Grade 2 Social Studies

In Grade 2 Social Studies, our students will compare different family structures, diverse groups, traditions, and celebrations in Canada. They will delve into the generations of a family and create family trees. Students will learn about global features, including continents, bodies of water, countries, and cities. They will compare communities based on their culture, natural features, and how they meet their needs. This course is designed to be 50-75 instructional hours.

Curriculum Information: Social Studies (2018)

Over the next year, the VES team will be working on updating some of our social studies courses to align with changes to the curriculum released by the Ontario Ministry of Education in August 2023.

Developed by: D2L

Development Date: 2021

Please note that elementary courses do not have prerequisites, and Ontario schools do not issue transcript credits at the elementary level. All courses are available in the facilitated and independent pathways.

Facilitated

Independent

Course Outline

Changing Family and Community Traditions

In the Changing Family and Community Traditions unit, students will compare the significant traditions and celebrations of diverse groups, at different times. They will identify some of the reasons these traditions or celebrations have changed and use the social studies inquiry process to investigate past and present traditions and celebrations within their family and community. They will describe some of the major groups in their communities, including the types of families, and the way tradition and heritage are passed on in such groups.

Global Communities

In the Global Communities unit, students will describe some of the similarities and differences between communities in different parts of the world. They will explore how each community meets its needs and the way it has adapted to the specific location, climate, and physical features of the region. They will use the social studies inquiry process to investigate how a community and the natural environment are interrelated, based on factors such as climate and lifestyle. Students will also identify and locate various communities and physical features around the world while working to describe what life is like in specific communities.

Required Resources

This course is entirely online and does not require nor rely on any textbook. Students will require the following resources:

A scanner, smartphone camera, or similar device to digitize handwritten or hand-drawn work
A device to record audio
A printer
A physical binder, folder, or notebook for offline activities
Various household items to complete offline activities
Pencil, recording device, art supplies, ruler, compass, map or globe, family photo album, two rocks, a stick, paper plate

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Through a balance of problem-solving and direct instruction, students develop a strong foundation of social studies processes, knowledge, and skills to apply in real-world contexts. The course utilizes a combination of technology and offline activities, providing opportunities to develop an understanding of skills and concepts in interactive and concrete ways and engage multiple learning styles. The lessons feature a variety of intriguing storylines, characters, videos, storybooks, and interactive games to reinforce students’ learning. These activities also build a foundation of social studies-related terms that students will use throughout the elementary grades.

The course relies on the assistance of a teacher to support young students through the content. The teacher will be involved in facilitating the course content, and participating in discussion-based activities to assist students in developing communication skills.

Have a question about Grade 2 Social Studies? Contact us!