Hands-On Social Studies for Ontario, Grade 6

Jennifer E. Lawson, PhD, is the creator of the Hands-On books published by Portage & Main Press. As senior writer and editor for the series, she has contributed to more than 50 publications for teachers and students. Jennifer provides professional development workshops for educators locally, nationally, and virtually, and is a Workplace Wellness Advisor. Her most recent book is a collective effort called Teacher, Take Care: A Guide to Well-Being and Workplace Wellness for Educators. She is also one of the founders of Mission to Mexico, an organization that supports schools in some of the most impoverished communities in Puerto Vallarta. Throughout her extensive career in education, Jennifer has worked as a classroom teacher, resource and special education teacher, consultant, principal, university instructor, and school trustee. She lives with her family in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Introduction to Hands-On Social Studies, Grade 6 1

Program Introduction 2
What Is Social Studies? 2
The Goals of Social Studies 2
The Inquiry Approach to Social Studies 2
Hands-On Social Studies Curriculum Expectations 3

Overall Expectations 3
Concepts of Disciplinary Thinking 3
Big Ideas 3
Specific Expectations 4


Hands-On Social Studies Program Principles 4
Cultural Connections 4
Indigenous Knowledge, Experience, and Perspectives 4
Program Implementation 7

Program Resources 7
Lessons 8


Accommodating Diverse Learners 9
Classroom Environment 9
Planning Units (Timelines) 10
Classroom Management 10
Social Studies Skills: Guidelines for Teachers 10

Communication 10
Vocabulary 14
Geographic Definition 14
Research 15



The Hands-On Social Studies Assessment Plan 16

Assessment for Learning 17
Assessment as Learning 17
Assessment of Learning 17
Performance Assessment 18
Portfolios 18
Summative Achievement Levels 19
Indigenous Perspectives on Assessment 19
Important Note to Teachers 19
References 20
Social Studies Achievement Chart 21
Assessment Templates 23

Heritage and Identity: Communities in Canada, Past and Present 35

About This Unit 36
Unit Overview 38
Curricular Expectations 39
Social Studies Thinking Concepts: Success Criteria 41
Cross-Curricular Connections 42
Resources for Students 43

1 Launching the Unit: Significant Canadians 47
2 Canada’s Demographic Growth 52
3 Early Indigenous Peoples 58
4 Contributions of Indigenous Peoples 64
5 Immigrating to Canada 68
6 The French and English Settlers 77
7 Relationships Between Indigenous Peoples and Europeans 84
8 Treaties 88
9 Human Rights in Canada 93
10 Our Community: Past and Present 99
11 Canadian Identities 105
12 Communities in Canada Heritage Fair 112
13 Comparing Communities in Canada 118


References for Teachers 122

People and Environments: Canada’s Interactions With the Global Community 125

About This Unit 126
Unit Overview 129
Curricular Expectations 130
Social Studies Thinking Concepts: Success Criteria 132
Cross-Curricular Connections 133
Resources for Students 134

1 Launching the Unit: Interacting With the World 138
2 Economic Interrelationships 143
3 Canada’s Economic Relationships: Imports 149
4 Canada’s Economic Relationships: Exports 155
5 Environmental Impact 160
6 Tourism 165
7 Longitude and Latitude 169
8 Canada and the United States 173
9 Comparing Countries 178
10 If the World Were a Village 182
11 Global Issues 186
12 Canada’s International Role 190
13 Canadian Involvement in NGOs, IGOs, and GOs 196
14 Culminating Project: Global Issues Inquiry 201


References for Teachers 206

Appendix: Image Banks 207

About the Contributors 223