# 7th Grade Social Studies Lesson Plan: Economics (Markets, Resources)
## Overview
**Grade Level:** 7th Grade
**Duration:** 90 minutes
**Subject:** Social Studies
**Topic:** Economics: Markets and Resources
## Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the basic concepts of markets, supply and demand, and resources.
2. Identify different types of resources (natural, human, and capital).
3. Analyze how scarcity and surplus affect markets.
4. Discuss how resources impact economies within various countries.
## Materials
- Whiteboard and markers
- PowerPoint slides on economics
- Handouts with key terms and definitions
- Graph paper and colored pencils
- Computers/tablets with internet access for research
- Case study materials (printed or digital format)
- Worksheet on supply and demand scenarios
- Video clip on market economy (e.g., a short clip from "The Economics of Seinfeld")
## Standards
- **CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2:** Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
- **NCSS Standard 7:** Production, Distribution, and Consumption.
## Lesson Plan
### Introduction (10 minutes)
1. **Bell Ringer:** Ask students to write a quick response to the question: "What do you think of when you hear the word ‘economy’?"
2. Discuss students' responses briefly.
3. Introduce the day's objectives and outline the agenda.
### Direct Instruction (20 minutes)
1. **Presentation:** Use the PowerPoint slides to introduce key concepts:
- Definition of Economics, Markets, and Resources
- Types of resources: Natural, Human, and Capital
- Basics of Supply and Demand
- Concept of Scarcity and Surplus
Ensure to use clear examples to illustrate each concept.
### Guided Practice (15 minutes)
1. **Group Activity:** Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a case study that includes a scenario involving different types of resources and markets.
2. **Discussion:** Each group will analyze their scenario, identify the type of resources involved, and discuss how supply and demand affect the market based on their case study.
### Independent Practice (20 minutes)
1. **Supply and Demand Worksheet:** Hand out a worksheet with different supply and demand scenarios.
2. Students will graph the provided scenarios on graph paper and answer questions related to shifts in supply and demand curves.
3. Allow students to work individually or in pairs.
### Technology Integration (15 minutes)
1. **Research Assignment:** Using computers/tablets, students will research a chosen country’s economy focusing on its key resources and how they impact its markets.
2. Students will write a brief summary of their findings to share with the class.
### Closing (10 minutes)
1. **Review Key Points:** Recap the main ideas covered in the lesson.
2. **Q&A Session:** Open the floor for any questions.
3. **Exit Ticket:** Ask students to write one thing they learned and one question they still have about economics.
### Homework
1. **Reflection Essay:** Write a one-page essay discussing how understanding economics can help them make informed decisions in daily life.
## Assessment
- Participation in group activities and discussions
- Completion of the supply and demand worksheet
- Quality of the research assignment summary
- Reflection essay (homework)
## Accommodations
- For students with learning disabilities, provide additional time for the worksheet and allow use of graphic organizers.
- For ELL students, offer visual aids and glossary of key terms in their native language if possible.
## Reflection
After the lesson, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Consider students' engagement levels, understanding of the material, and performance on tasks to adjust future lessons accordingly.