Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Grade Level: 8

Overview:

Students will research, discuss, analyze, and debate the concept of

globalization. Globalization is the movement and integration of goods

and people among different countries. There are advantages and

disadvantages to globalization, all of which have economic, social,

political, and cultural impacts. Globalization describes the connection

of different parts of the world resulting in expansion of international

cultural, economic, and political activities. Beyond political activities,

globalization allows for greater connectedness around the world,

which stimulates awareness of struggling populations. This increases

the possibility of humanitarian aid and charity, and leads to greater

empathy for oppressed and underprivileged people around the

world. The United States, as a world leader and major economic

force, plays an important role in globalization. The students will

analyze the role and impact the United States has in the world

community.

LIMBS International is an organization that demonstrates the concept of

globalization in a positive way, by creating low-cost, high-quality, prosthetics to help amputees live a normal life de-

spite the tragedy of losing a leg. They are also creating a way for

people in developing nations to become self-sustaining with this technology, and less dependent on other nations for

the repair and up-keep of these prosthetics. Local people are trained in how to fit and fix the prosthetics in their own

country with low-cost parts that can be found at the local store. This is an example of creating sustainability,

empowering developing nations, and partnering globally for the greater good.

Vocabulary

Interdependence

Globalization

Self-sustaining

Empowering

Economics

Import

Export

Trade

Commodity

Counterfeit

Tourism

Integration

Humanitarian

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

In this lesson students will:

Develop 21st century skills of teamwork, problem solving, and communication

Discuss globalization and what makes it possible in today’s world

Identify the countries of origin of clothing and other products

Map countries of origin

Describe patterns of import and export on the map

Conduct research about globalization

Identify pros and cons of globalization

Choose and support one side of the debate

Debate the positive and negative consequences of globalization

Collect and analyze data

Draw conclusions based on data

Create a visual presentation

Provide evidence from text to support their understanding of expository text

View videos about LIMBS International

View a PBS video clip created by National Geographic

Students learn:

How the United States is impacting the world community

How to describe globalization as the connection of different parts of the world resulting in expansion of

international culture, economic, political, and humanitarian activities

How altruistic NGOs (non-governmental organizations) like LIMBS International are contributing positively to the

concept of globalization

How criminal activities contribute negatively to the concept of globalization

How international trade and information technology is at the core of globalization

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Students will be able to:

Define globalization

Understand the needs of others in less fortunate, developing countries

Appreciate the work of charitable organizations like LIMBS International, which provide help around the world

Identify connections between people around the world, leading to a greater understanding of globalization

Describe the connection of different parts of the world resulting in expansion of international cultural, economic,

and political activities

Debate the positive and negative impact of globalization around the world

Work in teams to create a presentation

STEM Content Tie-In:

Calculating percentages

Technology

Transportation

Business Marketing

Economics

Levels of Thinking:

Synthesis: Create, design, discuss

Analysis: Compare and contrast

Evaluation: Debate and defend

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Geography

Analyze how globalization leads to conflict and cooperation among various populations and regions of the world

Analyze the impact of scientific and technological innovations on humans and the environment

U.S. History

Describe the role and influence of the United States in the international community

Explain the impact of science and technology on events and growth of the United States and around the world

World History

Evaluate the impact of intellectual and social movements, religion, technological innovations, and politics on the

development of economic and trade systems

Analyze changes and continuities in social, political, economic and cultural systems

Understand the development of trade and economic systems

Identify and use social studies sources

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Materials:

Cardstock, index cards, post-it notes, student journals, paper, art supplies

Push pins or removable adhesive dots

Wall map of the world, world map projection, or copies of world maps for students

Computers for web research

Global Economic Interdependence Questions (Back of lesson)

Globalization Handout (Back of lesson)

Teacher Background Information on Globalization–Teacher preparation (Back of lesson)

Day 1: (2-3 days depending on length of class period) Introduction

Prior to lesson: Read the Teacher Background Information on Globalization and be prepared to discuss this with the

class. You may even want to create a hand-out or display for the presentation station for your students.

Key concepts:

Globalization is the movement and integration of goods and people among different countries. There are advantages

and disadvantages to globalization, all of which have economic, social, political, and cultural impacts.

