Social Studies 9

September: 

We spend September asking ourselves "What is an issue"? We explore a variety of different examples and look at how bias, perspective, and opinion can have an impact on how we interpret a variety of issues. Students will test their Canadian trivia and begin to explore their own understanding of the issues surrounding them. Then, students explore the government structure of Canada. Moreso, governance and the role of Canadians and the Canadian government in responding to the needs of Canadian citizens.  We will also be taking a close look at source analysis as we begin to develop the skills necessary to be successful at the upcoming PAT. 

October: 

This month, we continue to examine the government system and the organization of the various branches. Students have presented their first project of the year comparing multiple political parties to each other and discovering a bit more about Canadian politics. We have taken on some enriched debates on issues present in our parliamentary system, and we have passed a bill in class questioning the use of Social Media in the classroom. Some riveting discussion indeed as students ponder if jail time and harsh fines would lessen their desire to grab their phones. Now, students are preparing for their first test of the year, and we are going to take time to continue to build PAT skills.  Students will also be focused on writing and presenting a speech as the Future Prime Minister of Canada, detailing how they would fix the issues in government

November: 

After looking at Canada's government system we then moved into examining the Justice System and the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Students looked at various case studies that examine Youth Crime and how Canada deals with youth offenders. Students will watch PBS Frontline: When Kids Get Life, looking at the issues with youth offenders in the United States, and thinking critically about how these students should be charged. I look forward to the enriching discussion pertaining to our youth today. 

December: 

We just finished off November with a few exciting classroom opportunities. We invited Sun Media political cartoonists to work through analyzing and creating political cartoons. We begin December by wrapping up the YCJA unit, as well as beginning our discussion on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We will continue to focus on Source Analysis skills and work through some group writing. 

January 

We kick off the new year by finishing up our unit on The Charter of Rights and Freedom. Then, we begin Collective Rights. After having just studied the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, students will apply the same ideas to collective groups in Canada. Doing so in project style, students will present their findings, and display their understanding to their peers. 

February 

As we finish up Collective Rights with source analysis, we will begin looking at Immigration in Canada. Students will explore the immigration system and the various perspectives, impacts, and big ideas involving immigration to Canada.  This month, students will also be looking at how to create political cartoons. 

March

This month, we will be finishing up our discussion on Immigration. Student's assessment includes creating Political Cartoons that share perspectives on immigration. A swell, we will work on our Midterm Formative Assessments as a mid-year reflection. Next,  we will be diving into the second half of our course focusing on Economic Systems in Canada and across the world. 

April

In April, we will be concluding our unit on economic systems. Through discussion, debate, and looking at examples from around the world, students will showcase their understanding of how economic systems affect the quality of life in a position paper that questions which economic policies best serve Canada and Canadians.  

May 

In May, we will continue to discuss economic systems through consumer decision-making. So far, we have discussed the factors of consumption that include; the environment, identity, health and safety, quality of life, and more. As well, we have looked at how social media impacts consumer decision-making.  We will be watching a documentary that looks at overconsumption, and finishing off with creating student-made commercials.