It has been said that when China sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold. Globalization describes the changes in societies and economies that result from dramatically increased international trade and cultural exchange. As Minnesota becomes ever more closely intertwined with the rest of the world, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of globalization becomes all the more important.

For December, Sound Learning highlights MPR and American RadioWorks programs that explain both positive and negative effects of Minnesota's role in globalization. With this feature, students can learn why people leave a home thousands of miles away to live in Minnesota or discuss what it might mean when their blue jeans say "made in Nicaragua."

Use the audio clips and text of these resources along with the lesson templates below to help you create lessons on globalization. Each lesson template correlates with the Minnesota graduation standards.