The world is getting more and more connected every day, which is why it’s so important for students to understand the concept of globalization. Whether you’re just teaching the basic definition of globalization or diving deeper into the pros and cons involved, there are so many different facets of this issue to explore. And with the proper encouragement, students will be excited to delve into their globalization unit! Here are nine activity ideas to help you teach the different aspects of globalization to students of all ages and stages.
1. Where Are Your Clothes From?
A great way to introduce your globalization unit is to have students take a peek at the labels on their clothing. Where was this item of clothing produced? Where did the natural resources for their outfit come from? This gives immediate insight into the global economic activity that went into making the shirts on their backs, and it is a great way to dive into the effects of globalization on the business cycle and consumer goods.
Learn More: BBC
2. Online Lesson Plan: Globalization for High School Students
With this comprehensive lesson plan, you can teach high school students about globalization. Cover everything from the basic definitions to the real-life applications and implications of the concept in their own lives. It also touches on study skills that are relevant to social studies.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
3. Movie Time: “2 Million Minutes”
This film is perfect for high school students because it follows the high school experience of six students from China, India, and the USA. Through the eyes of these six students, we can see the differences and similarities that globalization produces in the education and experiences of students around the world. After watching, have a class discussion that focuses on the globalized elements.
Learn More: IMDB
4. Calculate Your Global Eco-Footprint
With this online calculator, students can see a measure of integration based on their consumption patterns and everyday habits. It takes into account the natural resources, as well as the goods and services that we use in our daily lives. Students can complete the survey in class or they can complete it as a homework assignment.
Learn More: Footprint Calculator
5. Unit Plan: Trade, Economy, and Globalization for Middle Schoolers
With this unit plan, you can teach middle school students about the ebb and flow of natural resources, services, and manufactured goods. Students will learn to track goods through the country of origin, the country of manufacture, and the shipping journey that each good takes. They’ll also get a foundational understanding of the economic concepts underlying each of these trade functions.
Learn More: Twinkl
6. Pros and Cons of Globalization: Videos
With this 2-part video series, students can learn about the upside and downsides of globalization; both throughout history and in the contemporary world. The video is engaging and full of relevant and familiar examples, which means that students can make use of their existing knowledge to really contextualize the advancements of globalization through the ages.
Learn More: CrashCourse
7. Global Trade Simulation Game
This game breaks the class into groups of 3-5 students, and the goal of each group is to complete a recipe. However, the ingredients for the recipe need to be “imported” from different teams. With this hands-on application, students get a real-life example of how globalization works, and how global trade impacts everything from a bite of food to an item of clothing.
Learn More: Biz Kids
8. Is “Globalization” a Dirty Word?: Lesson Plan
This resource looks at the basic definitions of globalization and then dives straight into contemporary examples that high school students will be sure to recognize. Then, the class discussion turns to the pros and cons of globalization; encouraging students to contextualize and articulate their own ideas and experiences with the topic.
Learn More: Econ Ed Link
9. Development and Globalization, Hand in Hand
This lesson plan incorporates the tangential concept of development to teach globalization to 8th-10th grade students. The resource includes clear definitions and great activities for drilling and reinforcing the distinctions between these abstract concepts. It also offers students the chance to identify, and talk through, these concepts with examples from their own lives and experiences.
Learn More: New York Fed
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