Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies defines what students should know and be able to do in social studies at each educational level. This lesson correlates to the following standards for middle school students:
III. People, Places, and Environments
Describe ways that historical events have been influenced by, and have influenced, physical and human geographic factors in local, regional, national, and global settings; observe and speculate about social and economic effects of environmental changes and crises resulting from phenomena such as floods, storms, and drought; propose, compare, and evaluate alternative uses of land and resources in communities, regions, nations, and the world.
VI. Power, Authority, and Governance
Analyze and explain ideas and governmental mechanisms to meet needs and wants of citizens, regulate territory, manage conflict, and establish order and security; explain conditions, actions, and motivations that contribute to conflict and cooperation within and among nations.
VII. Production, Distribution, and Consumption
Give and explain examples of ways that economic systems structure choices about how goods and services are to be produced and distributed; explain and illustrate how values and beliefs influence different economic decisions; use economic concepts to help explain historical and current developments and issues in local, national, or global contexts.
IX. Global Connections
Analyze examples of conflict, cooperation, and interdependence among groups, societies, and nations; explore the causes, consequences, and possible solutions to persistent, contemporary, and emerging global issues, such as health, security, resource allocation, economic development, and environmental quality; describe and explain the relationships and tensions between national sovereignty and global interests in such matters as territory, natural resources, trade, use of technology, and welfare of people; identify and describe the roles of international and multinational organizations.
Economics, Civics, Geography