In order to show students that we are connected to the world in economic ways, the teacher should first direct students to observe everything that is around them in their classroom and to determine the origin of each item. Have students brainstorm, observe, and share their findings with the class. You might want to list on the board all the places they have found in this activity. Discussion should lead students to the realization that we trade substantially with foreign markets. For homework, the teacher could ask students to make a list of ten imported goods found in their bedroom.
Discussion can resume the next day.
If it has not come out thusfar, the teacher should remind students of the Persian Gulf War. America responded so swiftly to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in large part because of our dependence on oil from the Persian Gulf states. The teacher should then brainstorm with the class other reasons why we are interconnected with the world. Students should understand that these interconnections are a result of foreign policy, and that this is a form of public policy. Divide students into small groups and direct them to research specific examples of U.S. involvement in world affairs during the administrations of Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton.