Synthesis and Assessment

For the final application of this theme to our class, we will choose as a class between two simulations. Please read the descriptions below and be prepared to vote in class on which simulation to move forward with.

Option 1: Participate in a historically-based trade simulation: Each student will be assigned a role as a Southern plantation owner, Northern merchant, English merchant, or Chinese trader. You will be provided with resources to help you assume this role and play your part. We will then participate together in conversations about trade in and around the colonies. You may be a Southern plantation owner that needs to advocate for the import of more slave labor, you may be a Northern merchant who is trying to decide how to industrialize.

Option 2: A modern application of concepts simulation: With this option, you will each become a trader in a "global" (classroom) marketplace. You will each select a commodity that you will trade with your peers. You will need to select a commodity/good and submit it to me for review before the Market Day. You will need to analyze the good and tell me what elements are involved in the production of your good and where you will receive these pieces. For example, you may choose lemonade as your good. Lemonade is made up of lemons (or lemonade mix), sugar, and water. Answer questions regarding where you will get these goods, how easy or difficult (or expensive) they are to acquire, etc. I will review your good and either approve it, or ask you to try again with something else. We will hold the Market Day during class time and you will spend the period trading with your peers to get different commodities. For example, you may choose to use pencils as your commodity, but two pencils may be needed to trade for one glass of lemonade. We will spend the following class period discussing how your experience in the marketplace does or does not mimic real life trade and marketplaces, as well as reviewing economic concepts covered earlier in the year.

Regardless of our choice as a class, there will be a short reflection assignment following the activity, that will depend slightly on which choice we make.