Resources are unevenly distributed across the surface of the Earth, and no one country has all the resources it needs.

Therefore, each country must trade with others, resulting in a world of global economic interdependence—an

exchange between producers who produce or manufacture goods, and consumers who purchase or use the goods.

Teacher says:

Who likes sushi?

Who has eaten at a Mexican food restaurant?

If you look at the tag on your shirt, chances are you would see that it was made in a country other than the one in

which you sit right now. What's more, before it reached your closet, this shirt could have very well been made

with Chinese cotton sewed by Thai hands, shipped across the Pacific Ocean on a French freighter crewed by

Spaniards to a Los Angeles harbor. Then, it was unloaded at the harbor by labor from Mexico, living in the United

States. This international exchange is just one example of globalization, a process that has everything to do with

business, geography, and world interconnectedness.

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

1. Have a whole-class discussion about global connections.

Ask: Do you feel connected to the rest of the globe on a regular basis? How, or in what ways? Students may include

examples of connecting to others through technology. They may also describe travel to other countries, contact

with relatives abroad, or being first- or second-generation immigrants. Some students may say they are not

connected.

Student Activity: Identifying global connections through products

1. Explain to students that they are globally connected every day through clothing and other products. Have them look at their own shoes and at the neck tags of a classmate's piece of clothing and determine where the clothing was made. They can also identify items from around the classroom – rulers, highlighters, pencils, backpacks, binders, computers, desks, staplers, tape dispensers, etc. 2. Have students clearly label items according to each item's country of origin. 3. Write a running list of country names on the board as students find them, or have student record a list on a piece of paper individually.

You may want to have them use a graphic organizer, like a T-chart, or make one on the board or overhead projector.

Item Country of origin Avery Orange Highlighter Mexico 4. When you have a list with variety, ask students to locate these countries on a wall map of the world using push pins or removable adhesive dots. If you do not have a wall map, you may project one and use wipe-off markers to make dots. Or distribute copies of world maps to groups of students and have them use markers or colored pencils to locate and mark the points. 5. Introduce the vocabulary words interdependence, commodity, import, and export. You may want students to take notes over these vocabulary words. 6. Explain to students that economic interdependence is—an exchange between producers who produce or manufacture goods and consumers who purchase or use the goods.

To import means to bring from a foreign or external source; especially to bring—as merchandise—into a place or country from another country.

To export means to carry or send—as a commodity—to some other place, such as another country.

Commodity is a product, service or good that can be sold or traded. 7. Teacher may ask students to brainstorm common examples of each, if it seems some students are confused. 8. Direct the students to get into groups.

9. Have students analyze patterns of import and export on the map through discussion and answering the following

questions.

10. Pass out the hand-out with the following questions, or post the questions on the board or presentation station.

11. Teacher should walk around and monitor, as well as contribute to the discussions.

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Discuss and answer the following questions with your group:

Are there any interesting patterns on the map? Where are most of the points? Which areas do not have any

points?

Calculate the percentage of products made in the United States vs. other countries. What is the percentage?

What country has the highest percentage of goods produced in their country from our classroom survey?

Who is exporting and who is importing goods?

What countries are exporting what goods?

Why do you think different countries specialize in the production of specific items?

Do countries only import items they need?

Why might countries import items they do not need?

What role do you think the United States plays in this pattern, as a global leader, powerful country, and a wealthy

nation?

If time allows or for homework, you may have them perform some additional research, or do a quick classroom

research to answer these questions:

What products, goods and/or services does the United States export?

Which country exports the most products?

Conclude this discussion with leading the students to understand that:

Resources are unevenly distributed across the surface of the Earth, and no one country has all the resources it needs.

Therefore, each country must trade with others, resulting in a world of global economic interdependence—an

exchange between producers who produce or manufacture goods, and consumers who purchase or use the goods. This

economic interdependence is a leading cause of globalization.

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Materials:

Website www.Limbs.org Videos:

LIMBS Patient Stories Time: 5:48 Dallas Morning News video LIMBS part 1 Time: 2:39 Dallas Morning News video LIMBS part 2 Time: 2:02

Day 2: Introduction

Teacher asks:

What is globalization?

