Rancho Mastatal

5.7 ECONOMICS: The peoples of the Western Hemisphere have developed various ways to meet their needs and wants. Many of the countries of the Western Hemisphere trade with each other, as well as with other countries around the world.

In the beginning of the year, we studied "What Is The Real Cost of Bananas". The unit introduced students to the effects of corporate banana industries and small banana farms and the effects of each on the rain forest and local economies and communities. We were fortunate enough to be able to have a guest speaker come to our classroom who owns 300 acres of rain forest in Costa Rica. It was an amazing experience for all of us.