All grades  Project 3 weeks

"Bermuda's Tourism: Economy Uncovered!"

Tracy Hayward
D2.Eco.15.9-12
D2.Eco.11.9-12
D2.Eco.10.9-12
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a hands-on exploration of Bermuda's tourism industry and its economic impact, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By collaborating with community partners like the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the Department of Statistics, students will gain real-world insights into how tourism shapes the local economy and affects community well-being. Through empathy mapping, reflection journals, and a Tourism Impact Fair, students will develop a deeper understanding of balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, while building a sense of place and identity within their community.

Learning goals

Students will investigate the economic significance of tourism in Bermuda, analyzing revenue and expenditure trends to understand the island's economic reliance on the industry. They will explore the balance between economic growth and environmental conservation, considering the impact of globalization on local labor markets and resources. Through collaboration with community partners, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, using real-world data to evaluate economic conditions and propose sustainable solutions. They will engage in self-directed learning and reflection, building their academic mindset and sense of belonging within the community.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.15.9-12 - Explain how current globalization trends and policies affect economic growth, labor markets, rights of citizens, the environment, and resource and income distribution in different nations.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.11.9-12 - Use economic indicators to analyze the current and future state of the economy.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.10.9-12 - Use current data to explain the influence of changes in spending, production, and the money supply on various economic conditions.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will develop empathy maps and reflection journals to document their understanding and insights from stakeholder interviews, focusing on the economic and environmental impacts of tourism. They will also create a multimedia presentation that highlights their research on tourism's role in Bermuda's economy and its effects on local communities. The culmination of the project will be a 'Tourism Impact Fair,' where students present their findings to community members and engage in discussions with representatives from the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Department of Statistics.

Launch

Begin the project with a guided walking tour of a local tourist area in Bermuda, led by a representative from the Bermuda Tourism Authority. During the tour, students will observe and take notes on various tourism-related activities, businesses, and their interactions with the environment. After the tour, facilitate a group discussion where students share their observations and initial thoughts about the role of tourism in the local economy and its environmental impacts. This immersive experience will set the stage for deeper inquiry and engagement with the project's essential questions.

Exhibition

Students will create a multimedia presentation that showcases their research on the significance of tourism to Bermuda's economy and its impact on local communities. They will organize a 'Tourism Impact Fair' where they present their multimedia projects to local community members, including representatives from the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Department of Statistics, to showcase their findings and engage in discussions. This event will provide a platform for students to share their insights and propose innovative solutions for balancing economic growth with environmental conservation.