Grade 5 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 5 social studies in the Nova Scotia Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Investigate how we learn about the past. Learners will investigate how we learn about the past, with a focus on Acadians, African Nova Scotians, Gaels, Mi’kmaq, and additional cultures.
- Investigate how environment influenced the development of an ancient society. Learners will investigate how environment influenced the development of an ancient society.
- Investigate the diverse societies of First Nations and Inuit, in what later became Canada. Learners will investigate the diverse societies of First Nations and Inuit, in what later became Canada.
- Investigate decision-making practices in First Nations and Inuit societies in what later became Atlantic Canada. Learners will investigate decision-making practices in First Nations and Inuit societies in what later became Atlantic Canada.
- Analyse interactions between British and French and First Nations and Inuit in what later became Atlantic Canada. Learners will analyse interactions between British and French and First Nations and Inuit in what later became Atlantic Canada.
Easy ways to practise social studies at home
- Follow a current event together and ask who is affected and why people see it differently.
- Build a timeline of a family event or a historical topic they are studying.
- Use an atlas or online map to trace a trade or travel route.
- Ask “Whose voice is missing from this story?” when reading about the past.
What each unit covers
Learning from the Past
An age-appropriate, factual look at the Chinese Head Tax, the Komagata Maru, the internment of Japanese Canadians and residential schools, with a focus on apologies, redress and reconciliation. No graphic detail.
Land and Water
How the Nile, the Tigris and Euphrates, the Andes, the Greek coast and the lakes of Mexico shaped farming, homes, tools and trade, and how droughts and floods created challenges.
Rise and Fall
Food surplus, rivers, trade and strong leaders helped civilizations rise. Drought, invasion, fighting inside and worn-out farmland could lead to decline, usually through several causes together.
Deciding Together
Practises how First Nations and Inuit societies in what later became Atlantic Canada made decisions, including Mi’kmaw governance, consensus and the role of Elders. Content is light, in the present tense, and will be reviewed with community partners.
Meeting in Atlantic Canada
Practises how British, French, First Nations and Inuit peoples interacted in what later became Atlantic Canada: trade, rivalry, the Peace and Friendship Treaties, and the Expulsion of the Acadians. Questions are neutral and factual, and show that groups saw events differently.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Limited
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Basic
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Good
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Thorough
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Nova Scotia report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 5 child with social studies?
Follow a current event together and ask who is affected and why people see it differently. Build a timeline of a family event or a historical topic they are studying. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 5 social studies in Nova Scotia?
The Nova Scotia Curriculum Grade 5 social studies units include learning from the past, land and water, rise and fall, deciding together, meeting in atlantic canada.
Free printable Grade 5 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.