New roads, new businesses, new developments, new mass transit systems. All growth has both positive and negative effects on communities. Government classes investigate the principles of Maryland's 1997 Smart Growth program and...

Students study excerpts from Sinclair Lewis, "Babbitt" for its accuracy and socio-economic point of view. They rewrite a portion of "Babbit" using the point of view of a Maine guide.

Students study early Native American-European trade. They play bartering games to discover trade as an economic funtion, as well as other implications of trading one good for another.

Fifth graders explore the cotton plant. In this cotton lesson, 5th graders research the process of growing cotton. Students explore the economic and cultural differences in the states that grew cotton for trade and industry.

Students study China's cultural and economic complexities through a slide show that is written, read, and photographed by a Peace Corps Volunteer. They answer the questions: What does SARS stand for? [Severe acute respiratory syndrome]...

Eleventh graders research quality of life indicators for a list of countries looking at such things as infant mortality rate, and gross domestic product. They rank the countries from best to worst regarding quality of life issues.

Fourth graders examine Utah's economic structure and learn about agricultural careers.  In this agricultural careers lesson, 4th graders follow agricultural products from their source to the lunch table. Students chart their results...

Learners work as a team to help improve the quality of life in rural Africa and develop a plan how to spend grant money the United Nations has provided them with.

Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson plan, students examine stereotypes and discrimination based on socio-economic status. Students prepare to work with people of diverse backgrounds in service...

Eleventh graders study the relationship between economic level and material culture: markers of gentility (architecture, material goods) as demonstrated by a single structure.

Students consider indicators that mark a country's progress, examine how last year's State of the Union address has affected U.S. foreign policy, research issues deemed important in that speech, and create report cards assessing the...

This lesson will help students learn more about current immigrant experience, nvestigate U.S. immigration and labor laws, consider the meaning of citizenship, gain knowledge about the economics of poverty, practice research skills and...

Students share opinions about common bad habits, read about behavior economics by reading and discussing article "Your Plate Is Bigger Than Your Stomach," identify goals and strategies designed to improve negative behaviors, and test...

Can international sports events be indicative of a country's national pride? Learners consider how the Germany-hosted 2006 World Cup contributed to German cultural pride, and how the fundamentals of sports is celebrated around the world,...

Students examine Haitian culture, including its discovery, colonization, and political and economic development. Role-playing in two ethnic groups, they caucus and develop strategies for the Haitian Revolution. In learning centers,...

Students identify Marco Polo and discuss why he took his trip, indicate on map routes Marco Polo took to China and back, describe challenges of traveling along Silk Road, list several interesting aspects of 13th Century Chinese culture,...

Students investigate how the United States acquired land after the Revolutionary War ended. In this establishing borders lesson, students use maps to identify territories acquired by the US and the states that later developed. Students...

How do different communities celebrate special occasions? After researching celebrations in their countries, class members investigate other festivals like those associated with Ramadan, Diwali, Chinese New Year, Halloween, Easter,...

Seventh graders discuss the GDP and Middle Eastern nations. In this standard of living lesson, 7th graders complete a worksheet during a lecture on the GDP. Students identify the impact of the GDP on a country and reasons for wanting to...

Students examine and analyze the characteristic problem of each phase of the business cycle. Students articulate the appropriate choices for each of the problems described. Students apply the writing process to write an essay.

Students identify the penny as a copper coin worth 1 cent. They discover information found on the penny: President Lincoln's face, Lincoln Memorial, date, and location of minting.

Students examine world trade patterns and discover the role of commodities in trade. While explaining the benefits of trade, they create maps and flowcharts depicting the patterns of goods and people movement. Also, students write...

Twelfth graders examine the process to rent and buy homes.  In this Economics lesson, 12th graders study the obstacles people have when trying to find a home.  Students participate in a simulation on housing.  

Students examine China's economy. In this economics instructional activity, students investigate economic facts and indicators for the U.S. and China in order to compare and contrast these two large economies.