Global

Interdependence
In th is act ivi ty the participants will realize
that they depend on people all over the world for
goods and services.

t i m e r e q u i r e d : 2 0 m i n u t e s | i NT E ND E D F O R G R A D E S 9 - 1 2
M at e r i a l s

» Newsprint and markers

Needed

» Candy bars, one for each participant

» World atlas, one for each group of three or four
» Newspapers, one for each group of three or four

Activity Steps

1
H av e t h e pa rt i c i pa n t s f o r m g r o u p s of three or four people. Distribute a
candy bar to each participant. Distribute a sheet of newsprint and a marker to each
group. Instruct the groups to divide the newsprint into seven columns and to write the
name of one of the following continents at the top of each column: Africa, Antarctica,
Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

2 A s k t h e g r o u p s t o m a k e a l i s t of the natural ingredients found in the candy

bars. Provide each group with an atlas and ask members to determine where the
ingredients on the list were produced. They should then place each ingredient in the
proper column on the newsprint to represent where it was grown. Offer the observation
that a simple candy bar depends on products that come from many parts of the world.

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3
Ask the groups to consider what would happen to their candy bars if bad weather or
political unrest prevented the export of certain key products such as cocoa beans. Ask
them to consider the following question: If the size, ingredients, and cost of a simple
candy bar could be affected so dramatically, what would be the impact on something as
complex as a car?

4 Give each group a newspaper and invite the participants to collect five newspaper ads for
products that are made overseas.Then ask them to repeat the process outlined in step 2.

5 Engage the participants in a large-group discussion on the following question:

» What would be the impact if we could no longer trade with foreign nations?

6
Conclude by inviting the participants to join you in prayer. Pray that all people come
to recognize the importance of living and working together, side-by-side in cooperation
and peace. Pray that fairer trade practices will be enacted throughout the world. Pray
that one day the world will share its goods and resources in a way that all people can live
in dignity.

Copyright © 2010 by World Vision, Inc., Mail Stop 321, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716,
wvresources@worldvision.org. All rights reserved.

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 About World Vision
W o r l d Vi sio n is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated
to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide
to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and
injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves
alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s
unconditional love for all people.

We envision a world where each child experiences “fullness of life”

as described in John 10:10. We know this can be achieved only by
addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way.
World Vision is unique in bringing 60 years of experience in three key
areas to help children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term
development, and advocacy. We bring our skills across many areas of
expertise to each community where we work, enabling us to support
children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

About World Vision Resources

E n din g g l o b a l poverty and injustice begins with education:
understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on
human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world.

World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision.

World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty,
inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources
to make a difference in the world.

For more information about our

resources, contact:
World Vision Resources
Mail Stop 321
P.O. Box 9716
Federal Way, WA 98063-9716
Fax: 253-815-3340
wvresources@worldvision.org

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