Social Studies

This program describes how Canada's government works. Filmed on location in Ottawa, students learn about the members of parliament and the basic structure and functions of the House of Commons. There is an interactive quiz at the end of the program. A teacher's guide is available.

The National produced a documentary based on CBC journalist Karen Levine's book Hana's Suitcase: A True Story. The book depicts a Japanese school teacher, Fumiko Ishioka, who decides to use the Holocaust as an educational tool. Using the suitcase of Hana Brady, a young girl who was sent to Auschw...

In this episode, T-Bear takes advantage of the All Chief's Conference to raise the issue of elder care. T-Bear's father encourages him to run for National Youth Council president. Talon's ideas to assist the elders of Wapos Bay become the core issues of the election campaign. Talon is jealous of ...

In this episode from the Wapos Bay Series, cousin Betty arrives in a wheelchair and the community does its best to adapt to her personal needs. T-Bear avoids Betty when he finds out she is sick. Betty is hurt because she thinks T-Bear no longer likes her. The community of Wapos Bay decides to mak...

The fur trade played a large role in the early history of Canada. It opened up the country, created new communities and led to the further exploration of North America. Archaeologists have retrieved many artifacts from places like old trading posts.

On January 12, a powerful earthquake strikes Haiti. More than 100,000 people are killed, and about a million others are left homeless. This story looks at Haiti's tragedy, and how Canada and other countries help the survivors.

Canada plays host to the world when the Winter Olympics open in Vancouver. During the Games, the spotlight will be on the athletes. But it has taken years of work by thousands of Canadians to prepare for this event.

In November, a Canadian diplomat triggers a political firestorm on Parliament Hill. Richard Colvin tells a committee that Canadian troops have been handing over prisoners to Afghan authorities, even though the government knew they might be tortured. The government denies it, refuses to hand over ...

On Christmas Day 2009, a Nigerian man allegedly tries to blow up an airliner as it prepares to land in Detroit. The man was subdued by other passengers before he could set off explosive material sewn into his underwear. The incident triggered a security scare at airports all over the world.

It's been just over a year since Canada was hit by the effects of a global recession. More than 350,000 people lost their jobs. Now there are some faint signs of recovery, but is the recession really over?

Shortly after assuming office, U.S. President Barack Obama announces plans to reform his country's health care system. The announcement set off a debate with both sides citing Canada's Medicare system to back up their arguments.

In December, 192 nations gather in Copenhagen to discuss climate change. The plan was to begin drafting a document to replace the Kyoto Protocol that expires in 2012.

In late September, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff announced that his party would no longer support Stephen Harper's Conservative government. That meant that the minority government could be defeated, unless the NDP or the Bloc Quebecois supported it.

Every year, for a number of reasons, many Canadians adopt children in foreign countries. International adoptions can provide them with the baby they always wanted, but they can also be expensive and frustrating.

On November 11th, many Canadians take a moment to remember the soldiers who died fighting for Canada. The main ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, but many other ceremonies are held across the country.