Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Differences in size of primary, secondary and tertiary sectors
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the three economic sectors (primary, secondary, tertiary) and their main activities.
  • Explain how sector composition changes as a country moves from low‑ to high‑income status.
  • Calculate the percentage share of a sector in GDP using the given formula.
  • Analyse factors that drive shifts between sectors (resources, technology, human capital, infrastructure, policy).
  • Evaluate the economic implications of a dominant tertiary sector versus a large primary sector.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed worksheet with sector data tables
  • Calculators
  • Handout of sector‑composition chart (stacked bar example)
  • Sticky notes for classification activity
Introduction:

Begin with a quick poll: Which jobs do you see most often in your community? Use this to link students' observations to the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. Explain that the lesson will explore how the relative size of these sectors signals a country's level of development and outline the success criteria: students will be able to describe sector patterns, compute sector shares and discuss why economies shift.

Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list common local occupations on sticky notes and classify them into the three sectors.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present sector definitions and typical development patterns using a projected slide and the comparative data table.
  3. Guided practice (12’) – In pairs, calculate sector shares for Kenya, Bangladesh and the United Kingdom using the formula; verify with calculators.
  4. Group analysis (10’) – Discuss factors influencing sector size changes; each group creates a brief poster summarising two key factors.
  5. Whole‑class discussion (8’) – Compare posters, link factors to development outcomes, and highlight policy implications.
  6. Exit ticket (5’) – Students write one sentence describing how sector composition reflects economic development.
Conclusion:

Summarise that as nations develop, the primary sector shrinks while the tertiary sector expands, reflecting higher incomes and productivity. Invite a few students to share their exit‑ticket statements for quick retrieval. Assign homework to research the latest sector‑share statistics for their own country and write a short paragraph comparing it to the examples discussed.