Globalization is the process of increased interconnectedness among countries most notably in the areas of

economics, politics, and culture.

Representations of Globalization:

McDonalds in Japan

French films being played in Dallas cinemas

The United Nations

Is it only about economics?

No! Culture, food, music, fashion, charity, etc.

How are products spread around the globe?

Airplanes, cargo ships, boats, trains, trucks

How are information and ideas spread around the globe?

Information Technology: computers, cell phones, iPads, Google, Facebook, Instagram, blogs

Media – TV, movies, MTV, radio, music, magazines (Vogue, Time), newspapers

Travel and tourism

Mission Trips and volunteer work: spread religion, ideas, medicine, food, aid, money

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Class Activity:

1. Show videos from LIMBS International

LIMBS Patient Stories Time: 5:48

Dallas Morning News video LIMBS part 1 Time: 2:39

Dallas Morning News video LIMBS part 2 Time: 2:02

Teachers, always preview video to be sure it is appropriate for your classroom use and be prepared to hold discussion

and answer questions!

2. Teacher may want to distribute colored index cards or post-it notes for students to jot down quick notes or

thoughts for discussion.

Teacher asks:

How does this video show an example of globalization?

Answers may vary, but class should reach the conclusion that:

LIMBS International is helping others: Humanitarian aid, charity, altruism, and mission trips. Students may

mention words like: serving, assisting, facilitating, underprivileged peoples.

LIMBS International is an organization that demonstrates the concept of globalization in a positive way, by

creating low-cost, high-quality, prosthetics to help amputees live a normal life despite the tragedy of losing a

leg! They are also creating a way for poor people in developing nations to become self-sustaining with this

technology, and be less dependent on other nations for their repair and up-keep of these prosthetics. Local

people are trained in how to fit and fix the prosthetics their own country for low-cost with parts that can be

found at the local store. This is an example of creating sustainability, empowering developing nations, and

partnering globally for the greater good.

Teacher says:

Some key terms are associated with LIMBS International, such as (Teacher may choose to write these on the board.):

technology, sustainability, self-sustaining, and empowering

Teacher asks:

Who can tell me what those terms mean and how they relate to LIMBS International and globalization?

What do these phrases from the LIMBS International Website mean to you?

Sustainable Solutions for the World

Design, Create, Test and Train

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Student Activity:

1. Have students do a quick think-pair-share on these terms and the LIMBS video.

Think-pair-share: Students take a minute to think about the topic or question. They then share what they think

with a partner or neighbor. After a few minutes of sharing, the pairs chose another pair and share again as a

larger group. This activity gives students a chance to think both independently and gain new ideas from others.

2. Take some class time to talk about globalization. Teacher may want to distribute the hand-out you have created

on globalization or display the hand-out on the presentation station (on board).

Globalization, in its simplest form, means a more connected world.

Globalization is the movement and integration of goods and people among different countries, and over borders

and political boundaries.

Globalization is driven by international trade and aided by information technology.

There are advantages and disadvantages to globalization, all of which have economic, social, political, and cultural

impacts.

Some positives:

Helping people in developing countries

Global innovation to solve global problems

As countries are connected to the rest of the world (through increased communication and transportation), more

help is given to developing countries, and there is a greater chance for the people in those countries to

economically succeed and increase their standard of living.

Global competition encourages creativity and innovation and keeps prices for commodities/services in check.

Developing countries are able to reap the benefits of current technology without undergoing many of the

growing pains associated with development of these technologies.

Governments are able to better work together towards common goals now that there is an advantage in

cooperation, an improved ability to interact and coordinate, and a global awareness of issues.

Some negatives:

Outsourcing, while it provides jobs to a population in one country, takes away those jobs from another country,

leaving many without opportunities.

Although different cultures from around the world are able to interact, they begin to meld, and the contours and

individuality of each culture and unique language begin to fade.

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Student Activity:

1. Have the students get into groups.

2. Give each group a piece of cardstock or poster board, and necessary art supplies.

3. Have each group design a poster or other type of visual aid to demonstrate an example of globalization. Remind

them of examples discussed earlier, like McDonald’s in Japan, French foreign film in Dallas, etc.

