Introduction

Hello, class! In this project, we will address a topic present in your daily lives, but that is not always well understood: capitalism. Throughout this week, you will explore how this economic system works, how it developed throughout history, and what its impacts are in today's world.

Capitalism is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, characterized by freedom of trade and competition. It has several facets and has gone through several historical moments, from mercantile capitalism, through industrial, to financial capitalism, which is the predominant one today.

To understand capitalism, it is essential to know some of its key concepts such as market, supply, demand, capital, profit, among others. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the functioning of the system and influences the way we live our daily lives.

Contextualization

Have you ever stopped to think that the simple act of buying a snack at the school cafeteria is a capitalist act? At that moment, you are using money (capital) to acquire a good (the snack) that was produced by a private company that seeks profit. This is just a simple example of how capitalism is present in our daily lives.

Capitalism is the predominant economic system in the world today and has significant impacts on various aspects of our lives, from the way we dress to labor relations. It also influences how countries relate to each other, government policies, and even environmental issues.

To delve deeper into this topic, we suggest the following references:

1. BBC Brasil - What is capitalism: Origin, types and characteristics
2. YouTube Channel - Nerd History: "Capitalism"
3. Book: "Capitalism for Beginners", Fabio S. Fernandes

Practical Activity: "Capitalism in Practice"

Activity Title: Capitalism in Practice

Project Objective: To compare the different capitalist systems and understand how they influence the daily lives of students.

Detailed Project Description:

In this project, groups must investigate, analyze, and present one of the three capitalist systems: mercantile, industrial, or financial. Each system must be analyzed considering its origins, main characteristics, socioeconomic impacts, and how they manifest themselves in students' daily lives. In addition, students must bring practical examples relevant to the topic.

Materials required:

1. History and geography books
2. Internet access
3. Cardboard and colored markers

Detailed step-by-step instructions for completing the activity:

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students.

2. Each group should choose or be assigned to one of the three capitalist systems: mercantile, industrial, or financial.

3. Conduct research on the chosen capitalist system. Research should include the system's origin, its main characteristics, socioeconomic impacts, and how it manifests itself in everyday life.

4. Discuss within the group and record the main information found. Remember to list the research sources.

5. Plan how you will present this information. You can use slides, posters, among other means.

6. Organize the information clearly and didactically. Include images, graphs, or diagrams that help explain the chosen capitalist system.

7. Present the work to the class. Each member of the group must participate in the presentation.

8. Write a report based on the research and presentation. This written document should include the topics described in the project deliverables.

Project Deliverables:

• Oral presentation of the work to the class.
• Written report with the following topics:
  • Introduction: Describe the chosen capitalist system, its relevance, and application in the real world.
  • Development: Explain the Theory behind the chosen capitalist system, describe the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained.
  • Conclusions: Review the main points, the lessons learned, and the conclusions about the project.
  • Bibliography: List the research sources used.

The project must be completed within one week. Each student should invest between two and four hours of work on the project.

Students should use the technical and socio-emotional skills acquired, such as time management, communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, and proactivity.

END