Grade 8 History

In Grade 8 History, our students will explore the developments that shaped Canada from the second half of the 1800s to 1914. Students will investigate Confederation and events like the Red River Rebellion, the Klondike Gold Rush, and the Boer War. They will analyze the women’s rights movement, the abolition of slavery, the Indian Act, and the residential school system. This course is designed to be 50-75 instructional hours.

Curriculum Information: Social Studies (2018)

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.

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Course Outline

Creating Canada: 1850–1890

In the Creating Canada: 1850–1890 unit, students will learn about the developments that shaped Canada in the second half of the 1800s. They will investigate Confederation, exploring the factors and consequences of Canada unifying into a Dominion. They will evaluate evidence to form their own perspective about events like the Red River Rebellion and the North-West Resistance. They will make connections between past and present, inquiring into immigration to Canada, the women’s rights movement, and the abolition of slavery in the 1800s. Students also will use historical thinking skills to learn about developments like the Indian Act and the residential school system.

Canada, 1890–1914: A Changing Society

In the Canada, 1890–1914: A Changing Society unit, students will learn about how rapid changes like industrialization, gold rushes, and waves of settlement influenced life in Canada. They will explore how Canadian multiculturalism grew, how life for Indigenous people changed, and how education impacted groups, comparing the Canada of the past with the Canada of today. Students will draw conclusions from many perspectives about the Boer War and Canada’s place in the British Empire, all while developing their skills in gathering information, evaluating ideas, using maps, and communicating what you learn.

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, coloured pencils, ruler

Through a balance of problem-solving and direct instruction, students develop a strong foundation of history 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 history-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 8 History? Contact us!