Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Causes of poverty: environmental factors
Learning Objective/s:
  • Identify key environmental factors that contribute to poverty.
  • Explain the mechanisms by which each factor increases poverty levels.
  • Analyse the Sahel drought case study to illustrate environmental‑poverty links.
  • Evaluate mitigation strategies that can reduce the impact of environmental factors on poverty.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handouts with case study and diagram
  • PowerPoint slides summarising key points
  • Worksheets for group analysis
  • Internet access for optional video on climate impacts
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a flood‑devastated village and ask students how such events might affect families’ incomes. Recall previous lessons on economic vs. social causes of poverty, linking that knowledge to today’s focus on environmental drivers. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify environmental factors, describe their poverty mechanisms, and evaluate possible solutions.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students write quick responses to “What environmental event have you seen affect your community?” – teacher collects responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of the five environmental factors with slide presentation.
  3. Interactive table activity (10'): In pairs, students fill a cause‑effect table linking each factor to poverty mechanisms.
  4. Case study analysis (15'): Small groups examine the Sahel drought case, answer guiding questions, and present findings.
  5. Mitigation brainstorm (10'): Whole‑class discussion of strategies, noting pros/cons on board.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick quiz (Kahoot or exit ticket) on key concepts.
Conclusion:
Summarise how natural disasters, climate change, resource depletion, geography and degradation each push people into poverty. Students complete an exit ticket stating one new insight and one mitigation idea they could apply locally. Assign a short reflective paragraph researching an environmental poverty issue in their own region for homework.