Grade 6 Social Sciences – Understanding Local and Global Trade Networks

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Grade 6 Social Sciences - Understanding Local and Global Trade Networks

Lesson Plan Title: Grade 6 Social Sciences – Understanding Local and Global Trade Networks

1. Materials Needed

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Projector and screen (if applicable)
  • Maps of local and global trade routes
  • Printouts of articles on trade (locally and globally)
  • Posters of various products traded locally and globally
  • Art supplies (markers, coloured paper, scissors)
  • Internet-enabled devices (for research)
  • Worksheets for group activities
  • Case studies of specific trade networks (e.g., African trade in gold, spices trade)

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:
– Explain the concept of trade and differentiate between local and global trade networks.
– Identify key local and global products traded in various networks.
– Analyze the impact of trade on the economy and society.
– Create a simple map depicting a trade route and demonstrate an understanding of trade benefits.

3. Vocabulary

  • Trade
  • Local trade networks
  • Global trade networks
  • Export
  • Import
  • Goods
  • Services
  • Supply chain
  • Economy

4. Previous Learning

Students have previously learned about:
– Basic economic concepts (needs and wants).
– The importance of goods and services in society.
– Introduction to maps and geographical features.

5. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Diverse levels of understanding of trade concepts.
Solution: Utilize mixed grouping for activities, pairing stronger students with those needing extra support.

Challenge: Limited technology access for research.
Solution: Provide printed resources and a combination of individual and group research to ensure all students can participate.

6. Beginning Activities (10% of time)

  • Warm-Up Discussion (5 mins): Ask students, “What is trade?” and “What do we trade in our community?” to gauge prior knowledge.
  • Introductory Video (5 mins): Show a short, engaging video clip on the basics of local and global trade networks suitable for Grade 6 understanding.

7. Middle Activities (80% of time)

  1. Group Activity: Product Exploration (25 mins):
    • Divide students into small groups.
    • Each group receives a local product (e.g., crafts, fruits) and a global product (e.g., electronics, clothing).
    • Students will research (using provided articles) who produces these goods, where they are sold, and who buys them. Each group will create a poster presenting their findings in a visual and informative manner.
  2. Mapping Trade Networks (30 mins):
    • Provide maps and invite students to identify and draw local and global trade routes for the products discussed.
    • Prompt them to think critically about why certain products are traded over long distances, discussing factors like climate and culture.
  3. Class Discussion (25 mins):
    • Facilitate a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of trade, such as economic benefits, accessibility to diverse products, and potential exploitation or environmental impact.
    • Encourage responses by asking guided questions that relate to their research and maps, fostering deeper engagement.

8. End Activities (10% of time)

  • Reflection Activity (5 mins): Ask students to turn to a partner and discuss what they learned about the importance of trade while sharing one local product and one global product identified in their groups.
  • Class Share-Out (5 mins): Collect and share 2-3 students’ reflections and key points about local and global trade networks, capturing the essence of their learnings.

9. Assessment and Checks for Understanding

  • Monitor group discussions and guide them toward understanding key concepts during activities.
  • Assess posters for accuracy and creativity as well as presentation skills.
  • Conduct an exit ticket where each student writes one takeaway about trade learned today.

10. Differentiation Strategies

  • For Advanced Learners: Encourage them to research a specific country’s trade practices and prepare a short presentation to share with the class.
  • For Struggling Learners: Pair them with supportive peers and provide scaffolding questions for their group tasks to facilitate understanding.
  • Visual Support: Provide charts, infographics, and images to help learners grasp complex ideas and encourage critical analysis.

11. Teaching Notes

  • Emphasize the relevance of trade in daily life and how it connects with South Africa’s participation in the global economy.
  • Prepare to facilitate sensitive discussions around global trade practices, ethical considerations, and fairness in trade.
  • Be aware of students’ different backgrounds and experiences with trade to create an inclusive learning environment.

This lesson plan empowers Grade 6 learners to explore the intricate systems of trade, aligning with the South African CAPS curriculum while promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and reflection on both local and global scales. Teaching Tips: Encourage active participation by using varied discussion formats (such as think-pair-share) to enhance engagement and ensure that every learner has a voice.