigenous peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador
I can identify the Indigenous peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador and describe their lifestyles.
Skill 2.1
The history of the Beothuk
I can explain the tragic history of the Beothuk truthfully and with care.
Skill 2.2
Lifestyles of 19th-Century Peoples
Lifestyles of 19th-century peoples
I can describe the lifestyles of 19th-century Newfoundland and Labrador peoples.
Skill 2.3
The official wording · 3 outcomes
- 2.1
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Indigenous peoples who lived in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 19th century
- 2.2
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Indigenous peoples who lived in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 19th century
- 2.3
- Demonstrate an understanding of lifestyles of peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 19th century
Key ideas
The 19th-century Indigenous peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador included the Innu, Inuit, Labrador Metis, and Mi'kmaq.
Most people lived in small outport communities.
Each people occupied particular areas of the land.
Life centred on the fishery and the seasonal round.
Each had its own lifestyle connected to its environment.
Watch out for
- Thinking the peoples were all the same - they were distinct, each with its own lifestyle.
- Thinking everyone lived in towns - most lived in outports.
- Thinking one name fits all - each people has its own name.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 3 · 5 skills
History - 3. Individuals, Societies, and Economic Decisions
The 19th-Century Economy
The economic context of 19th-century lifestyles
I can explain the economic context of 19th-century lifestyles.
Skill 3.1
The growth of a land-based economy
I can explain the impact of the growth of a land-based economy.
Skill 3.2
Change After Confederation
Economic changes after Confederation up to 1971
I can explain the economic changes after Confederation up to 1971.
Skill 3.3
Social changes after Confederation
I can explain the social changes after Confederation.
Skill 3.4
Economic developments at the close of the 20th century
I can explain the economic developments and issues at the close of the 20th century.
Skill 3.5
The official wording · 5 outcomes
- 3.1
- Demonstrate an understanding of the economic context of lifestyles of Newfoundland and Labrador peoples in the 19th century
- 3.2
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of the growth of a land-based economy on Newfoundland and Labrador
- 3.3
- Demonstrate an understanding of economic changes in post-confederation Newfoundland and Labrador up to 1971
- 3.4
- Demonstrate an understanding of social changes in post-confederation Newfoundland and Labrador
- 3.5
- Demonstrate an understanding of the economic developments and issues that Newfoundland and Labrador experienced at the close of the 20th century
Key ideas
The 19th-century economy centred on the fishery.
Joining Canada brought new social programs and money.
The economy shaped how and where people lived.
The government promoted new industries and development.
The merchant credit system shaped economic life.
Watch out for
- Thinking the economy and lifestyle were separate - the economy shaped daily life.
- Thinking nothing changed after 1949 - change was rapid.
- Thinking everyone shared the same economic conditions - they varied.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 4 · 3 skills
History - 4. People, Place, and Environment
Settlement in the 19th Century
Groups who settled and why
I can identify the groups who settled in Newfoundland and Labrador and explain why they came.
Skill 4.1
Patterns of settlement
I can describe the patterns of 19th-century settlement and why they formed.
Skill 4.2
Social Change at the Close of the 20th Century
Social changes and issues at the close of the 20th century
I can explain the social changes and issues at the close of the 20th century.
Skill 4.3
The official wording · 3 outcomes
- 4.1
- Demonstrate an understanding of the groups who came to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 19th century
- 4.2
- Demonstrate an understanding of the groups who came to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 19th century
- 4.3
- Demonstrate an understanding of social changes and issues that Newfoundland and Labrador experienced at the close of the 20th century
Key ideas
Various groups settled in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 19th century.
The end of the 20th century brought major social changes and issues.
Push factors drove people from their areas of origin.
The cod moratorium led to out-migration from many communities.
Pull factors attracted them to their destination.
Watch out for
- Thinking settlers came for no reason - push and pull factors explain migration.
- Thinking social change was only negative - some communities adapted and culture revived.
- Thinking one group settled everywhere - different groups settled in different areas.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 5 · 6 skills
History - 5. Time, Continuity, and Change
Understanding History
Understanding and appreciating history
I can explain what history is and why it matters.
Skill 5.1
How to find out about the past
I can explain how historians find out about the past.
Skill 5.2
Newfoundland and Labrador in the World Wars
Newfoundland and Labrador in World War I
I can explain the role Newfoundland and Labrador played in World War I.
Skill 5.3
The impact of World War II on Newfoundland and Labrador
I can explain the impact of World War II on Newfoundland and Labrador.
Skill 5.4
Crises, Disasters, and the Role of History
Coping with crises and disasters
I can explain how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have coped with crises and disasters.
Skill 5.5
How history shapes our present
I can explain how history has shaped our current circumstances.
Skill 5.6
The official wording · 6 outcomes
- 5.1
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of history
- 5.2
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to find out about the past
- 5.3
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the role that Newfoundland and Labrador played in World War I
- 5.4
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of World War II on Newfoundland and Labrador
- 5.5
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have had to cope with crises and disasters
- 5.6
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of history in shaping our current circumstances
Key ideas
History is the study of the past.
Newfoundland and Labrador took part in World War I.
The people have faced many crises and disasters.
It examines change over time, cause, and consequence.
The Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the Royal Naval Reserve served.
Watch out for
- Thinking history is just memorizing dates - it is about change, cause, and meaning.
- Thinking Newfoundland was uninvolved in WWI - it played a significant, costly role.
- Thinking disasters were rare - the people faced many hardships.
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 8.
Study it in MapleMind
MapleMind teaches Social Studies, Grade 8 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 8 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
- 31
- Fillable fields
- 1,312
- Price
- $4.99
Questions about Social Studies, Grade 8
What is Social Studies, Grade 8?
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Grade 8 social studies course: 5 units and 20 skills, from History - 1. Citizenship, Power, and Governance to History - 5. Time, Continuity, and Change.
What units are in Social Studies, Grade 8?
1. History - 1. Citizenship, Power, and Governance, 2. History - 2. Culture and Diversity, 3. History - 3. Individuals, Societies, and Economic Decisions, 4. History - 4. People, Place, and Environment and 5. History - 5. Time, Continuity, and Change.
Is there a provincial exam for Social Studies, Grade 8?
No. Newfoundland & Labrador gives no provincial exam for Social Studies, Grade 8.
What comes after Social Studies, Grade 8?
Social Studies, Grade 9.
Can MapleMind help with Social Studies, Grade 8?
Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Social Studies, Grade 8, 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.