Year 7 Social Sciences Lesson Plan: Understanding the United Nations General Assembly

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Class Size: 90 students

Curriculum Area:

This lesson is designed to align with the New Zealand Social Sciences Curriculum for Year 7 students. The focus will be on introducing students to the United Nations General Assembly, its functions, and key concepts related to global governance.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the purpose and role of the United Nations General Assembly.
2. Understand the composition and functions of the General Assembly.
3. Explain the process of electing the President of the General Assembly.
4. Discuss the concept of veto power within the United Nations.

Materials Needed:

- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector or screen for multimedia presentation
- Handouts with key information about the General Assembly
- Slips of paper for a mock election activity

Lesson Plan:

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greetings and Introduction: Welcome students to the lesson and provide a brief overview of the United Nations as an organization.
2. Brainstorming Activity: Engage students in a brainstorming session about what they know or think about the United Nations. Encourage discussions on global issues and cooperation.

Understanding the General Assembly (20 minutes)

1. Presentation: Use a multimedia presentation to explain the structure and purpose of the United Nations General Assembly.
2. Role-Playing Activity: Divide students into groups to simulate a mock General Assembly session discussing a global issue of their choice.

Electing the President (15 minutes)

1. Explanation: Discuss the process of electing the President of the General Assembly and the rotation system among member states.
2. Mock Election: Conduct a mock election in the classroom to demonstrate the selection process and the role of the President.

Veto Power (10 minutes)

1. Explanation: Define and explain the concept of veto power within the United Nations Security Council.
2. Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion on the implications of veto power and its impact on decision-making within the UN.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Recap: Summarize the key points about the General Assembly, President election process, and veto power.
2. Reflection: Allow students to share their reflections on the lesson and any new insights gained.

Assessment:

- Observe students' participation in group activities and discussions.
- Evaluate students' understanding through responses during class interactions.
- Collect written reflections on the lesson content.

Additional Resources:

- United Nations General Assembly Overview
- UN Curriculum Resource for Educators

Closure:

By the end of this lesson, Year 7 students will have a foundational understanding of the United Nations General Assembly, its significance in global governance, and key processes such as electing the President and the concept of veto power.