Lesson Plan: International Trade

Lesson Plan

Introduction

As a class, make a list what students know about international trade. Record the answers on chart paper. If students have not completed the introductory activity about this topic, ensure that they are familiar with the following terms:

Tariff: A tax levied on goods imported into a country. For example, a 10% tariff levied on an imported car priced at $20,000 would increase the price to $22,000.

Quota: The maximum amounts of goods that can be imported in any period of time.

Subsidy: A payment made to a producer (e.g., a farmer) to encourage production of a particular product.

As a class, discuss why individuals, businesses, and countries would want to engage in international trade. What are the benefits (e.g., greater market size) and disadvantages (e.g., increased competition, potential loss of domestic "heritage," culture) of international trade?

The Task

Students will research and analyze four international trade agreements.

To begin, direct students to the topic Canada's Wine Renaissance on the CBC Digital Archives website and have them view the clips titled "Free trade: crisis or opportunity?", "Selling the farm", "VQA introduced" and "European Protectionism -- A Fundamental Injustice". 

As they work, students will list all trade agreements, government policies, and restrictions that are mentioned. Then they will choose the four trade agreements on which to do further research.

The Process

Provide students with the download sheet International Trade. Using a search engine, they will find the information they need to complete the sheet. Students may work electronically or on paper. From the information they gather, they will write a brief description of each item on their list and note any advantages or disadvantages associated with it. They should base their answers on information from the clips, their research, or their own analysis.

Conclusion

Divide students into groups of three. Have each group prepare a summary of the findings of its members. As a class, discuss the summaries. To close the activity, ask students to suggest what should be done to minimize the disadvantages of international trade agreements or government policies that affect international trade.