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 worksheet. 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 and capital...

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.

Students examine the life of Henry J. Heinz and how he began his career in food service. For this economic history lesson plan,students study how Henry J. Heinz started his business. Students will create and answer key questions that...

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...

Young scholars 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.  Young scholars...

In 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...

Students 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 an...

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....

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

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.

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...

Does it ever seem like the more money you get, the more you spend? A short video lesson introduces the concept of goods and services changing hands in a circular flow pattern. Scholars analyze how businesses make money from selling goods...

Want a job, need a job, but cannot find a job? What impact does the quest have on not only job seekers, but also on the overall economy? Scholars research unemployment's ripple effect on the market, purchasing power, and overall health...

Imagine a hamburger costing only 15 cents! Scholars analyze the impact inflation has on the economy over time and investigate what makes prices rise in the market. They view a short video while researching the Consumer Price Index to...

How much are your skills worth in the labor market? Young historians research how people sell their skills to an employer for a certain price, just like a good or product. They discuss what exactly helps someone market themselves to...