Ah, by the way, corrected tests on our "Trade" unit over the weekend. And you know, the kids aren't all idiots! I have been struggling with one of my classes because they are SO concrete and can't think or make abstract connections at all. If the answer isn't in plain view on a page, they can't answer a question.

But, to my surprise, they did pretty well on the following 5-question essay test:

1. Describe 2 examples of how geography impacted trade.
2. Describe how taxes/tariffs can help a society, using 1 example from our studies.
3. What can be traded? (in this one, I was going for the abstract, not just "items". They all got it.)
4. Explain how 1 example from #3 can improve a society. Explain how 1 example from #3 can hurt a society.
5. Choice A: Explain how modern Africa has been affected by trade (or lack of trade), using 2 examples from the video. OR Choice B: The U.S. has trade agreements with many nations. Explain positive and negative effects on the U.S. because of this dependence on other nations.

Oooh, I'm proud of myself for some of those questions. Most kids have grasped the idea of the global connectedness of trade, and almost ALL could give good examples on the US. So proud!