Our Region   -    4th Grade   Our Region introduces the relationship between the natural, human, and capital resources found in different regions and explores regional businesses that produce goods and services for consumers. Five required, volunteer-led activities. The key learning objectives listed beside each activity state the skills and knowledge students will gain.   A Correlation Between  Pennsylvania Academic Standards and Junior Achievement's "Our Region" Program     Description   Key Learning Objectives   Activity One: What are Regions and Resources? Students distinguish economic regions in the United States.  They examine natural, human, and capital resources available in different regions.  They learn that businesses need resources to produce and sell a product.        Objectives: The students will: -define region, resource, business, and entrepreneur -identify resources as natural, human, and capital -locate a business of their choosing in a region Concepts: business, capital resources, entrepreneur, goods, human resources, natural resources, products, region, services Skills: following directions, making choices, map interpretation, reading, understanding symbols   Activity Two: Exploring Resources Students examine regions of resources in the United States.  They identify resources businesses use to make their products.  They learn about the importance of location to a business.          Objectives: The students will: -analyze resources in different regions -list resources required to produce a good or service -determine a location for their business based on resources Concepts: business, capital resources, human resources, natural resources, products, region Skills: conducting research, comparing data, following directions, making choices, teamwork Activity Three: Resources on the Move Students recognize that businesses find resources throughout different regions. They discover ways businesses must work together to create a product.   Objectives: The students will: -identify resources involved in producing a product -define economy and specialization -recognize economic interdependence in a region and among regions Concepts: business, capital resources, economy, goods, human resources, interdependence, natural resources, product, region, services, specialization Skills: conducting research, following directions, map reading, organizing resources   Activity Four: Where's the Money? Students identify how resources relate to business income and expenses. They complete calculations to demonstrate how a business determines its profit or loss.  Students learn a five-step, decision-making process and solve simple business problems.   Objectives: The students will: -understand the importance of cash flow to businesses -record business income and expenses -calculate profit and loss -recognize the role of loans in business Concepts: business, decisions, expenses, government, income, loss, opportunity cost, profit, taxes Skills: building consensus, following directions, listening critically, mathematical computation, predicting results, selecting and applying information, teamwork   Activity Five: The Bottom Line Students play a game that illustrates the flow of money in and out of a business.  They calculate profits and losses and learn the importance of loans.  Students search a region for the resources they need to make a product.

Comments from Teachers about the program:                    

• I feel that our volunteer made the lessons interesting and exciting for the students.  He used a variety of strategies to get the students’ attention, participation, and interest.  Great job and the program reinforces information taught in Social Studies.
• Our volunteer was fabulous!  The lessons she presented and the way in which she interacted with the students was very commendable.  I am appreciative of the job she did with my class.
• Our volunteer did a really nice job or relating to the kids and bringing the material to their level.
• Our volunteer id an outstanding job with my students.  He was prepared and knowledgeable of material presented.  He was very flexible with our schedule.  We had issues with the weather and had to reschedule more than once.
• Our volunteer was very good with the class and presented each lesson very clearly.
• Our volunteer did very well.  She was experienced and knew her stuff.
• Our volunteer is a great asset to JA.  She is dynamic and keeps the lessons interesting.  The kids love her!
• Our volunteer was very well prepared, punctual, and “kid-friendly.”  (Of course, he was also very friendly and kind to the adults in the room.)  My class thoroughly enjoyed the Junior Achievement activities.  His lessons led into relevant conversation between the fourth graders and me.
• Excellent job!  Kids enjoyed every lesson tremendously!
• Our volunteer has been doing this for three years now, and knows the material well.  All lessons were presented in a students-centered manner, and the students were engaged every time.
• Our volunteer did one of the best jobs I have ever had done in my classroom.  She was always thoroughly prepared and added extra tasks and ideas to make certain the students acquired understanding.
• Our volunteer was very well informed and great with the students.  The students enjoyed learning how to start their own business and playing the wrap-up game.

 Comments from Volunteers about the program:                 

• My first experience with JA exceeded my expectations.  It was an incredible group of students and the teacher was supportive and enthusiastic about introducing the program.
• It was a great class and I enjoyed the subject matter I was presenting.  JA is a wonderful program.
• I always enjoy teaching these classes.
• Yesterday my son came home with a very large package.  In it were individual thank you cards. . .  I was so excited and rewarded with their comments.  They look at Junior Achievement as a very fun class and wish I could come back again.  I explained that I will go on to 5^th grade and they can’t wait.  I even got messages that they want to work at our business when they grow up!
• I enjoyed the experience and would love to volunteer again.
• JA provided detailed information and teaching resources.  The game in the 5^th lesson was somewhat difficult to present in the time period allotted. 
• This was one of the most wonderful and rewarding things I have ever done.  I would love to do it again!
• Junior Achievement was great!  All questions I had were answered and always answered in a timely manner.
• Junior Achievement does a stellar job at providing the support and materials that are needed to make my visit a success.  I am proud to volunteer for Junior Achievement.
• Everything we needed was provided in our JA case.  We enjoyed watching the kids progress through the program, and their enthusiasm was great.
• I thoroughly enjoyed working with the students in this class.   They responded very well to the lesson and were deeply interested in the material.  They asked questions and were very attentive to what I had to offer.
• I was somewhat apprehensive at first, but the materials from JA provided all I needed (sort of an idiot’s guide) and the kids were terrific.  A very good experience and beneficial certainly to me, but I believe for students and teacher as well.