
Understanding the Impact of Trump Tariffs
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How do President Trump's tariffs exemplify the role of tariffs in international trade and their impact on economic and political relationships between the U.S. and its trade partners?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is a tariff and how does it impact international trade?
- How have tariffs historically been used by governments to achieve economic or political goals?
- What were the specific goals of President Trump’s tariffs and were they achieved?
- How do tariffs affect relationships between countries, specifically in the context of the U.S. and its trade partners?
- In what ways can tariffs influence domestic economies both positively and negatively?
- What are alternative strategies to tariffs for protecting domestic industries and promoting economic growth?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the concept of tariffs and their role in international trade.
- Analyze the economic and political impacts of President Trump's tariffs on the U.S. and its trade partners.
- Evaluate alternative strategies to tariffs for achieving economic and political goals.
- Develop argumentation skills by assessing and arguing the effectiveness of tariffs.
- Engage in collaborative discussions regarding international trade policies and their impacts.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsSocial Media Campaign
Launch a student-led social media campaign aimed at educating their peers about the effects of tariffs on everyday life. By leveraging platforms familiar to students, they can creatively explore the intersection of economics and social media while promoting peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.Infographic Challenge
Challenge students to create infographics that illustrate how President Trump’s tariffs influence everyday products and consumer prices. This visual representation task allows for creative expression and requires learners to synthesize complex information into accessible formats, fostering deep understanding and retention.Tariff Impact Case Studies
Introduce the project by analyzing case studies of recent industries affected by tariffs, such as agriculture or technology. Students will engage in exploratory research to understand the diverse impacts of tariffs on different sectors and communities, providing a comprehensive foundation for inquiry-based learning.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Tariff Detective: Uncovering the Basics
In this introductory activity, students will explore the concept of tariffs - what they are, how they work, and their impact on international trade.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA summarized article and visual concept map defining tariffs and illustrating their implications.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2 - Determine the central ideas of a primary or secondary source and provide a summary.Historical Tariffs Time Machine
Students will research historical examples of tariffs, focusing on their economic and political motivations and consequences. This activity deepens their understanding of tariffs' roles throughout history.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report analyzing a historical tariff, its motivations, outcomes, and comparison to modern tariffs.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.1 - Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.Trump's Tariffs: Goal Exploration
This activity guides students through an exploration of President Trump's tariffs, focusing on the intended goals and actual outcomes. Students will critically analyze the tariffs' effectiveness.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn argumentative essay evaluating President Trump's tariffs based on their goals and outcomes.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.1 - Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9 - Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis.Infographic Creation Challenge
Students will create infographics to visually represent how President Trump's tariffs influence everyday products and consumer prices, honing their ability to simplify complex information.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visually engaging infographic demonstrating the impact of tariffs on consumer product pricing.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9 - Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.Trade Dialogue: Discussing Tariffs
This activity encourages students to engage in a structured, collaborative discussion about the impacts of tariffs on international relations and domestic economies.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative group report summarizing the discussion and key insights on tariff impacts.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 - Initiate and participate effectively in discussions, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioTariff Analysis and Reflection Rubric
Understanding of Tariffs
Evaluates students' foundational comprehension of tariffs, including their role in international trade and impact on economic relationships.Conceptual Clarity
Measures students' ability to accurately define tariffs and explain their function and implications in trade.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a clear, detailed explanation of tariffs with sophisticated insights into their role in global trade and impacts on economic policies.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately defines tariffs and explains their function and impacts on international trade.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic definition of tariffs, with partial explanation of their trade functions.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to define tariffs or explain their role in trade contexts.
Research and Analysis
Assesses the quality and depth of research conducted on historical and current tariffs, including their economic and political effects.Research Thoroughness
Evaluates the extent and reliability of information gathered on tariffs.
Exemplary
4 PointsGathers extensive, reliable research data; expertly synthesizes historical and current tariff impacts.
Proficient
3 PointsGathers sufficient, reliable information; accurately synthesizes tariffs' effects.
Developing
2 PointsGathers some relevant data, with limited synthesis of findings.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal research conducted with incomplete data synthesis.
Analytical Depth
Assesses the ability to critically analyze and compare tariffs for their effectiveness and impacts.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts in-depth analysis with sophisticated comparisons, highlighting nuanced impacts of tariffs.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts thorough analysis with effective comparisons of tariff impacts.
Developing
2 PointsProvides superficial analysis with basic comparisons.
Beginning
1 PointsLittle to no analysis or comparison of tariff impacts.
Communication and Presentation
Focuses on the clarity, organization, and persuasiveness of conveying findings and arguments in different formats.Argumentation and Persuasiveness
Evaluates the strength and clarity of arguments in written and oral formats.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents compelling, well-structured arguments with rich evidence, demonstrating excellent clarity and persuasive power.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents clear, structured arguments with appropriate evidence and persuasion.
Developing
2 PointsArguments are somewhat structured and lack strong evidence or persuasion.
Beginning
1 PointsArguments are unclear, poorly structured, and lacking in evidence.
Visual Communication
Assesses the effectiveness of visual tools like infographics in communicating complex information clearly and engagingly.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates highly engaging, clear visual presentations that simplify complex concepts expertly.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates clear visuals that effectively communicate complex concepts.
Developing
2 PointsCreates basic visuals that communicate some complex concepts.
Beginning
1 PointsVisuals are unclear or fail to communicate complex concepts effectively.
Collaboration and Discussion
Measures participation, contribution, and reflection in group discussions and collaborative tasks.Participation
Evaluates the level of active participation and collaboration in group activities.
Exemplary
4 PointsActively and constructively contributes to group discussions, demonstrating leadership and collaboration skills.
Proficient
3 PointsContributes effectively to group discussions, participating collaboratively.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates inconsistently, with minimal contribution to discussions.
Beginning
1 PointsRarely participates or contributes to group discussions.
Reflection and Insight
Assesses the depth of reflection on discussion outcomes and learning insights.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides deep reflections with insightful analyses of discussions and personal learning.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides substantial reflections with clear insights into discussions and personal learning.
Developing
2 PointsOffers basic reflections with limited insights.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides little to no reflection or insights on learning.