Eighth grade students at Glasgow Middle School (Stuart High School feeder school) in Alexandria, Virginina, USA used Geographic Information Systems software to study the wealth of nations based on three different economic indicators.
Students first examined the percentage of the population employed in agriculture, industry, and service sectors to determine what countries are considered "developing" versus "developed". They then investigated the amount of energy used by various countries to measure the wealth of the nation. Finally, students compared countries using Gross Domestic Product as the economic indicator.
Through their investigation students were able to conclude that some nations are considered "developed" using certain economic indicators but "developing" using other statistics. They discussed why it is important to know what countries need help as they develop community and service plans to help share their humanity and eradicate global poverty.
Attached is a powerpoint I used to teach the lesson that includes many discussion questions.
