A 30-minute activity designed to get students thinking about the many different origins of the materials that make up a pencil as well as international trade and globalism. Students break into groups based on the countries in which pencil materials are produced and examine different trade methods of exchanging their respective goods. All materials are available online through the National Geographic website, and the site offers full directions, lesson objectives, and preparation guidelines.

is resource is aligned to the Global Competence Curriculum Framework:

• Collaborate with people in your local/global community to identify and investigate a global issue (6-8)
• Identify personal choices that have global consequences (3-5)
• Create several solutions to a problem through brainstorming, brain-writing, and ideation (3-5)
• Evaluate how historical events and people connect across countries and affect global perspectives (6-8)
• Contrast the solution reached through the use of a simple decision-making process that includes analyzing consequences of alternative solutions against snap decision making methods (6-8)
• Consider and determine options for a specific task or need based upon evidence for what is needed (3-5)
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Geography of a Pencil

This resource is part of a collection of materials and resources compiled by members of the Pennsylvania Council for International Education (PACIE). Visit the PACIE website to learn more.

 

“The National Geographic Society is an impact-driven global nonprofit organization that pushes the boundaries of exploration, furthering understanding of our world and empowering us all to generate solutions for a healthy, more sustainable future for generations to come. “Our ultimate vision: a planet in balance.” This specific resource was created by Sean P. O’Connor and reviewed by Lydia Lewis, M.Ed. from National Cathedral School in Washington D.C.

PACIE, Pennsylvania Council for International Education, global competence, global education, economic resources, natural resources, geography, international trade, trade, transportation, human geography, economics, international economics, trade routes, trade networks, consumer, goods, producer, business