3. Have students present their posters to the class.

4. Hang the posters around the room or outside in the halls.

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Day 3:

1. Have students retell the concept of globalization and the key points from the previous discussions.

2. Show video clip: http://www.pbs.org/programs/illicit/ (Time – 1:20)

This short video introduction, to a longer video special made by National Geographic and aired on PBS, explains the dark side of globalization and the criminal activities involved. International black market business: counterfeit items (knock-offs), video piracy, slave trade, drugs, money laundering, etc.

Student Activity: Debate the Positive and Negative Impact (Pros/Cons) of Globalization around the world.

1. Have students get into partners or groups and have each group research globalization.

If teacher is short on time, research may be assigned for homework.

These websites may be helpful:

http://www.pbs.org/programs/illicit/

http://www.ycsg.yale.edu/

http://www.globalization101.org/

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTABOUTUS/0,,contentMDK:23272496~pagePK:51123644~piPK:329829~theSitePK:29708,00.html?argument=value

Students should research more on globalization, as well as learn more about the issues in the debate over globalization.

2. Demonstrate a possible graphic organizer they may want to create and use to record their findings

Decision Graphic Organizer: Graphic organizers are useful tools for building knowledge and organizing information. You can use a decision matrix to identify a choice, its pros and cons, and a decision. It is a great way to take notes and organize their research data. In this instance, they may want to create a T-chart, with the choice or topic on top, then pros on one side, cons on the other side and their final decision at the bottom, with their reasoning why.

3. Based on their research, tell students to select the arguments that they believe are the most valid and make a choice as to which side they will support and defend in a debate.

4. Have students write a bulleted list of information that supports the views they selected to defend.

Tell students they can choose one aspect of globalization, such as economic costs, or they can look at the issues as a whole.

5. Divide the class into two groups: Students who focused on pros and students who focused on cons.

6. Have students get into partners and DEBATE the pros and cons of globalization – one student will be pro-globalization and one student will be against it.

Remind students they must back up any statements with factual information from reliable sources.

7. Have groups swap positions after the debate. Having students debate both sides of an issue builds their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 8. Conclude the lesson with a class discussion their debate, on pros and cons of globalization, and how they are connected around the world.

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Student Activity:

Teacher may choose to have students reflect/respond in a journal or complete a written reflection for homework.

1. Have students reflect in their journal or for a writing assignment, how global connections are a part of their life.

Writing Prompts: How they could use what they have learned about globalization to consider future college studies, careers, and charitable contributions.

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Global Economic Interdependence and Interconnectedness Analyzing patterns of import and export on the map

Mapping items from our daily lives

Discuss and answer the following questions with your group:

Are there any interesting patterns on the map?

Where are most of the points? Which areas do not have any points?

Calculate the percentage of products made in the United States vs. other countries. What is the percentage?

What country has the highest percentage of goods produced in their country (from our classroom survey)?

Who is exporting and who is importing goods?

What countries are exporting what goods?

Why do you think different countries specialize in the production of specific items?

Do countries only import items they need?

Why might countries import items they do not need?

What role do you think the United States plays in this pattern, as a global leader, powerful country, and wealthy nation?

Additional research questions:

What products, goods, and/or services does the United States export?

What country exports the most products?

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

GLOBALIZATION

Globalization, in its simplest form, means a more connected world.

Globalization is the movement and integration of goods and people among different countries, over borders and

political boundaries.

Globalization is driven by international trade and information technology:

Economic Interdependence: Import/Export

Information Technology: Web, Google, social media (Facebook, Instagram, Vine, Kik)

Media – TV, movies, magazines, newspapers

Fashion

Politics/Ideas

Religion

Travel

Missionary/Charitable Organizations

Tourism

Global competition encourages creativity and innovation and keeps prices for commodities/services in check.

Example: If the United States was the ONLY country in the world to make/sell/export computers or TVs or

iPhones, do you think they would be more or less expensive? (Concept of Supply & Demand)

There are advantages and disadvantages to globalization, all of which have economic, social, political, and cultural

impacts.

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

Teacher Background Information on Globalization

This is a brief overview of globalization to help you discuss the concept with your students.

