Curated OER
The Panic of 1837 and the Presidency of Martin Van Buren
Students analyze period political cartoons and the causes of the economic downturn that began in1836. President Martin Van Buren's response as president and the reaction to his measures form the focus of this instructional activity.
Curated OER
Budget Busters
Use this economic activity to focus on writing summaries of informational text. First, middle schoolers define common economic terms used to describe news about the economy. They closely read news about the federal budget deficit and...
Practical Money Skills
Making Money
The first step in managing your money is making money! Learn about ways to find and interview for a job with a thorough lesson plan on personal finances. Kids learn about the ways to earn a paycheck and then manage the funds they receive.
Federal Reserve Bank
Once Upon a Dime
The story of "Once Upon a Dime" starts like any other fairy tale, but it quickly becomes a story about the value of money and the economic system commonly used before it. Presented as a cartoon, the resource consists of dialogue between...
Curated OER
Should the United States Have a Central Bank?
Pupils assess the validity of a national bank. They study the importance of McCullough v. Maryland. They review the arguments of Hamilton and Jefferson. They analyze the Tenth Amendment and the debate over state v. federal power. They ...
Curated OER
Andrew Jackson vs. The National Bank
Students explore Andrew Jackson's vision for the National Bank. In this Jackson presidency instructional activity, students determine why Jackson vetoed the National Bank's Charter and indentify the causes of the Panic of 1837.
Curated OER
Internet Banking and Shopping
In this economics worksheet, students complete an internet banking and shopping activity. For example, students check their final balance of a given balance sheet and set up a monthly Council Tax payment.
Curated OER
What Is the Federal Reserve?
Students examine simple bank transactions. In this banking lesson, students analyze banking transactions such as deposits, loans, and how they hold reserves. They participate in simulations of the process of clearing a check and the...
Curated OER
Loose and Tight Monetary Policy
Young scholars discuss goals of tight or loose monetary policy, act as advisers to heads of various nations' central banks to determine whether countries should pursue tight or loose monetary policy, and present realistic solutions...
Curated OER
Little House In the Big Woods
Students explore economics by reading classic literature with their classmates. For this farm production lesson, students read the famous story Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Students complete handouts based upon...
Curated OER
The 'Capital' of the World
Students are introduced to the purpose of the World Bank and its president Paul Wolfowitz. After reading an article, they work together to complete a writing exercise in which they use primary source documents to state their viewpoint. ...
Curated OER
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Sixth graders examine the causes of the stock market crash of 1929. In this integrated math/history unit on the stock market, 6th graders study, research, and read stocks, visit a local bank, and create a PowerPoint to show the...
Curated OER
The Catastrophe Clan
Students participate in a financial project and identify the three c's of credit. In this credit card instructional activity, students define and understand how to use credit wisely. Students become familiar with banking...
Curated OER
A Basket of Bangles: How a Business Begins
Students consider concepts of banking introduced in the story, "Basket of Bangles." In this banking lesson, students identify key terms through recall questions interspersed in the story. Using five handouts and a game, students compare...
Curated OER
Electing Economies
Students examine the economic and political challenges the past six presidents have faced during their terms of office, and how those challenges may or may not have impacted their chances for re-election. They create campaign slogans...
Curated OER
What Can I Afford?
Students explore the costs of various cell phone plans, and various types of banking accounts to determine which one would yield the highest returns if the money saved from the cell phones were placed in different accounts.
Curated OER
Money Matters to Me
Fourth graders explore economics by identifying financial goals. In this consumerism activity, 4th graders discuss money matters and how to conserve an income when they get older in order to achieve their goals. Students collaborate in...
Federal Reserve Bank
Time Inconsistency: Today’s Actions = Tomorrow’s Regrets
Why do we choose instant gratification over maximizing lifetime satisfaction? How is this reflected in government and macroeconomics? Learn how one research analyst proposes individuals and governments can accomplish greater lifetime...
Council for Economic Education
Using an Excel Checkbook
High school is the time that many scholars get their first jobs. Help young entrepreneurs apply economic principles to crucial skills for their new jobs and for functioning in society in general. They use Excel to balance a checkbook by...
Federal Reserve Bank
Investing in Yourself: An Economic Approach to Education Decisions
What is the difference between physical capital and human capital, and in which should you invest? While considering the concept of return on investment, take a look at the payoffs and consequences of investing in training and...
Federal Reserve Bank
The Output Gap: A‘Potentially’ Unreliable Measure of Economic Health?
How can we accurately estimate what the economy should produce now and in the future? Have your pupils tackle this question as they learn about real versus potential GDP and as they review data regarding the output gap in...
Federal Reserve Bank
Worth!
Before loaning a friend money, what factors would you consider and why would you lend it? Your young economists will face questions like these in a lesson on banking, profit, risk, and reward, which includes the reading of the book...
Curated OER
The Economics of Information
Create an expert guide to local businesses in this lesson. Through research, young readers consider their local businesses and the services they provide, paying attention to any conflicting information they might find. Working in groups,...
Practical Money Skills
Understanding Credit
Help your young consumers learn about credit and the importance of credit history. With a thorough lesson about the ins and outs of credit, as well as the potential pitfalls of having a line of credit, kids will be well-equipped to...