Grade 8 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 8 social studies in the Nova Scotia Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Reflect on 20th and 21st century Indigenous experiences in Canada. Learners will reflect on 20th and 21st century Indigenous experiences in Canada.
- Evaluate the impact of equity and inequity in a changing Canadian society. Learners will evaluate the impact of equity and inequity in a changing Canadian society.
- Formulate responses to change in Canadian society. Learners will formulate responses to change in Canadian society.
- Evaluate how various conflicts have impacted Canadian society. Learners will evaluate how various conflicts have impacted Canadian society.
- Evaluate the impact of World War II on a changing Canadian society. Learners will evaluate the impact of World War II on a changing Canadian society.
- Plan an advocacy action in response to an issue. Learners will plan an advocacy action in response to an issue.
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
Conflicts that Shaped Canada
Practises how conflicts such as the world wars, the Cold War, Korea, peacekeeping and crises at home changed Canadian laws, communities and who has a voice. Ties to the Nova Scotia Grade 8 social studies outcome on the impact of conflicts. Sensitive events are stated factually.
World War II & Canada
Practises Canada's role in World War II, Halifax and the Battle of the Atlantic, the home front, Japanese Canadian internment, and how Canada changed after the war. Ties to the Nova Scotia Grade 8 social studies outcome on the impact of World War II. Hard topics are stated factually.
Taking Action
Practises the steps of an advocacy plan, choosing an audience and message, judging evidence and sources, and real examples such as Viola Desmond. Ties to the Nova Scotia Grade 8 social studies outcome on planning an advocacy action.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Minimal
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Satisfactory
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Good
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Very good to excellent
- 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
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.
The Nova Scotia Curriculum Grade 8 social studies units include conflicts that shaped canada, world war ii & canada, taking action.
Free printable Grade 8 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.