LESSON: TOOLS

Lesson Summary: 

This very simple reader introduces young students to the tools used in 18 different countries.  From the French cook using a spatula to the Salvadoran fishermen mending nets, students will be fascinated with all the different types of tools that people use to produce goods and services.

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Concept: Capital Resources

Definition:  Capital Resources are goods produced and used to make other goods or services.  Common examples are tools, machinery, equipment, and buildings.

Comprehension Questions

What are tools?
Tools are man-made things/items that we use to help produce goods and services.

Tools are an example of what kind of productive resource?
Capital resource

What are some examples of tools in the story?
There are many examples! Razor, saws, knives, hoe, spatula, hammer, paintbrush, etc.

Do people from all over the world use tools?
Yes – no matter which country!

Are tools useful in both rich and poor countries?
Yes – even though tools and capital goods may be more expensive in certain countries (e.g. tractor vs. hoe), people in all countries benefit greatly from using tools.

How do tools and other capital resources help people?
They help people produce more goods and services.  That is, they make people more productive.  Imagine trying to grow crops or fix a car without tools – they are essential.

In the story, what are some of the goods and services that are produced using the tools?
Goods – wood products, houses, farm products, jewelry, knitted items, leather goods, shows, painted pictures, doghouse,

Services – saw sharpening, haircut, shaving, jack-o’-lantern carving, cooking, repair of nets, street cleaning, teaching

Do kids use tools and capital resources?
Sure – the pictures in the book show lots of kids using tools – to eat, paint, write, count, etc.

Are tools free?
No!  Tools, like all capital resources, are a scarce economic good and therefore are not free.  Tools must be produced from scarce productive resources.  People usually buy the capital resources that they use.

What are your favorite tools?  Why? 
Answers will vary.

Draw a picture of your favorite tools.
Answers will vary.

Other Concepts: Goods and Services

                           Capital Resources    

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