Trade Route Challenge: A 5th Grade Simulation
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Trade Route Challenge: A 5th Grade Simulation

Grade 5Social Studies5 days
In this 5th-grade social studies project, students participate in a simulation called the "Trade Route Challenge" to understand international trade and its impact on economic growth. Students explore trade dynamics, analyze economic decisions, and assess the impact of innovation and technology on various industries. Through portfolio activities, they research global goods, analyze trade-related dilemmas, assess innovation impacts, and create economic timelines to understand the complexities and importance of trade between the United States and other countries.
International TradeEconomic GrowthGlobal EconomySupply and DemandTrade PolicyInnovationEconomic Decisions
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities of international trade to maximize economic growth and prosperity for our nation?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How does trade impact economic growth?
  • What are the benefits and consequences of economic decisions?
  • How do production, specialization, technology, and division of labor affect a country's economy?
  • Why is trade between countries important?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Understand the factors that influence economic growth and decline in the context of international trade.
  • Evaluate the benefits and consequences of economic decisions made during international trade.
  • Analyze the effects of production, specialization, and technology on economic growth through trade.
  • Explain the importance of trade between the United States and other countries.

Teacher Provided

5.E.1.1
Primary
Explain factors that led to economic growth and decline within the United States at various times in historyReason: Directly addresses understanding economic factors.
5.E.1.2
Primary
Compare economic decisions in terms of benefits and consequencesReason: Focuses on the evaluation of economic choices.
5.E.1.3
Primary
Explain the impact of production, specialization, technology, and division of labor on the economic growth of the United StatesReason: Examines key elements influencing economic growth.
5.E.1.4
Primary
Summarize the role of trade between the United States and other countriesReason: Specifically relates to international trade.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Global Marketplace Challenge

Students receive a limited amount of 'virtual currency' and access to a catalog of goods from around the world with fluctuating prices. They must strategically buy and sell items to maximize their profit, experiencing the complexities of supply and demand in a global market.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

"Global Goods Explorer"

Students research and select a specific product traded internationally, tracing its journey from origin to the US market.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a product commonly traded between the U.S. and another country (e.g., coffee, electronics, textiles).
2. Research the product's origin, production process, and transportation methods to the U.S.
3. Identify the countries involved in its production and trade.
4. Examine the economic factors affecting its price and availability.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report with maps and illustrations showing the product's trade route, key countries involved, and economic factors at play.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5.E.1.4 (Summarize the role of trade between the United States and other countries) by requiring students to investigate and present the details of an international trade relationship.
Activity 2

"Decision-Making Dilemmas"

Students analyze real-world trade scenarios, evaluating the potential benefits and consequences of different economic choices.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Receive a case study describing a trade-related economic decision (e.g., imposing tariffs, investing in new technology).
2. Identify the potential benefits and drawbacks of the decision for different stakeholders (e.g., consumers, producers, the government).
3. Consider alternative decisions and their potential outcomes.
4. Write a brief arguing for or against the decision, based on your analysis of its benefits and consequences.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written analysis of a trade-related economic decision, weighing the benefits and consequences for various stakeholders.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses standard 5.E.1.2 (Compare economic decisions in terms of benefits and consequences) by engaging students in a thorough evaluation of real-world economic choices related to trade.
Activity 3

"Innovation Impact Assessment"

Students explore how technology and specialization have transformed a specific industry involved in international trade.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose an industry that relies heavily on international trade (e.g., agriculture, manufacturing, technology).
2. Research how technological advancements have changed production methods, specialization, and trade patterns in that industry.
3. Analyze the impact of these changes on the industry's economic growth and competitiveness.
4. Present your findings in a visual presentation or infographic.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual presentation or infographic illustrating how technology and specialization have impacted a specific industry's role in international trade.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRelates to standard 5.E.1.3 (Explain the impact of production, specialization, technology, and division of labor on the economic growth of the United States) by focusing on how these factors influence economic growth within the context of international trade.
Activity 4

"Economic Timeline Detective"

Students create a timeline highlighting key events and factors that have led to economic growth or decline in the U.S. tied to international trade.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research significant events in U.S. history related to international trade (e.g., trade agreements, embargoes, economic crises).
2. Identify factors that contributed to economic growth or decline during those periods (e.g., technological innovation, political instability, resource availability).
3. Create a timeline illustrating these events and factors, including brief descriptions and visuals.
4. Write a reflection piece on the lessons learned from these historical events and their relevance to contemporary trade issues.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn illustrated timeline of key events and factors influencing U.S. economic growth or decline in relation to international trade, accompanied by a reflective essay.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses standard 5.E.1.1 (Explain factors that led to economic growth and decline within the United States at various times in history) by having students investigate and present historical events and their impact on the U.S. economy through trade.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Trade Route Challenge Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Understanding Trade Dynamics

