Making decisions can be very difficult. Show your class one way to evaluate choices with this lesson, which is inspired by the book Glo Goes Shopping. Learners practicing using a decision-making grid with the content of the story and a...

Students discover how to determine the flavor of a jellybean using different key documents.  In this economics instructional activity, students discuss Virginia economics and begin an activity in which they will help decide on the...

Second graders explore financial decision making. In this introductory economics lesson, 2nd graders listen to the book Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst, and discuss making financial choices based on wants and...

How do people improve their economic situations? While many learners may not consider questions about how many crops to grow in ancient times were economic decisions, a hands-on activity encourages individuals to make these connections....

Sixth graders use a decision-making grid and list the alternatives and criteria for deciding to drink the Water of Immortality. They examine advertisements and list the product for sale, where it is sold, and why consumers should buy it,...

Both Athens and Sparta made choices to survive in ancient Greece. Those choices were, in essence, economic ones about how to direct resources. A Venn diagram activity and reading ask class members to examine the connection between...

When choosing what foods to eat, there are a lot of factors to consider. To help make the decision a little easier, young learners work in small groups developing short plays, stories, or advertisements that address the different issues...

Second graders investigate the numerous jobs it takes to create paper in the U.S.  In this economics lesson, 2nd graders discuss where paper comes from, what types of trees are needed, and how the paper milling process creates jobs...

Students explore the consequences of their actions. In this personal choices lesson, students practice balancing different interests involved in compromise. This lesson includes downloadable materials and 2 extension activities.

Second graders use play quarters to "purchase" items. They discuss how these are choices the character in the story they will read has to make. Students read the book "Monkey for Sale." They discuss the choices Luzolo makes and how she...

If you lived in prehistoric times, what kinds of choices could your family make to increase their chance of survival? By making similar decisions in a simulation game, participants discover how specialization creates both opportunity and...

Students, in groups, create a display showing a "train trip" to a destination of their choice from a teacher-made list. They also answer a series of questions related to their trip. Groups present their displays.

Third graders participate in a case study and use their problem solving skills to address the solution to a given situation. They consider how to survive in a foreign country, make economic decisions, and determine wise decisions for...

Students explore the connections between natural disasters and poverty. In this economic instructional activity students examine worksheets and activities for each level.

After reading the charming cartoon about the United States Federal Reserve, pupils often need to complete activities to retain their learning. The resource does a wonderful job of using class discussion and various written exercises to...

Students identify opportunity costs. In this resources lesson students are read the story Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman. Students list the things Grandpa makes Joseph. Students state why people make choices.

Young scholars explore wants and needs. In this introductory economics lesson, students use a "pinch card" to display whether a familiar item is a "want" or a "need". Young scholars listen to the book Alexander used to be Rich on...

Students set up and collect data for a virtual lemonade stand. In this entrepreneurship, economics, and technology lesson, students purchase ingredients, determine costs, and set up a virtual lemonade stand. Students consider weather...

Students see what it means to be a smart consumer by engaging in a level-headed analysis of budget, opportunity costs and self-regulation. They compare prices within a service field, and weigh the choices of spending money on that item.

Pupils examine the dual roles of producers and consumers in people by creating fictional stories that include examples of both. Their stories include descriptions of the tools and skills needed for the jobs of their characters and...

Have your upper graders watch the documentary, "The Persuaders" as they explore how advertisers try to gain potential customers. The video is followed by a discussion and close examination of new marketing trends and strategies.

Even as adults it can be hard to distinguish needs from wants. Using pictures of common, everyday items, children make a pocket chart separating the objects they need from those that they want. Discuss their choices, explaining that...

Second graders identify the economic principles and processes that are helpful to producers and consumers when making good decisions. Students will read, comprehend, interpret, analyze, and evaluate literary text as well as explain how...

Students recognize the difference between needs and wants. In this tropical travel lesson, students observe a coin from the Northern Mariana Islands and plan a trip.  Students read text about the island and complete a...