Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: using and conserving resources
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the concepts of economic growth, sustainability, and resource intensity.
  • Explain how decoupling allows growth with reduced resource use.
  • Analyse the impact of policy instruments such as carbon taxes and subsidies on resource conservation.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and feasibility of sustainable growth strategies.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides/diagrams
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout with key definitions and comparative data table
  • Calculator or spreadsheet software for calculations
  • Graph paper or digital tool for drawing a PPF
  • Sticky notes for the opening activity
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What everyday items rely on non‑renewable resources?” Students share answers, linking to prior knowledge of resource use. Explain that today they will explore how economies can grow while conserving resources, and outline the success criteria: define key terms, interpret decoupling data, and assess policy options.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write examples of resource‑intensive products on sticky notes and share briefly.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Define economic growth, sustainability, resource, energy, and carbon intensity; introduce decoupling with a PPF diagram.
  3. Data analysis activity (12’) – In pairs, examine the comparative table of renewable vs non‑renewable resources, calculate differences in resource intensity, and discuss implications.
  4. Policy evaluation workshop (15’) – Groups apply the four‑criterion framework (effectiveness, efficiency, equity, feasibility) to a carbon‑tax case study and present findings.
  5. Guided calculation (8’) – Work through the carbon‑tax impact example, computing emission reduction and revenue using calculators.
  6. Whole‑class debrief (5’) – Summarise key take‑aways and address any misconceptions.
Conclusion:
Recap the main ideas: sustainable growth requires decoupling, efficient resource use, and well‑designed policies. For the exit ticket, each student writes one policy they consider most effective and explains why. Assign homework to research a real‑world green technology and prepare a short summary for the next lesson.