Topic 5: Economic Symbols of Germany

Lesson 4: How do economical issues affect political decision making and employment?

Lesson Objective

The student will identify issues involved in balancing the needs of industry with the need to protect the environment.

Materials and Resources

Handout 17 - “Environment vs. Economy Scenario”
Worksheet 3 - “Decision Making Chart”

Strategies

Decisions about environmental problems affect other areas of daily life and can involve difficult choices. Distribute copies of Handout 17 “Environment vs. Employment Scenario” and Worksheet 3 “Decision Making Chart”. After students have read the scenario, divide the class into four groups: members of the state senate (North-Rhine-Westfalia), workers, business merchants, and citizens of the community. Have each group use the Decision Making Chart to organize several options and possible effects and consequences of following these options from the perspective of their group.

Students in each group should prepare a one-page position statement in which they explain their decision using the Decision Making Chart. Allow representatives from each group to read the position statement of each of the other groups.

Conduct mock hearings before the environmental and the economic committees of the senate in which the workers, merchants and citizens express their opinions and concerns. Compare the solutions of the groups as they are presented and discuss with the class why each group might have arrived at their particular solution. Each group should defend its decision based on the information recorded on their Decision Making Charts. The members of parliament will then discuss the various proposals and decide on a course of action.