Federal Reserve Bank
Lesson 1: Katrina Strikes
Most families have an emergency kit in their home with flashlights, water, and extra food. But what happens to your money when disaster strikes? An economics lesson focused on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 demonstrates the...
Practical Money Skills
Cars and Loans
Most teenagers want to buy a car, but do they know how much it really costs? Calculate the cost of purchasing a car, securing auto insurance, and maintaining the new investment with a thorough and engaging personal finance lesson.
Curated OER
Prioritizing National Economic Goals
Eighth graders define the generally accepted list of national economic goals. They discuss the compatability/incompatibility of goals. They participate in a consensus-building exercise to rank economic goals in order of importance.
Curated OER
The Economy
Learners explore the role of government in the economy market. In this economics lesson plan, students analyze the decision making and how it takes into consideration additional cost, benefits and public awareness of what they are trying...
Council for Economic Education
Satisfaction Please! (Part 1)
The topic of consumerism seems easy to those who participate actively in the US economy, but pupils who are new to economics may see the idea as foreign. Help them understand their rights as consumers and what to expect when interacting...
Council for Economic Education
A Perfect Pet
Students read the story "The Perfect Pet". They examine how scarcity is a problem in society when people can not have everything they want which forces them to make (economic) choices.
Curated OER
I Want It All!
Third graders understand the economics of choices in buying. In this goods and services lesson, 3rd graders participate in activities to make choices about purchases. Students write stories, answer questions, and complete worksheets to...
Curated OER
Tropical Travel choices
Students recognize the difference between needs and wants. In this tropical travel lesson plan, students observe a coin from the Northern Mariana Islands and plan a trip. Students read text about the island and complete a "weigh your...
Federal Reserve Bank
Monster Musical Chairs and Scarcity
Why can't we have everything we want? Youngsters are introduced to the concept of scarcity through a game of musical chairs and by discussing what it takes to satisfy our wants.
Council for Economic Education
You Can BANK on This! (Part 2)
This is part two in a four-part instructional activity on banking and personal finance. In this instructional activity, learners analyze whether or not they have made a good purchase, then discuss how to make an informed decision about a...
Curated OER
ANDERSONVILLE PRISON: AN ECONOMIC MICROCOSM
Young scholars identify the conditions faced by the prisoners of war at Andersonville during the Civil War. They examine how a group of civil war prisoners developed an economic system within their camp.
Curated OER
Scarcity, Choice and Decisions
Students study the basic economic trilogy (scarcity, choice, and costs). In this money management activity, students use a scenario of a High School Prom to calculate how scarcity, choice and cost apply by completing provided worksheets...
Curated OER
Having a Savings Plan
Learners discover the importance of saving and spending. In this finance lesson, students read the book Kermit the Hermit and discuss the differences between needs and wants. The learners complete worksheets concerning money in their...
Curated OER
Trade Offs and Opportunity Cost
Students explore the role of government in the economy market. In this economics lesson, students analyze the decision making and how it takes into consideration additional cost, benefits and public awareness of what they are trying to...
Curated OER
Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression
Students barter for goods within the class. In this economics lesson based on the Great Depression, the teacher introduces the lesson with a picture book, then students are allowed to barter with teacher supplied goods as they examine...
Curated OER
Fourth Grade Social Studies
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders complete multiple choice questions about the Constitution, natural resources, economics, and more. Students complete 25 multiple choice questions.
Curated OER
The Giving Tree
Students explore wants and needs. In this ecology and economics lesson, students listen to the story The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and compile a class list of what the boy got from the tree. Students categorize these items as...
Curated OER
Do You Really Need It?
Fourth graders read and share chapters of The Boxcar Children. For this wants and needs lesson, 4th graders understand through their reading the differences between wants and needs. Students complete a worksheet about wants and needs...
Curated OER
"Going Camping"
Students review the difference between "wants" and "needs." Students apply acquired knowledge by preparing for a pretend camping trip. Students plan out their trip together and then revise their list twice.
Curated OER
Why Nations Trade
Students discuss international trade focusing on opportunity cost and the principle of comparative advantage. They engage in a simulation activity based on different countries and their economic benefits.
Curated OER
It's On Sale
First graders read the book The Great Pet Sale to learn about economics and advertisements. In this economics lesson plan, 1st graders read the book The Great Pet Sale and define related vocabulary words. Students compare prices to find...
Curated OER
Budgeting
Students establish budgeting techniques. In this Economics lesson, students work in small groups to prepare a budget for a simulation activity, purchasing new playground equipment.
Curated OER
All I Really Need!
Students differentiate between wants and needs. In this basic needs lesson, students prepare to pack for a trip to grandma's house and determine what they need for the trip and what they want for the trip.
Curated OER
"Grocery Store"
Students purchase grocery items from the classroom grocery store using appropriate play coins and bills. Students define various economic terms. Students comprehend the concept of a medium for exchange.