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Overview:
As patterns and networks of economic interdependence change (e.g., increased trade networks), conditions are favorable for the spread of diseases such as AIDS. Students will research the spread of AIDS and report on how this problem has been affected by changes in global transportation and trade.
Connections to the Curriculum:
Geography, social studies, current events
Connections to the National Geography Standards:
Standard 11: "The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth's surface"
Time:
Two hours
Materials Required:
- Computer with Internet access
- Materials for writing written reports or making multimedia presentations
Objectives:
Students will
- discuss how increased transportation and trade can facilitate the spread of disease;
- research and answer questions about the spread of the AIDS virus around the world; and
- create multimedia presentations or written reports explaining how changing patterns of global interdependence are affecting the spread of AIDS.
Geographic Skills:
Asking Geographic Questions
Acquiring Geographic Information
Organizing Geographic Information
Answering Geographic Questions
Analyzing Geographic Information
S u g g e s t e d P r o c e d u r e
Opening:
Ask students to think about and discuss how transportation and trade patterns around the world have changed during the past century. What types of transportation are we using today that were not available one hundred years ago? How has this affected our ability to transport goods from place to place? Then ask them to describe how they think these changes might contribute to the spread of diseases. In what ways does increased transportation and trade facilitate the spread of disease?
Development:
Have students research the spread of the AIDS epidemic around the world to find out how trade and economic patterns contribute to this worldwide problem. First, have them conduct Internet or library research to find out the answers to the following questions:
- Which regions of the world have the highest rates of HIV infection?
- How does trade and other economic factors, such as people having to travel for work, affect the spread of HIV infection?
- What are the projections for future infections? Which areas are the most susceptible to rapid increases in infection rates? Why are these regions susceptible?
The following Web sites should be helpful:
CNN In Depth: AIDS: Africa in Peril (have students read the overview and take notes on how geography, trade, and occupations play a part in spreading AIDS)
PBS: NOVA Online—AIDS in Perspective
Students should also search for online news articles on recent developments in the worldwide AIDS epidemic.
Closing:
Discuss students' responses to the research questions as a class.
Suggested Student Assessment:
Have students create multimedia presentations or written reports explaining how patterns of global economic interdependence are affecting the spread of AIDS. They should include graphs and charts, when applicable, and should be sure to cite their sources.
Extending the Lesson:
Have students use blank Xpeditions outline maps of the world to illustrate the spread of the AIDS epidemic over the past three decades. They should use arrows to show the direction of the disease's spread. Have them refer to PBS's AIDS in Perspective map and any others they can locate by searching the Internet or the library.
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