Demonstrates comprehension of international trade concepts, including trade routes, key players, and economic factors.
Criterion 1

Global Goods Exploration

Accuracy and depth of research on a chosen internationally traded product, including origin, trade route, and economic factors.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful report with detailed maps and illustrations, accurately tracing the product's trade route, identifying key countries involved, and thoroughly explaining relevant economic factors. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of global trade dynamics.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a detailed report with maps and illustrations, accurately tracing the product's trade route, identifying key countries involved, and explaining relevant economic factors. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of global trade dynamics.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a report with basic maps and illustrations, generally tracing the product's trade route, identifying some key countries involved, and mentioning some economic factors. Shows emerging understanding of global trade dynamics.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides an incomplete report with minimal maps and illustrations, vaguely tracing the product's trade route, identifying few key countries involved, and mentioning limited economic factors. Shows initial understanding of global trade dynamics.

Criterion 2

Economic Timeline Detective

Accuracy and depth of historical analysis related to international trade events, factors, and their economic impact.

Exemplary
4 Points

Creates an exceptionally detailed and insightful timeline, accurately illustrating key events and factors influencing U.S. economic growth/decline in relation to international trade. The reflective essay demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of historical lessons and their relevance to contemporary trade issues.

Proficient
3 Points

Creates a detailed timeline, accurately illustrating key events and factors influencing U.S. economic growth/decline in relation to international trade. The reflective essay demonstrates a thorough understanding of historical lessons and their relevance to contemporary trade issues.

Developing
2 Points

Creates a basic timeline, generally illustrating some key events and factors influencing U.S. economic growth/decline in relation to international trade. The reflective essay demonstrates an emerging understanding of historical lessons and their relevance to contemporary trade issues.

Beginning
1 Points

Creates an incomplete timeline, vaguely illustrating few events and factors influencing U.S. economic growth/decline in relation to international trade. The reflective essay demonstrates initial understanding of historical lessons and their relevance to contemporary trade issues.

Category 2

Economic Decision-Making

Demonstrates the ability to analyze economic decisions related to international trade, considering benefits, consequences, and alternative solutions.
Criterion 1

Decision-Making Dilemmas

Thoroughness and balance in analyzing trade-related economic decisions, weighing benefits and consequences for different stakeholders.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of a trade-related economic decision, thoroughly weighing the benefits and consequences for various stakeholders. The argument is exceptionally well-reasoned and supported by strong evidence.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a detailed analysis of a trade-related economic decision, weighing the benefits and consequences for various stakeholders. The argument is well-reasoned and supported by clear evidence.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a basic analysis of a trade-related economic decision, mentioning some benefits and consequences for stakeholders. The argument is partially reasoned and supported by limited evidence.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides an incomplete analysis of a trade-related economic decision, vaguely mentioning benefits and consequences for stakeholders. The argument is poorly reasoned and lacks sufficient evidence.

Category 3

Impact of Innovation and Technology

Demonstrates an understanding of how technology, specialization, and production methods influence economic growth in industries involved in international trade.
Criterion 1

Innovation Impact Assessment

Clarity and accuracy of presentation illustrating how technology and specialization have impacted an industry's role in international trade.

Exemplary
4 Points

Creates an exceptionally clear and visually appealing presentation/infographic that thoroughly illustrates how technology and specialization have significantly impacted a specific industry's role in international trade. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the industry's dynamics.

Proficient
3 Points

Creates a clear and visually appealing presentation/infographic that illustrates how technology and specialization have impacted a specific industry's role in international trade. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the industry's dynamics.

Developing
2 Points

Creates a basic presentation/infographic that generally illustrates how technology and specialization have impacted a specific industry's role in international trade. Shows emerging understanding of the industry's dynamics.

Beginning
1 Points

Creates an incomplete and unclear presentation/infographic that vaguely illustrates how technology and specialization have impacted a specific industry's role in international trade. Shows initial understanding of the industry's dynamics.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How has your understanding of international trade changed as a result of this project?

Text
Required
Question 2

What was the most surprising thing you learned about international trade, and why did it surprise you?

Text
Required
Question 3

If you were in charge of trade policy for the United States, what is one change you would make based on what you learned in this project? Explain your reasoning.

Text
Required
Question 4

To what extent do you agree with the statement: 'International trade primarily benefits wealthy countries'?

Scale
Required
Question 5

Which of the portfolio activities helped you understand the complexities of international trade the most?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Global Goods Explorer
Decision-Making Dilemmas
Innovation Impact Assessment
Economic Timeline Detective