Grade 2 Social Studies
10 units matched to the Ontario Curriculum. Kids see this subject as “Our World”.
Overall expectations
- A1 Application: Why Traditions Change: Compare some significant traditions and celebrations among diverse groups and at different times, including those of First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit, and identify some of the reasons for changes in these traditions/celebrations (FOCUS ON: Perspective; Cause and Consequence)
- A2 Inquiry: Past and Present Traditions: Use the social studies inquiry process to investigate some of the past and present traditions and celebrations within their own family and the communities to which they belong (FOCUS ON: Continuity and Change)
- A3 Understanding Context: Tradition and Heritage: Describe some of the major groups in their community, including First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit, other diverse communities, and different types of families, and some of the ways in which traditions and heritage are passed on by such groups (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Significance)
- B1 Application: Variations in Global Communities: Describe some similarities and differences in the ways in which people in two or more communities in different parts of the world meet their needs and have adapted to the location, climate, and physical features of their regions (FOCUS ON: Cause and Consequence)
- B2 Inquiry: Natural Environments and Ways of Life: Use the social studies inquiry process to investigate aspects of the interrelationship between the natural environment, including the climate, of selected communities, including at least one contemporary First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community, and the ways in which people in those communities live (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Patterns and Trends)
- B3 Understanding Context: Physical Features and Communities: Identify and locate various physical features and selected communities around the world, including at least one contemporary First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community, and describe some aspects of people’s ways of life in those communities (FOCUS ON: Significance)
Units
Unit 1
Families Near & Far
Families come in many forms (one parent, two parents, grandparents, blended, adoptive and foster families). What makes a family is caring for each other.
Expectation: A1.2, A3.1 · different types of families, and how family structures and traditions compare
Unit 2
Traditions & Celebrations
Well-known celebrations in Canada (such as Canada Day, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Eid, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving), and how food, songs, stories and language pass on heritage. First Nations, Métis and Inuit traditions are not covered here yet.
Expectation: A1.2, A3.4, A3.6, A3.7 · traditions and celebrations in different families and communities, and how heritage is passed on
Unit 3
Then & Now
Generations in a family, using photos, interviews and timelines, and how technology and traditions change from the past to the present.
Expectation: A1.1, A1.3, A2.4, A3.5 · how traditions and ways of life change over generations, and ordering events and people in time
Unit 4
Groups in Our Community
The many groups and languages in a community, why families move, welcoming newcomers, and finding the places families come from on a globe or map.
Expectation: A3.2, A3.3 · groups and cultures in the community, and places of family significance on a globe or map
Unit 5
Globe & Continents
The seven continents, the oceans, the equator and poles, north, south, east and west, and where a few well-known countries are on a globe.
Expectation: B3.1–B3.4 · continents, oceans, the equator, poles and hemispheres, cardinal directions, and where selected countries are
Unit 6
Climate & Ways of Life
How people dress, build, farm and work to suit their weather and land, and reading photos and maps for clues about climate.
Expectation: B1.2, B2.3, B3.5 · how climate and landforms shape the way communities live, and reading photos and maps for clues
Unit 7
Needs & Wants
Telling needs from wants and how communities help meet people's needs.
Expectation: B3.6 · basic human needs and how communities meet them
Unit 8
Communities Compared
Comparing communities around the world: what they share (basic needs, school, play) and how they differ (size, climate, jobs, travel).
Expectation: B1.1, B3.8 · comparing our community with communities in other parts of the world
Unit 9
Caring Citizens
Rights and responsibilities, community helpers, and how small local actions help the planet.
Expectation: B1.3 · sustainability and the way people care for the places they share
Unit 10
Social Studies Detectives
The inquiry process: asking good questions, using people, photos, maps and graphs as sources, drawing conclusions and sharing results.
Expectation: A2.1, A2.2, A2.4, A2.6, B2.1, B2.2, B2.4, B2.6 · asking questions, using sources, interpreting information and sharing results with the right words
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