Can young economists right the fiscal ship of the United States before it sinks? Learners use an interactive simulation to navigate the waters of the federal deficit in an effort to curb the federal deficit. They make active decisions of their own, each leading to a consequence that details how the financial ship is doing. As the game ensues, the ship either rises or falls with each passing choice. 

Concepts

the united states economy, the national debt, fiscal policy

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the national debt clock to open the lesson and show the current impact of the federal deficit 
• Extend the lesson with short reading on the national debt and possible solutions

Classroom Considerations

• Ensure the class has Internet access if assigning the game as homework 

Pros

• Interactive resource provides differentiated instruction for audio and visual learners 
• Gives detailed descriptions and definitions while allowing students to go at their own pace and make decisions

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.3 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.3