Economic Decision Making
This strand helps students see the importance of the natural resources of their island(s) in shaping their way of life. Students learn the types of natural resources and the basic economic activities. They explore the physical and economic benefits of land use, the blue economy and coastal environment influences on the economy, and the way resources can be renewable and non-renewable.
Grade Four Expectations for Economic Decision Making
Essential Learning Outcome: Natural Resources
To understand how our natural resources play an important role in shaping our way of life.
- Identify how access to resources of our country have shaped country's settlement location over time
- Compare past and present settlements using charts and maps, focusing on how resource use, technology, and environmental changes influence these patterns
- Appreciate that our resources impact where we settle
Focus Questions:
What are the essential resources that people need to survive?
How did natural resources determine where the indigenous people settled?
What is urbanization, and how does it impact both the growth of cities and the conservation of natural resources?
How have the rural and urban areas evolved over time?
To what extent has technology influenced settlement patterns in the Caribbean region?
How has technology influenced the way we do commerce today?
What factors should be considered when planning future land use?
What factors influence human settlement choices in response to environmental changes?
What strategies can individuals and communities adopt to address environmental changes?
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Four, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Observe students during field trips, group activities, simulations, and presentations
- Conversations: Class discussions, interviews with community members, debates, think-pair-share activities
- Products: Maps, charts, models, posters, presentations, reports, journals, infographics
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for field trips and group work
- Rubrics for evaluating presentations and projects
- Self-assessment forms for participation in activities
- Peer assessment for collaborative projects
- Exit slips for checking understanding of key concepts
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
Multimedia Resources
- Videos on natural resources and settlement patterns
- Documentaries on economic activities and industries
- Interactive maps showing land use patterns
- Videos on blue economy and marine conservation
- Presentations on environmental issues and climate change
- Documentaries on renewable and non-renewable energy
- What are the effects of Climate Change
- What are Nature Reserves?
- Blue Economy 101
Physical Materials
- Maps and atlases showing settlement patterns
- Art supplies for model building and poster creation
- Materials for conservation experiments
- Field trip observation sheets
- Recycled materials for ocean models
- Charts and graphic organizers
- Simulation game materials
- Materials for renewable energy demonstrations
Teacher Content Knowledge
Resources are any materials that people find useful in their environment. Natural resources can be renewable (can be used over and over again) or non-renewable (can only be used for a limited time). Physical resources include human, capital, and technology resources. Conservation is the care and protection of the Earth so it can remain for future generations by using resources responsibly.
The economy has four main sectors: primary (extraction of raw materials), secondary (manufacturing and construction), tertiary (services), and quaternary (intellectual activities). Economic activities include production (creating goods and services), distribution (getting goods and services to consumers), and consumption (using goods and services). Public institutions are government-owned and operated, while private institutions are owned by individuals or companies.
Land use refers to how land is utilized, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, institutional, and green space uses. Geographic factors like climate, topography, and natural resources influence land use patterns. The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health.
Climate change is a long-term change in weather patterns, largely caused by human activities releasing greenhouse gases. This can lead to problems like melting ice, rising sea levels, and changes in weather patterns. Environmental issues like pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction can negatively impact economies through reduced tourism, decreased agricultural productivity, and increased healthcare costs.
Energy sources can be renewable (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal) or non-renewable (fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas). Renewable energy sources have less environmental impact and are sustainable in the long term, while non-renewable sources contribute to pollution and climate change but are often more established in current infrastructure.