This document outlines a lesson plan for teaching students about Canada's trade relationships through tracing the journey of a t-shirt. The lesson will have students research a favorite imported item, map its origins and trade links to Canada, discover any social justice issues in its production, and create a poster to present their findings. Students will learn that Canada is economically and socially connected to other countries through trade, how organizations govern trade agreements, and the global influences of trade, including issues like child labor. The goal is for students to become more globally aware and responsible citizens who can appreciate and advocate for social causes related to international trade.

1. The Travels of a T-Shirt
Canada’s Links to the World through Trade – Grade 6 Social Studies
Marsha, Rachel, Jennifer, Jessica.

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13PT_HW4wdk

3. Rationale: Why the T-
Shirt?
The t-shirt…
 Is exemplary of Canada’s links to the world
 Demonstrates Canada’s trade relations (imports and
exports)
 Is relatable and exciting for students
 Raises social justice issues

4. Rationale: Curriculum
Alignment
This unit reflects curriculum
expectations by…
 Demonstrating Canada’s
trading partners
 Introduces concepts of
imports and exports
 Explains the organizations
involved in trade
 Broadens students’
perspective of Canada’s role a
global community
Overall Expectations Link
Specific Expectations Link

5. Learning Goals
Know:
 Canada is connected to politically, socially and economically to other countries
 Cause and effect, systems and structures
 Trade relationships, social justice ramifications
Do:
 Research, describe and analyze research and maps
 Use multimedia to communicate ideas and findings effectively
 Promote social justice awareness
Be
 Globally aware of connections and links
 Be a responsible, global citizen, appreciative and activists

6. The Culminating Activity
In groups of 3 or 4, students will inquire about Canada’s
links to the world through trade by…
 Research favourite items (chocolate, shoes, toys!)
 Find origins of item and respective trade links
 Research item and organize findings
 Discover social justice issues and problem solve
resolutions (social cause and effects)
 Research organizations involved in the trade of the good
(systems and structures)
 Create a poster board to display in the class trade fair

7. Lesson Sequence Outline
Lesson Description
1 Introduction to Canada’s Links: Yarn Game
2 Introducing Culminating: Comic
3 Made-In Mapping
4 Trade Mapping
5 Cost of Imports
6 Sorting Exports
7 Who Governs Trade?
8 Globalization: Influences on Canadian Society (Field Trip)
9 Globalization: Influences on Canadian Society (Research)
10 Globalization: Influence on Other Countries (Gaming)
11 Globalization: Influence on Other Countries (Tableau)
12 Child Labour: Discussing Issues of Trade
13 What can we do? Fair Trade
14 Culminating Presentations

8. Questions

9. Bibliography
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13PT_HW4wdk
http://search.creativecommons.org
Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum K-8 (2007)