Part One: Discussion
- Arrange the class into a circle of chairs so that you are all facing each other.
- After watching the five-part Nature Labs lesson story ‘Tariffs: Canada, we have a problem.’ and reflecting on what you watched, discuss as a class what a tariff is and how it impacts our world.
- Your teacher will stay out of the conversation; they are just there to observe. Do not direct any questions to them.
- It’s not necessary to raise your hand during the discussion, just have a conversation with your peers. Let it flow naturally.
- When someone asks a question, or provides an observation, build your discussion around that comment first before starting a new idea.
- At the end of the conversation, summarize what you discussed.
- Make sure everyone has an opportunity to speak.
Strategies for Classroom Discussion
Questions to get you started:
General Understanding of Tariffs
- What are some reasons why governments impose tariffs?
- How do tariffs affect the prices of goods for consumers?
- In what ways might tariffs help domestic businesses? In what ways might they hurt them?
Real-World Impact of Tariffs
- Can you think of any products that are or will be more expensive because of tariffs? How does/might this impact your buying choices?
- How do tariffs influence international relationships between countries? Can they lead to trade wars? Have they ever led to actual wars?
- The United States and Canada are currently engaged in a trade war. What do you think are the consequences of these actions for consumers and businesses in both countries? How do you think a trade war will impact the relations between the nations?
Ethical & Political Considerations
- Do you think tariffs are fair? Why or why not?
- Should a government prioritize protecting local businesses over offering consumers lower prices through free trade? Should a government be worried about their impact on a neighbouring nation?
- Do you think this trade war is a threat to Canadian sovereignty? Why or why not? How might a threat to Canadian sovereignty shape our politics and policy decisions?
Debate & Critical Thinking
- Imagine you are the leader of a country. Would you implement tariffs on imported goods? What might be the impact of your decision, domestically and abroad?
- If a country places tariffs on another country’s products, should that country retaliate? How should they retaliate? What might be the impact of retaliation, domestically and abroad?
- How should we weigh other issues – such as biodiversity loss – against economic threats? Should one issue matter more in a time of crisis? Regardless of your answer, what are the possible ramifications of your position?
Personal Connection & Future Implications
- If tariffs were placed on products you buy often (e.g., smartphones, clothing, or food), how would it impact your purchasing decisions? Could tariffs impact the career you plan on pursuing?
- How could or should global trade agreements (like USMCA) impact tariff policies? Is there value in current or future international agreements?
- How will a trade war impact national unity? Will it bring us together or pull us apart? And how will Canada’s positions on other pressing issues – social and environmental – be impacted by the trade war?
Part Two – Activity: Tariff Simulation
Instructions:
- Set Up a Small Market – Divide students into groups:
- Importers (selling foreign goods)
- Domestic Producers (selling locally made goods)
- Consumers (students who “buy” products)
- Government (sets tariffs)
- Use Small Props as Goods – Distribute a small prop as “products.” (Check out your local dollar store!)
- Round 1: Free Trade – Allow consumers to buy from either importers or domestic producers at equal prices.
- Round 2: Introduce a Tariff – Increase the price of imported goods and observe how buying behavior and attitudes change.
- Discussion:
- Who benefited from the tariff?
- Who was negatively impacted?
- How does this relate to real-world trade?
- How did the tariff impact relationships?
6. Real-World Application
- Present the example of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930.
- Revisit the discussion prompts from the introduction. Discuss what impacts the 1930 tariff had on different countries, including the United States and Germany, in the near and long term.
- Ask students to research and share one example of a tariff dispute (excluding the most recent one) and its long-term impact on domestic and foreign economies, as well as international relations.
7. Debate: Is Tariff Retaliation Good or Bad?
- Split the class into two teams: Pro-Retaliation vs. Anti-Retaliation.
- Have them use the knowledge gained in class to argue their case.
- Wrap up with a summary of key takeaways.
Answer the following individually, in written form: What is the biggest threat of a trade war with the United States? Explain your position.
Part Three – How does this relate to your class?
*Select your course and choose ONE option*