SELLING THE DEVELOPING WORLD
By Rhett J. Boudreau, Mountain View Intermediate School, Beaverton, OR

OVERVIEW:

An important factor that differentiates industrialized from developing nations is the reliance of developing nations on agriculture. The goal of this lesson is for students to identify the resources of a developing nation and link that nation with an industry that would increase economic development.

CONNECTIONS WITH THE CURRICULUM: Geography, Economics,

TEACHING LEVEL: Grades 9-12

CONNECTIONS TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY STANDARDS:

8: Characteristics and spatial distribution of Earth’s ecosystems
11: Patterns and networks of economic interdependence
14: Human actions modify the physical environment
16: Meaning, distribution, and importance of resources

CONNECTIONS TO OREGON CONTENT STANDARDS:

Describe the physical and human characteristics of places.
Describe the distribution and movement of human populations, ideas, and products.

MATERIALS:

Maps of nations-Use Atlases with economic theme maps
Fact sheet for nations-See The Library of Congress Country Studies
Handouts "Identify Your Industry,"
Developing Countries and Directions Sheet

PROCEDURE:

  1. Using whatever method you feel comfortable with, define developing and industrialized nations.
  2. Define "resources" using the same or different process as #1.
  3. Discuss how availability of resources affects a country’s development.
  4. Brainstorm other factors that would affect development (colonization, climate, education, warfare, culture, etc.).
  5. Using transparencies of various resources and their distribution, show the spatial variation.
  6. In a discussion, identify various types of industries and what types of resources they need.
  7. Divide the class into groups of 3-4 and discuss project.
  8. Schedule presentations.
  9. Debrief by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of industrial development.