Exploring Our World: People, Places, and Cultures

Chapter 24: South Asia Today

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter, students learned about how nations are connected through trade and economic activities. Through this interdependence, nations that struggle or suffer environmental disasters might rely on stronger nations that surround them. Students will work on a geographic Web site that contains information about Bangladesh, a young and struggling nation. Through this Web site, students will learn the challenges and opportunities Bangladesh faces because of its environment.

Lesson Description
Students will visit a National Geographic Web site. On this Web site, they will read articles relating to the history and landscape of Bangladesh. They will then look at pictures and analyze the relationship of people and the environment. This lesson will help students understand that Bangladesh suffers from an unstable environment which impacts its economy and relationship with other nations.

Instructional Objectives

1. The learner will be able to discuss aspects of the nation of Bangladesh, such as agricultural development and population.
2. The learner will be able to discuss the economy of Bangladesh.
3. The learner will be able to understand the impact that the environment has on the economy of Bangladesh.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Besides irrigation, the flooding of the river increases the fertility of the farmland and silt deposits create more farmland.
2. 2,600 per square mile
3. cotton textiles, jute (a plant used for making burlap and twine – explain to students), garments, and tea processing
4. Named the capital in 1971, Dhaka served as the capital of the province of Bengal. It was badly damaged during the war for independence.