Globalization is the process of increased interconnectedness among countries, most notably in the areas of

economics, politics, and culture. McDonalds in Japan, French films being played in Dallas cinemas, and the United Na-

tions, are all representations of globalization.

The idea of globalization may be simplified by identifying several key characteristics:

Improved Technology in Transportation and Telecommunications

What makes the rest of this list possible is the ever-increasing capacity for, and efficiency of, how people and things

move and communicate. In years past, people across the globe did not have the ability to communicate and could not

interact without difficulty. Nowadays, a phone, instant message, fax, or video conference call can easily be used to

connect people. Additionally, anyone with the funds can book a plane flight and show up half way across the world in

a matter of hours. In short, the "friction of distance" is lessened, and the world begins to metaphorically shrink.

Movement of People and Capital

A general increase in awareness, opportunity, and transportation technology has allowed for people to move about

the world in search of a new home, a new job, or to flee a place of danger. Most migration takes place within or

between developing countries, possibly because lower standards of living and lower wages push individuals to places

with a greater chance for economic success.

Additionally, capital (money) is being moved globally with the ease of electronic transference and a rise in perceived

investment opportunities. Developing countries are a popular place for investors to place their capital because of the

enormous room for growth.

Diffusion of Knowledge

The word 'diffusion' simply means to spread out, and that is exactly what any new-found knowledge does. When a

new invention or way of doing something pops up, it does not stay secret for long.

Google, social media, access to the web, news, information, and ideas spread around the world in minutes! A war

breaks out in Africa, we know about it within minutes on the web, or from CNN or Fox News!

A good example of ideas/innovations spread around the world is the appearance of automotive farming machines in

Southeast Asia, an area long home to manual agricultural labor.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Multinational Corporations

As global awareness of certain issues has risen, so too has the number of organizations that aim to deal with them. So

called non-governmental organizations (NGOs) bring together people who are unaffiliated with the government and

can be nationally or globally-focused. Many international NGOs deal with issues that do not pay attention to borders

(such as global climate change, energy use, or child labor regulations). Examples of NGOs include Amnesty

International or Doctors without Borders.

Learning for LIMBS Grade 8.4 — Social Studies © LIMBS International

As countries are connected to the rest of the world (through increased communication and transportation), they

immediately form what a business would call a market. What this means is that a particular population represents

more people to buy a particular product or service. As more and more markets are opening up, business people from

around the globe are coming together to form multinational corporations in order to access these new markets.

Another reason that businesses are going global is that some jobs can be done by foreign workers for a much cheaper

cost than domestic workers; this is called outsourcing.

At its core, globalization is an easing of borders, making them less important as countries become dependent on each

other to thrive. Some scholars claim that governments are becoming less influential in the face of an increasingly

economic world. Others contest this, insisting that governments are becoming more important because of the need

for regulation and order in such a complex world system.

Is Globalization a Good Thing?

There is a heated debate about the true effects of globalization and if it really is such a good thing. Good or bad,

though, there isn't much argument as to whether or not it is happening.

Positive Aspects of Globalization

As more money is poured in to developing countries, there is a greater chance for the people in those countries to economically succeed and increase their standard of living.

Global competition encourages creativity and innovation and keeps prices for commodities/services in check.

Developing countries are able to reap the benefits of current technology without undergoing many of the growing pains associated with development of these technologies.

Governments are able to better work together towards common goals now that there is an advantage in cooperation, an improved ability to interact and coordinate, and a global awareness of issues.

There is a greater access to foreign culture in the form of movies, music, food, clothing, and more. In short, the world has more choices.

Negative Aspects of Globalization

Outsourcing, while it provides jobs to a population in one country, takes away those jobs from another country, leaving many without opportunities.

Although different cultures from around the world are able to interact, they begin to meld, and the contours and individuality of each culture and unique language begin to fade.

There may be a greater chance of disease spreading worldwide, as well as invasive species that could prove devastating in non-native ecosystems.

There is little international regulation, an unfortunate fact that could have dire consequences for the safety of people and the environment. (Although, most charitable organizations have positive intentions.)

Large Western-driven organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank make it easy for a developing country to obtain a loan. However, a Western-focus is often applied to a non-Western situation, resulting in failed progress.