Activity 01
Jigsaw: Facets of Globalization
Divide class into expert groups, each focusing on one element: trade flows, multinational corporations, benefits, or drawbacks. Experts research using provided articles, then regroup to share findings and create a class summary chart. Conclude with a whole-class discussion on interconnections.
Explain how globalization has reshaped economic landscapes.
Facilitation TipDuring Jigsaw Strategy, assign each expert group a specific facet of globalization so they gather rich details before teaching their peers.
What to look forPose the question: 'Is globalization more beneficial or harmful to Canada?' Ask students to prepare two arguments, one supporting each side, and then engage in a structured debate, citing specific examples of economic gains and losses.
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Activity 02
Supply Chain Mapping: Product Journeys
Provide common items like sneakers or smartphones. In pairs, students research and map the global path from raw materials to store shelves, noting economic and environmental impacts at each step. Share maps on a class digital wall.
Analyze the uneven distribution of benefits and costs of globalization.
Facilitation TipIn Supply Chain Mapping, have students start with a simple product like a pencil to ensure they grasp the concept before tackling complex items.
What to look forProvide students with a short case study about a fictional town experiencing factory closures due to offshoring. Ask them to identify two economic impacts on the town and one potential benefit of globalization for the country as a whole.
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Activity 03
Debate Carousel: Corporate Roles
Set up stations with prompts on multinational impacts. Small groups rotate, debating pros and cons, then vote on positions. Facilitate a final synthesis where groups report consensus shifts.
Critique the role of multinational corporations in the global economy.
Facilitation TipFor Debate Carousel, set a timer for each small-group discussion to keep energy high and ensure all voices are heard.
What to look forOn an index card, have students write the name of one product they use daily and list at least three countries involved in its production or distribution. They should also identify one potential challenge associated with this globalized production.
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Activity 04
Gallery Walk: Canadian Examples
Students create posters on local globalization effects, like auto sector changes. Class walks the gallery, posting sticky-note questions or insights, followed by paired discussions to address key points.
Explain how globalization has reshaped economic landscapes.
Facilitation TipDuring Case Study Gallery Walk, place a sticky note at each station with a guiding question to focus observations and written responses.
What to look forPose the question: 'Is globalization more beneficial or harmful to Canada?' Ask students to prepare two arguments, one supporting each side, and then engage in a structured debate, citing specific examples of economic gains and losses.
UnderstandApplyAnalyzeCreateRelationship SkillsSocial Awareness
Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Teachers find success by grounding discussions in students’ lived experiences, such as asking how their clothing labels connect to global trade. Avoid overloading with jargon—instead, introduce terms like 'offshoring' through relatable examples. Research shows that role-playing corporate decisions helps students confront trade-offs more deeply than passive lectures.
Successful learning shows when students can trace supply chains, evaluate corporate roles through evidence, and connect global trends to local impacts. Look for precise examples in their discussions and clear cause-and-effect reasoning in their work products.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
During Jigsaw Strategy, watch for groups claiming globalization benefits all countries equally.
After Jigsaw groups present, provide trade data tables and ask each group to calculate per capita gains for two countries, then discuss why disparities exist.
During Debate Carousel, listen for students assuming multinational corporations only create jobs.
During the carousel, circulate with a list of local factory closure examples and ask groups to incorporate this evidence into their corporate role arguments.
During Case Study Gallery Walk, notice students saying Canada remains unaffected by global shifts.
Provide blank maps of Ontario with industry icons and ask students to annotate changes over 20 years using the case studies as reference.
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