Northern and Central South America: Government and Economy

Students explore the connection between the natural resources and economies of several of the countries in this region. Then they do additional research on these natural resources to understand the kinds of jobs that are associated with them. Finally, students learn about Juan Manuel Santos, the Colombian president who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students explore the connection between the natural resources and economies of several of the countries in this region. Then they do additional research on these natural resources to understand the kinds of jobs that are associated with them. Finally, students learn about Juan Manuel Santos, the Colombian president who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016.

In scene 3, students will work together in groups, each focused on one of four different countries in the region.

The Northern and Central American countries in this region include:

Ecuador
Colombia
Venezuela
Guyana
Suriname
Uruguay
Paraguay
Bolivia

Objectives:

Compare and contrast the governments and economies of Northern and Central South America
Describe the connection between natural resources and the economies of the region

The countries of Northern and Central South America have different governments and economies. Some depend heavily on agriculture and natural resources, while others also have important manufacturing, energy, trade, and service industries.

Products such as coffee, oil, minerals, grains, and fruit connect countries in the region to markets around the world. Governments also influence economic life through laws, public services, trade policies, and decisions about natural resources.

In this experience, you will examine patterns in government across Northern and Central South America and explore the major economic activities that shape countries in the region.

Objectives:

Identify and compare and contrast the governments and economies of Northern and Central South America
Describe the connection between natural resources and the economies of the region

To learn a bit about the coffee economy, watch A Colombian Coffee Break.

What did you learn about the connection between coffee growers in Colombia, South America and the coffee business in a place like Durham, North Carolina?

Post your answer

Answers will vary, but students should recognize the strong interconnection between the work of the farmers in Colombia and the life of Americans who enjoy coffee in the United States.

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