Term 2: Social Studies 

In Media Literacy, students explored how media messages are created and how they influence the way people think and understand the world. Students examined different forms of media, such as advertisements, videos, images, and online content, and discussed how these forms are designed to communicate specific messages to an audience.

Students learned to think critically about media by identifying purpose, audience, and techniques used to capture attention. They also discussed how media can shape opinions and how important it is to question and evaluate the information they see and hear.

As part of their learning, students worked on a fun and creative project where they designed their own product and created a live commercial to advertise it. Using what they had learned about persuasive techniques and audience engagement, students planned and performed their commercials for the class. This activity helped students apply their understanding of media in an engaging and hands-on way.

Term 1: Social Studies

This term, students explored a variety of important historical topics that deepened their understanding of Canadian identity, global citizenship, and social responsibility.

Key Learning Highlights:

• Terry Fox: A Canadian Hero
  • Students deepened their understanding  about Terry Fox’s legacy through engaging videos and articles.
  • Discussions focused on perseverance, community impact, and the importance of activism.
• Residential Schools & Truth and Reconciliation
  • Students examined the history and lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities.
  • They engaged in meaningful conversations about reconciliation and the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past.
• Remembrance Day & Indigenous Veterans
  • Students honored the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers, including Indigenous veterans.
  • They explored the significance of Remembrance Day and the diverse contributions of Canadians in wartime.
• Global Issues Poster Project
  • Students investigated a global issue in a specific country or region.
  • Each group was asked to create a visually engaging poster that included:
    • A clear and catchy title
    • Overview of the issue with key facts and visuals
    • Causes of the issue
    • Current and past solutions
    • Barriers to resolution
    • Student-generated solutions and opinions
    • Interesting facts and statistics
  • Emphasis was placed on critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness.
• Helping Hands for Hunger Campaign
  • Students planned and led a school-wide initiative to address food insecurity.
  • They collected non-perishable food items to support local families in need.
  • The campaign fostered empathy, leadership, and community engagement.

Grade 6 Social Studies Curriculum Connections:

• Global Issues and Governance
  • Explored global poverty, access to clean water, and environmental sustainability.
  • Investigated roles and responsibilities of global citizens.
• Historical Perspectives
  • Studied the impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples in Canada.
  • Learned about residential schools and their legacy.
• Social Responsibility
  • Participated in a community action project (Helping Hands for Hunger).
  • Discussed ethical decision-making and social justice.

Grade 7 Social Studies Curriculum Connections:

• Society and Culture
  • Examined Canadian identity through the lens of national heroes like Terry Fox.
  • Investigated the contributions of veterans and the importance of Remembrance Day.
• Conflict and Change
  • Analyzed historical injustices, including the residential school system.
  • Explored the process of reconciliation and healing.
• Global Interactions
  • Researched global issues affecting different regions.
  • Proposed solutions and advocated for change through poster presentations.