Economic History Teacher Resources

Learn the value of a dollar in this video, which explains the natural transition from the gold standard. Asking viewers if they would trust gold or the U.S. Government, Sal explains how the concept of wealth has shifted and adapted...

Thomas Malthus posed the most famous, and most easily disproven, theory about projected population growth in economic history. What did he get wrong—and why? Explore the Malthusian Theory of Population with a Crash Course video that...

Middle schoolers gain understanding of economic history of United States in twentieth century by examining role of Department of Commerce. Student groups each analyze one quarter of twentieth century by researching role of Department of...

Practice reading comprehension with this informational economics instructional activity. Learners read a 2-page explanation of the beginnings of modern economics and how it plays a role in society. This reading discusses natural, human...

Did you know that the first known toothbrush was made in China in the year 1600? Now we make 900 toothbrushes every minute. See how industrialization has made your toothbrush hygienic and fast enough to provide brushes to people all over...

Ever look out your window and wonder where the glass came from? Learn all about the components, machines, and process that we use now to create plate glass. An intriguing look at an industrialized process that was once a specialized craft.

What do tulips, real estate, and stock in a pet store have in common? Find out what happens when products or services sell for much more than they are worth.

Young scholars examine the life of Henry J. Heinz and how he began his career in food service. For this economic history instructional activity,students study how Henry J. Heinz started his business. Young scholars will...

Students examine the definition of inflation and its impact through history. They read and discuss online text, discuss examples of inflation, calculate the prices of various items for different years using an inflation rate of 3%, and...

Students discover the history of California by researching the Gold Rush.  In this economics history lesson, students participate in a class discussion about the book Boom Town, and the value of gold in California.  Students...

For this economics text dictation, 9th graders take dictation on a passage about economic theory, applied economics, and economic history.

Fifth graders explore how Africans built South Carolina into an economic giant. They write an expository paper explaining how Africans and their descendants built the rice empire along the Carolina coastline. They write a persuasive...

Young scholars explain that while cities have unattractive features, the density of human life enables energy efficiency, mass transit, recycling, and other benefits which are difficult or impossible in rural areas. This is the fifth in...

Help develop assertive, critical-thinking skills that enhance growth and change while teaching economics. In groups, select a topic from a list and then discuss the pros and cons of each topic. Debate why advertising is necessary to our...

Is it possible to be overqualified for the current job market? Scholars analyze underemployment and what it takes to potentially out-price yourself for a job. A short video lesson outlines economic growth and researches job trends....

How can a mobile card reader impact the economic growth of a restaurant? Scholars investigate the concept of growing a business by using human resources in addition to tools and equipment. The 15th podcast of a 21-part series on...

Young scholars practice critical thinking skills by defending their beliefs orally in a "hot seat". In addition, they communicate their feelings about an inssue in writing.

Should consumers buy items they don't really need? Scholars analyze how fiscal policy determines spending at a national level. The final podcast of a 21-part economic series discusses the role the federal government plays in using...

Have you ever ridden a ride that goes up and down so many times it almost makes you sick? Scholars research the concept of a business cycle in the 18th podcast of a 21-part Economic Lowdown series. They investigate the factors leading to...

After reading a series of fictitious letters that represent actual events during the time period, young historians craft a small town newsletter to explain the causes of the Great Depression.

The concept of opportunity cost challenges historians to analyze how some choices come at a loss in the opening lesson of a 21-part economic series. Podcasts offer insight into the subject of what a decision costs the consumer....

We know that businesses can make a profit and improve their worth, but can a nation do the same? Scholars investigate the Gross Domestic Product in the seventh video lesson of a 10-part economic series. They analyze how a nation creates...

Are those clouds or smog hovering above large cities? The fifth episode of a 10-part economic series looks into how the use of goods and services has both positive and negative externalities. Scholars use a short video to analyze how...