Grade 9 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 9 social studies in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Interactions and Interdependence (IN9.1–IN9.4): Explain what constitutes a society. Compare the factors that shape worldviews in a society, including time and place, culture, language, religion… Analyze the ways a worldview is expressed in the daily life of a society. (and 1 more outcome)
- Dynamic Relationships (DR9.1–DR9.4): Examine the challenges involved in obtaining information about societies of the past. Synthesize the significance of key historical events in societies studied. Assess the relationship of the natural environment in the development of a society. (and 1 more outcome)
- Power and Authority (PA9.1–PA9.3): Examine concepts of power and authority in the governance of the societies studied. Analyze the impact of empire-building and territorial expansion on indigenous populations and other groups in the… Investigate the roles and responsibilities of members of the societies studied and those of citizens in…
- Resources and Wealth (RW9.1–RW9.3): Compare differing perspectives regarding the acquisition and distribution of resources and wealth in the societies… Appraise the significance of trade and transportation in the development of the societies studied. Determine the influence of technologies of past societies studied on contemporary society.
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
Society & Worldview
What a society is, what shapes a worldview (time and place, culture, language, religion, gender identity, socio-economic situation and education), and how worldview shows up in buildings, stories, celebrations and decisions in societies of the past.
Evidence of the Past
Primary and secondary sources, artifacts and archaeology, bias, dating with BCE and CE, how rivers and land shaped early societies, and ideas Canada inherited from societies of the past.
Power, Citizens & Trade
How power was held in societies such as Egypt, Athens and Rome, the effects of empire-building on conquered peoples, citizens' roles then and now, and how trade, transport and technology shaped wealth and societies.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Meeting is the goal for every outcome. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exemplary
- 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 Saskatchewan report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 9 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 9 social studies in Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 9 social studies units include society & worldview, evidence of the past, power, citizens & trade.
Free printable Grade 9 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.