• Briefly introduce the activity and its objective: to explore and understand the economic profile of North Carolina.

• Explain that students will analyze data about North Carolina's economy to answer questions and discuss their findings.

2. Research (30-45 minutes)

• Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).

• Assign each group a specific aspect of North Carolina’s economy to research using the OECD link or other reliable sources. Potential aspects include:

  • Major industries and sectors (e.g., technology, agriculture, manufacturing)

  • Economic indicators (e.g., GDP, unemployment rate, income levels)

  • Key economic trends (e.g., growth areas, challenges)

• Provide each group with a handout that includes questions they need to answer about their assigned aspect. Example questions:

  • What are the top three industries in North Carolina, and how do they contribute to the state’s economy?

  • What are the most recent trends in employment and income levels in North Carolina?

  • How does North Carolina’s economic profile compare to other states in the region?

1. Research Phase

• Task: Students will research businesses, products, or foods that are made or founded in North Carolina. They should focus on the following aspects:

  • Businesses: Companies headquartered in NC (e.g., Bank of America, Duke Energy)

  • Products: Goods manufactured in NC (e.g., textiles, furniture, pharmaceuticals)

  • Foods: Specialty foods produced in NC (e.g., BBQ sauce, sweet potatoes, craft beers)

• Resources for Research:

  • Online Databases and Websites: North Carolina Department of Commerce, Visit North Carolina

  • Local News Outlets: Articles about NC businesses and products

  • Company Websites: Information about NC-based companies

• Deliverables:

  • A list of 5-7 businesses, products, or foods with brief descriptions.

  • Key facts such as the year founded, product details, and economic impact.

2. Collage Creation

• Task: Students will create a visual collage that includes images, descriptions, and key facts about the businesses, products, or foods they researched. The collage should:

  • Include: Images of the businesses, products, or foods.

  • Describe: Each item with a brief description (2-3 sentences) explaining what it is and its significance.

  • Visual Appeal: Be well-organized and visually engaging. Students can use digital tools or create a physical collage.

• Materials for Physical Collage:

  • Poster board or large paper

  • Scissors, glue, markers

  • Printed images and information

• Materials for Digital Collage:

  • Graphic design software or online tools (e.g., Canva, Google Slides)

  • Digital images and text

3. Presentation

• Task: Students will present their collages to the class. Each presentation should:

  • Explain: The businesses, products, or foods included in the collage.

  • Discuss: The significance of these elements to North Carolina’s economy and trade.

  • Engage: The audience with interesting facts or visuals.

    
    

4. Assessment Criteria

• Research Quality: Accuracy and relevance of information about businesses, products, or foods.

Instructions for Students:

1. Research: Start by researching North Carolina businesses, products, or foods. Use reliable sources and gather information about their significance.

2. Compile Information: Create a list of the elements you want to include in your collage with brief descriptions.

3. Create Collage: Design a physical or digital collage incorporating images and text. Ensure it is visually appealing and informative.

   
   

Objective: Students will analyze a real-world trade agreement to understand its impact on economic interdependence between participating nations.

Description:

• Setup: Provide students with case studies of significant trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA, the EU Single Market, or the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Etc). Include background information, key terms, and economic impacts.

• Activity: Students will analyze the case study, focusing on how the trade agreement affects the participating countries' economies and their interdependence. They will examine factors such as trade balances, economic growth, and changes in resource allocation.

  :

  • A detailed analysis report addressing the agreement’s impact on economic interdependence and specific outcomes for each country involved.

  • A presentation highlighting key findings, including visual aids such as charts or graphs that illustrate trade data and economic impacts.

Assessment Criteria:

• Depth of analysis and understanding of the trade agreement.

• Clarity in explaining the impact of the agreement on economic interdependence.

• Ability to use data and visuals effectively.