Understanding Supply Chains Through Everyday Objects (Years 5–10 Economics & Business)

Introduction

Every object in a classroom: from a banana to a T‑shirt: has travelled through a complex supply chain. Exploring these journeys helps students understand production, distribution, consumption and ethical decision‑making. Fairtrade Australia and other Australian organisations offer free, accessible resources that support this learning. This activity suits Years 5–10 Economics and Business and builds real‑world economic literacy.

How to Use It in the Classroom

Students choose an everyday object and investigate its journey from raw materials to consumer. Teachers can introduce concepts such as labour, transport, sustainability and global interdependence. Students map the supply chain, identify key decision points, and evaluate ethical considerations. This activity works well as a research task, group project or visual presentation. It also supports cross‑curricular links with Geography and Science.

Five practical tips, tricks and ideas for the classroom

• Provide a list of common objects to choose from
• Use Fairtrade case studies to model ethical supply chains
• Have students create a visual map or infographic
• Compare two supply chains (e.g., Fairtrade vs non‑Fairtrade)
• Use real packaging labels to trace origins

Australian Curriculum Connections

• AC9HE5K02 – How resources are produced and distributed
• AC9HE6K02 – The roles of consumers and businesses in markets
• AC9HE8K02 – How businesses create value through production and marketing
• AC9HE9S02 – Analyse data and information to make informed decisions
• AC9HE10K02 – How economic decisions affect individuals and communities