Grade 8 History Bundle (Strand A and Strand B)

In this bundle, I have added the Grade 8 Strand A: Creating Canada: 1850-1890 and Strand B: Canada's Changing Society: 1890-1914. These lessons were made as a resource for my students "learning from home". Each lesson is was created with Ontario Social Studies- History curriculum in mind.

Strand A Unit Overview

This unit is aligned with the expectations of the Ontario Social Studies Curriculum (Strand A: Creating Canada, 1850-1890).  This unit was designed during COVID-19, when teachers shifted from in-class learning environments to a Virtual Classroom. 

The 6  lessons in this unit were designed to be interactive.  There are five elements to many of the lessons in this unit  - Looking Back, Historical Significance, Cause and Effect, Historical Perspectives and Connecting to Our Past. 

About this Unit:

Students will build on their understanding of earlier Canadian history, looking at the social, political and economic changes affected different groups in this time period.  What were some challenges facing Canadians and how do they compare to current challenges?  What were the internal and external forces that led to Confederation and the impact of these developments on everyone, including First Nations and immigrants.  Students will consider their rights and freedoms as a result of actions taken by people during this era to change our lives. 

Lesson Overview:

Lesson # 1 ~Creating Canada

Over hundreds of years, Canada has gone through many changes and grown into the country we know today. In this lesson, we will revisit what we have learned in the previous years.  

Lesson # 2 ~Bristish North America (before Confederation)

In this lesson, we will explore what life was like in British North America during the 1850 to 1860. We will examine key historical events that led up to Confederation in 1867.

Lesson # 3 ~ Reasons for Confederation

In this lesson, we will identify the events that lead up to Confederation, 1867.     

Lesson # 4 ~Confederation

In this lesson, we will investigate the challenges, concerns and overall effect of Confederation on the colonies in 1867. 

Lesson # 5 ~ The Impact on First Nations Before Confederation and After

In this lesson, we will investigate the impact that settlers had on First Nations People before Confederation and after.  We will explore the “Indian Act”, the “Numbered Treaties”, and “Residential Schools”. 

Lesson # 6 ~ The Dominion of Canada after Confederation

In this lesson, we will key events in history that resulted from Confederation. We will explore the Red River Rebellion, the Canadian Pacific Railway and settlements in the North-West Territories. 

Culminating Task

In this culminating task, you will be able to further research an event that happened in Canadian history between 1850 and 1890.  Students will have a choice in the method that they want to expand on what they have learned throughout the six lessons. Rubric included.

Strand B Unit Overview:

This unit is aligned with the expectations of the Ontario Social Studies Curriculum (Strand B:  Canada’s Changing Society: 1890-1914).  This unit was designed during COVID-19, when teachers shifted from in-class learning environments to a Virtual Classroom. 

The 5  lessons in this unit were designed to be interactive.  There are five elements to many of the lessons in this unit  - Looking Back, Historical Significance, Cause and Effect, Historical Perspectives and Connecting to Our Past. 

About this unit:

Students will build on their understanding of earlier Canadian history, looking at the social, political and economic changes affecting different groups in this time period. The period between 1890 and 1914 was a time of great change in Canada. Advancements in technology contributed to the growth of the economy and the development of cities.  In this unit, students will learn about many important changes during this time period. They will also determine who and what were the significant changemakers, and what the consequences of the changes were on different groups of people.  

Lessons Overview:

LESSON # 1 ~ A Snapshot of Canada's Industrial Age: 1890-1905

In this lesson, we will learn about the impacts of Industrialization in Canada. We will examine both positive and negative effects on the lives of Canadians.

LESSON # 2 ~ Changes in the Workplace

In this lesson, we will explore the working conditions in factories, the impact of industrialization on women and children and how worker’s rights became a focus in the employment industry. 

LESSON # 3 ~ Cultural Diversity in Canada

By the end of the 1800s, cultural tensions were on the rise in Canada.  At the same time, developments in other parts of the world were also dividing Canadians.  As we explore this lesson, will explore the impacts of issues and events between 1896 and 1911 had on Canada’s developing identity. 

LESSON # 4 ~ Challenges and Changes in Education

In this lesson, we will explore the challenges that Canadians faced with the immigration boom.  We will learn about the impact these challenges had on education, language and rights.  

LESSON # 5 ~ Canada and the World

In this lesson, we will explore Canada’s relationship with other countries.  We will learn about our continued devotion to the British Monarch, calls to war, our developing military and the impact of the Gold Rush. 

Canada 1890-1914 ~ Culminating Task

In this culminating task, you will be able to further research an event that happened in Canadian history between 1890 and 1914.  Students will have a choice in the method that they want to expand on what they have learned throughout the five lessons. Rubric included.