Social Studies - World Geography
Lesson Plans

WG Strand 3: CULTURE

Culture is the total sum of human expression. A culture's purpose, as well as how and where cultures originate, diffuse, and change, are all topics worth studying. Students will explore religion, language, ethnicity and other cultural characteristics by looking at patterns and processes. As students explore what people care about and care for, they can learn not only about other cultures but also about the unique attributes of their own culture.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

• How does culture manifest itself on the landscape of the earth?
• How does culture influence social structures and gender roles?
• What effect does globalization and emerging technologies have on the divergence and convergence of culture?
• How do cultures maintain their identities and traditions?
• How are humans shaped and influenced by their own cultures?
• How can learning about other cultures teach us about our own?

WG Standard 3.6:

Students will cite examples of how globalization creates challenges and opportunities for different cultures.

• Modern Globalization and Its Effects
  In this interactive lesson, students learn what globalization is and what distinguishes modern globalization from earlier forms of global trade and interaction. Students watch videos that define modern globalization and explain how the production of a Converse sneaker is affected by the global manufacturing process. Students also learn about globalization?s costs and benefits for producers, consumers, workers, the environment, and more. At the end of the lesson, students write a thesis statement that answers the lesson?s essential question: To what extent do the benefits of modern globalization outweigh its negative effects?
• Rethinking the Fabrics We Wear
  Local textile cultures called "fibersheds" offer an alternative to mass production by seeking to utilize regional agriculture, enhance ecological balance, and strengthen communities. This photo essay, which includes audio recordings, depicts life on Mimi Luebbermann's Windrush Farm in Chileno Valley, California, where she raises sheep and educates the public about wool and fiber arts. Lesson plan with photo essay. (English or Spanish)
• Why Don’t We Just Make Everything Ourselves?
  This New York Federal Reserve Lesson plan explores globalization. Compelling Question: Why don?t we just make everything ourselves? Supporting Questions: 1. What are "absolute advantage" and "comparative advantage"? 2. What are some of the economic impacts of globalization?

---

http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.