Social Studies - World Geography
Lesson Plans

WG Strand 5: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Humans have created complex and varied economic systems. These systems, whether based on free markets or other structures, have various levels of development, infrastructure, and divisions of labor. Economic systems are influenced by their unique landscapes and resources, and their locations influence patterns of interconnections with other economic systems. Geographers can use the insights they learn about economic development to identify patterns or propose solutions to complex issues.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

• What and who defines a state as developed?
• How does culture manifest itself in the development of economic systems?
• How does geography influence the ways in which people make a living?
• Why have some regions developed more rapidly than others?
• What are some of the economic patterns evident in more-developed and less-developed countries?
• Why are economic activities sometimes located in unexpected or unconventional places?
• What are the challenges of sustainable development?

WG Standard 5.5:

Students will describe the costs, benefits, and sustainability of development in terms of poverty rates, standards of living, the impact on indigenous people, environmental changes, gender equality, and access to education.

• At-Risk Communities
  Indigenous communities in coastal Alaska are facing the impacts of climate change as rising sea levels and changing weather patterns threaten to disrupt and destroy entire villages. If coordinated relocation efforts are not successful, residents risk losing their community and their traditional lifestyle. Lesson plan with photo essay.
• Creating DOK Pamphlets Using iPad
  This lesson plan aims at incorporating technology, in this case the Pages app on iPad, to create pamphlets that demonstrate depth of knowledge of social studies content. 
• 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)
• Sustainable Development Goal PSA
  This lesson is designed to get students acting as changemakers and contributing to the sustainable developments goals. Students will be tasked with creating a public service announcement to bring awareness to local or global challenges.

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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.