Peru Economy Lesson

Peru Economy

Objectives:

The students will learn about the factors that cause economic growth, with emphasis on investment in real capital, including factories, machinery, and agriculture.
To learn about the characteristics of production and exchange in an economy, with an emphasis on the interdependence of consumers and producers of good and services.
To discover how "world trade" can affect the economy of a country.

Suggested Resource/Materials:

Paper and pencil,
Detailed maps of Peru showing its physical characteristics (soil, climate, vegetation, rivers, mountains),
Water colors or tempera paints,
Colored markers,
Chart or heavy duty paper,
Web sites.

The lesson:

Before beginning the study of Peru's economy have the students complete a KWHL Chart. (K= What Do We Know; W=What We Want to Know; H=How Do We Find Out; L=What We Learned). This activity can be done as an entire class or in small groups. If done in small groups, the groups will share their charts with the class as a whole.

questions:

Name and describe the three economic sectors into which Peru is divided.
What percentage does each sector contribute to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the percentage of the labor force that each employs?
How do each of the economic sectors of the country fits into one or more of the geographical sections of the country? Give specific reasons for your choices.
How do Peru's natural, human, and capital resources affect the daily lives of the people. (Internet research) Describe the factors that cause economic growth in present day Peru, with emphasis on investment in factories, machinery, and new technology. (Internet research)

suggested activities:

Make an economic distribution chart that compares what percentage each sector contributes to that country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the percentage of the labor force each employs.
Make a chart placing each of the economic sectors into one or more of the three geographical sections. Give specific reasons for your choices.
Describe how trade with other countries affects the present day economy of Peru. (Internet research) Describe the role international trade plays in the country's economy. (Internet research)

assessment:

In addition to paper and pencil tests, teachers could use individual or small group projects, oral reports, mental maps or structured overviews for assessment.

Vocabulary Search (search box)

Peru web site links