Activity Introduction
Quick summary: This lesson is designed for a flipped classroom, where students learn new content by watching a video in their own time. This strategy provides the opportunity for students to build their knowledge, attitudes and values by themselves, thereby freeing up class time for hands-on work. Students are invited to watch two videos; the first an introduction to economics, and the second, The Lorax.
This lesson supports students to inquire into the big idea of ‘real wealth’. Students develop an understanding of shared values, and build their sustainable and ethical financial knowledge, equipping them with the skills to make sound financial decisions based on social, environmental and economical merit.
Learning goals:
- To introduce students to the basic workings of the economy by considering the main players and simple ways that they interact.
- To introduce students to the idea that natural resources play an important part in our economy and that many natural resources are finite.
- To encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning by watching a video and completing a thinking routine (the Flipped learning approach) on their own.
- To help students build their observation, critical thinking and questioning skills.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.5.
Australian Curriculum content description:
Year 7 Economics and Business
- The ways consumers and producers respond to and influence each other in the market (ACHEK017)
Year 8 Economics and Business
- The ways markets operate in Australia and why they may be influenced by government (ACHEK027)
Syllabus Outcomes: C4.2, C4.3, C4.4.
Topic: Consumption
Unit of lessons: Real Wealth Year 7 & 8
Time required: 40 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – this lesson can be completed as homework.
Resources required: Student Worksheets – computers/tablets to access the online worksheet. Real Wealth Cheat Sheet, Glossary Secondary.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Homework and extension opportunities: Students should complete this lesson as homework.
Keywords: economics, scarcity, resources, natural resources, environment.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher Preparation