Grade 8 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 8 social studies in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Interactions and Interdependence (IN8.1–IN8.2): Investigate the meaning of culture and the origins of Canadian cultural diversity. Appraise the influence of immigration as a factor in Canadian cultural diversity.
- Dynamic Relationships (DR8.1–DR8.3): Develop an understanding of the significance of land on the evolution of Canadian identity. Describe the influence of the treaty relationship on Canadian identity. Assess how historical events in Canada have affected the present Canadian identity.
- Power and Authority (PA8.1–PA8.4): Contemplate the implications of Canadian citizenship on the life of Canadians. Examine the role of power and authority in the application of diverse decision-making processes in a variety of… Present the evolution of a piece of legislation, from its first conception to its implementation. (and 1 more outcome)
- Resources and Wealth (RW8.1–RW8.3): Analyze the social and environmental consequences of living in the Canadian mixed market economy based on… Assess the implications of personal consumer choices. Critique the approaches of Canada and Canadians to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
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
Culture & Immigration
What culture is, the Indigenous, French and English roots of Canada, why people have come to Canada, and how immigration, past and present, shapes Canadian life.
Land, Treaties & History
How the land has shaped Canadian identity, the treaty relationship, and key events such as Confederation, residential schools, the Charter and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This is introductory and needs review with First Nations and Métis partners.
Citizenship & Decisions
The rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, majority and consensus decision making, the path of a bill from idea to law, and ways citizens take part.
Consumers & the Economy
How a mixed market economy works, supply and demand, the effects of consumerism, making responsible consumer choices and caring for the environment.
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 8 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 8 social studies in Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 8 social studies units include culture & immigration, land, treaties & history, citizenship & decisions, consumers & the economy.
Free printable Grade 8 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.