How Can I Effectively Use Real-world Case Studies, Such As The Soda Tax Implemented In Philadelphia In 2017, To Illustrate The Concept Of Externalities To My 7th-grade Students, While Also Addressing Potential Counterarguments And Ensuring That The Discussion Remains Accessible And Engaging For Students With Varying Levels Of Prior Knowledge About Economics?

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To effectively teach 7th graders about externalities using the Philadelphia soda tax as a case study, follow this structured approach:

Lesson Plan: Understanding Externalities through the Philadelphia Soda Tax

Objective: Students will understand the concept of externalities and how policies like the soda tax aim to address them, while engaging in discussions about real-world implications.

1. Introduction to Externalities

Definition in Simple Terms:

  • Externalities: When a person or company's actions affect others without paying or receiving compensation. These can be positive (like a neighbor's beautiful garden) or negative (like pollution from a factory).

Warm-Up Activity:

  • Think-Pair-Share: Ask students for examples of actions that affect others. Discuss as a class, categorizing into positive and negative externalities.

2. Case Study: Philadelphia Soda Tax

Background:

  • Implementation: Explain that in 2017, Philadelphia introduced a tax on sugary drinks to address health issues like obesity and diabetes.
  • Purpose: The tax aimed to reduce consumption of sugary drinks, thereby reducing related health problems and their societal costs (e.g., healthcare expenses).

Visual Aid:

  • Use a simple graph to show how the tax might decrease soda consumption and related health issues.

3. Addressing Externalities

Internalizing Externalities:

  • Explain that the tax makes consumers and producers pay for the external costs (health issues) they weren't previously covering. This encourages reduced production and consumption.

Revenue Use:

  • Discuss how tax revenue funded community programs, such as playgrounds and health initiatives, offsetting negative impacts.

4. Counterarguments and Discussions

Potential Issues:

  • Impact on Businesses: Discuss how the tax might affect small businesses selling soda.
  • Economic Burden: Talk about the tax being regressive, affecting lower-income families more.

Activity:

  • Role-Play Debate: Students take roles (policymakers, business owners, consumers) to debate the soda tax, exploring different perspectives.

5. Interactive Activities

Group Discussion:

  • Divide students into groups to list pros and cons of the soda tax, considering externalities and counterarguments.

Reflection:

  • Have students reflect on whether they support the tax and why, considering both health benefits and economic impacts.

6. Assessment and Conclusion

Check for Understanding:

  • Use a quick exit ticket where students explain one thing they learned about externalities and the soda tax.

Wrap-Up:

  • Summarize key points and how externalities relate to real-world policies. Emphasize the importance of considering multiple perspectives in policymaking.

This lesson plan engages students through interactive activities, visual aids, and real-world examples, ensuring accessibility and fostering critical thinking.