Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Possible conflicts between macroeconomic aims: economic growth and environmental sustainability
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the conflict between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
  • Explain how specific government policies can affect both growth and environmental outcomes.
  • Analyse short‑run and long‑run trade‑offs of growth‑oriented versus sustainability‑oriented measures.
  • Apply an evaluation framework to assess policy effectiveness in exam responses.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handout of the policy table
  • Case‑study worksheet
  • Calculator for growth calculations
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “Can a country grow its economy while cutting pollution?” Connect to prior learning on macro‑economic aims and the role of government. Explain that today’s success criteria are to identify policy conflicts, explain mechanisms, and evaluate trade‑offs.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – students answer the poll question on sticky notes and share responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – present key concepts and the policy table using the projector.
  3. Case‑study analysis (15’) – groups work through the four‑policy scenario, completing the worksheet.
  4. Whole‑class debrief (5’) – groups present findings, discussing short‑run vs long‑run effects.
  5. Evaluation practice (5’) – students apply the 5‑point exam framework to a sample question.
Conclusion:
Summarise how policy choices can create trade‑offs between growth and sustainability. Students complete an exit ticket stating one policy that balances both aims and one that does not. For homework, research a recent real‑world policy and write a brief evaluation using the exam framework.