Economic Decision Making
Students learn about the correlation between the use of our human and natural resources and how these resources impact the growth of our economy. Economic concepts taught at this early age equip young citizens with decision-making skills about how to effectively and sustainably use resources to benefit all. Students explore major economic activities, culture and economy, population, and migration.
Grade Three Expectations for Economic Decision Making
Essential Learning Outcome: Economic Activities
To understand how our natural and human resources shape our island identity.
- Identify the major economic activities on our island and their link to natural resources
- Assess the direct and in-direct impact of these economic activities on your family well being
- Appreciate that major economic activities of agriculture and tourism are linked to the natural resources of our island
Focus Questions:
What are economic activities?
What is the importance of import and export in driving our island's economy?
Who are consumers and producers?
What is the importance of agriculture to the development of our island?
How does tourism impact our economy?
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Three, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Observe students during picture inferencing, role plays, and group activities
- Conversations: Class discussions, think-pair-share activities, guided discussions
- Products: Maps, charts, posters, word art, infographics, presentations
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Checklists for show-and-tell presentations
- Rubrics for evaluating posters and infographics
- Self-assessment forms for group work
- Peer assessment for role plays
- Graphic organizers for concept understanding
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
Online Resources
- Jamboard for Economic Activities
- Crossword Puzzle Generator
- Immigration Forms Worksheet
- Coqui in the City (Caribbean Migration Story)
- Educational apps: Powtoon, Animaker, Loom, Renderforest
- Google Maps and other mapping tools
Teaching Materials
- Pictures of economic activities, cultural events, and migration
- Labels and packaging from local and imported products
- Maps of the Caribbean region
- Art supplies for creating posters, collages, and models
- Scenario cards for economic concepts
- Children's books about culture, population, and migration
- Videos about economic activities, culture, and migration
Teacher Content Knowledge
Economy refers to the use and management of resources, the way in which we make and spend money, and how our island generates cash flow and creates employment. Some households and countries have larger economies than others.
Consumers are people who buy or use goods and services to satisfy their wants. Producers are people, companies, or countries that make, grow, or supply goods and provide services for sale.
Culture is the way we live, expressed through festivals, religions, music, foods, dress, language, sports/games, and customs. Cultural activities can generate economic opportunities through tourism, crafts, performances, and food production.
Population refers to the number of people living in a certain place. Population size, density, and distribution affect resource allocation, infrastructure needs, and economic development.
Immigration is the movement of people into a country to settle, while emigration is the movement of people out of a country to settle elsewhere. Migration can have both positive effects (cultural diversity, economic growth, innovation) and negative effects (strain on resources, social challenges) on a region.