🌎 Grade 4 Social Studies

Units

1. Unit 1

   🗺️Who Held Power?

   Before 1867, power over the land now called Canada shifted among Indigenous nations, France, Britain and the colonies. Children put key events in order and see how a change in power affects laws, language and trade.

   Learning outcome: changes in power and influence in pre-Confederation Canada · how power and influence shifted among First Nations, France, Britain and colonies before 1867

2. Unit 2

   ⛵Jacques Cartier

   Cartier made three voyages for France in 1534, 1535 and 1541. Children learn who he met at Stadacona and Hochelaga, where the name Canada comes from, why his settlement attempt did not last, and why Indigenous peoples already lived on the land.

   Learning outcome: Jacques Cartier and early settlements · Cartier's voyages, the people he met, and the early French settlement attempts

3. Unit 3

   🏰Champlain & New France

   Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608. Children learn about New France: the fur trade, alliances with the Wendat, Algonquin and Innu, habitants and seigneurs, and how New France compared with the British colonies.

   Learning outcome: Samuel de Champlain and the establishment of Quebec City and New France · Champlain, the founding of Quebec in 1608, alliances with First Nations and life in New France

4. Unit 4

   🦫The Fur Trade & Natural Resources

   The fur trade connected First Nations, Métis and European traders for hundreds of years. Children learn about beaver pelts, the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, Fort Edmonton, pemmican, and Canada's early natural resources such as fish, forests and minerals.

   Learning outcome: the fur trade and Canada’s natural resources · the fur trade, Indigenous and Métis partners, trading posts, and early natural resources

5. Unit 5

   📜The Treaty of Paris

   After the Seven Years' War, the Treaty of Paris (1763) moved most of New France to Britain. Children learn about the Plains of Abraham, the Royal Proclamation, the Quebec Act, and why Indigenous nations were not part of the treaty.

   Learning outcome: the Treaty of Paris and the transfer of Canada to the British · the Seven Years' War, the Treaty of Paris of 1763 and what changed under British rule

6. Unit 6

   🍁United Empire Loyalists

   After the American Revolution tens of thousands of Loyalists, including Black Loyalists and Haudenosaunee Loyalists, came to British North America. Children learn where they settled and how New Brunswick, Upper Canada and Lower Canada were created.

   Learning outcome: the United Empire Loyalists · who the Loyalists were, why they came north, and how they changed British North America

7. Unit 7

   ✊Rebellions & Responsible Government

   In 1837 and 1838 rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada pushed for more say in government. Children learn about Mackenzie and Papineau, the Durham Report, and how responsible government was won in the 1840s.

   Learning outcome: the Rebellions of 1837, responsible government, and Confederation · the 1837–38 rebellions, the Durham Report and the move toward responsible government

8. Unit 8

   🇨🇦Confederation & Alberta

   Canada became a country on July 1, 1867, with four provinces. Children learn why the colonies joined, who was and was not at the conferences, how Alberta joined in 1905, and why Indigenous peoples may see Confederation differently.

   Learning outcome: the Rebellions of 1837, responsible government, and Confederation · why the colonies joined in 1867, who took part, and how other provinces such as Alberta joined

9. Unit 9

   🛡️Citizenship

   Citizens have rights, such as voting and being treated fairly, and responsibilities, such as following laws and helping others. Children learn about the Charter, treaty rights, voting in Alberta, and ways to take part.

   Learning outcome: citizenship rights and responsibilities · the rights of citizens, how rights come with responsibilities, and taking part in your community