Individuals & Societies
2024 - 2025
Unit Overview
MYP Year 3 (Grade 8)
Unit Title: Poverty, Development & Sustainability
Duration: (10 weeks)
Related Concept Global Context
Key Concept Development, processes Globalization and
Global Interactions sustainability
Natural resources and public
goods
Statement of Inquiry
Development processes can be the result of the interaction
between the local and global communities on issues of
sustainability, wellbeing and stewardship of the planet and
its resources.
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Approaches to learning:
1. In order for students to (B/iii) use methods to collect and record relevant information, students
must collect, record and verify data. IL
2. In order for students to (B/ii) formulate and follow an action plan to investigate a research
question, students must plan short- and long-term assignments; meet deadlines OR
Summative Assessment: Documentary
In this project, students will create a customized Gross National Happiness (GNH) index for an Arab
country, and then apply that index to assess the current state of well-being in the country.
Essentially, the goal is to develop a tailored GNH framework based on the unique cultural, social, and
economic characteristics of the country, and then use it to analyze how well the country is doing in
terms of its citizens' happiness and well-being.
Here’s how students can approach this task, step by step:
Steps to Complete the Project:
1. Choose an Arab Country:
Pick any Arab country that you would like to focus on for this project.
2. Customize the GNH Index:
The Gross National Happiness (GNH) index measures well-being in different areas. Bhutan’s GNH
includes nine dimensions, but you can adjust these dimensions to better fit your chosen country.
Based on your research and understanding of the country, decide which areas of well-being are most
important to measure (e.g., health, education, employment, culture, environment, etc.).
3. Research and Gather Data:
Quantitative Data: Collect statistical data (e.g., from the World Bank, UNDP, national government
reports) on health, education, employment, and other social factors.
Qualitative Data: Conduct interviews, surveys, or gather personal stories to gain deeper insights into
people's well-being. You can also include case studies of successful programs that have improved
happiness in the country.
4. Create a Documentary:
Now that you have gathered data, you will create a documentary to present your findings. Here’s
how to organize it:
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Introduction: Briefly introduce the country and explain why you chose it. Also, introduce the
concept of GNH and why it is relevant to measuring happiness.
Explore the Dimensions: Discuss each dimension of happiness you selected, using your research
and examples to explain how each dimension impacts well-being in the country.
Conclusion: Summarize your findings and discuss how your customized GNH index could improve
well-being in the country.
Make sure to include:
Visuals: Use photos, video clips, and any relevant visuals to support your narrative.
Editing: Use editing software (e.g., iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve) to put
everything together.
Background Music: Add music that complements your documentary.
Additional Requirements:
Along with your documentary, you need to:
1. Write a Research Question: This should reflect your understanding of the project and what you
are trying to explore or discover.
2. Justify the Research Question: Explain why you chose this question and how it relates to your
project.
3. Create an Action Plan: Outline the steps you will take to complete your project.
4. Answer the Reflection Questions: Reflect on your learning experience during the project.
5. Cite Your Sources: Reference all the data, quotes, and information you use in your project,
following the MLA 9th Edition format.
Assessment Criteria:
Criterion B: Investigating
i. Formulate/choose a clear and focused research question, explaining its relevance.
ii. Formulate and follow an action plan to investigate a research question
iii. Use methods to collect and record relevant information
iv. Evaluate the process and results of the investigation, with guidance
Criterion C: Communicating
i. Communicate information and ideas in a way that is appropriate for the audience and
purpose
ii. Structure information and ideas according to the task instructions
iii. Create a reference list and cite sources of information