Why was there a lack of confidence in the money and banking system of the early United States government? What historical events led to the establishment of the Federal Reserve System? Here you'll find reading materials and worksheets to...

What is the difference between money and bartering, and how is money valued when considering inflation? Delve into the correlation between these fundamental components of economics with this detailed resource, which consists of...

Why are US dollars no longer backed by gold and silver? What is our medium of exchange, and what would it be like to live in a barter economy? Learners consider these questions, as well as learn about the major historical events in the...

Review the Great Depression in the United States from an economist's perspective, examining roots of the crash, government policy actions, and policies instituted by the Fed.

Why shouldn't we just save all our money in our mattress? Couldn't our money disappear? Pupils discover the benefits of utilizing banks and credit unions for saving money, as well as how to evaluate different types of...

Discover what criteria creditors use for making loans (the 3 Cs of Credit), and impress upon your young adults the rights and responsibilities related to using credit. Pupils role play as individuals seeking or providing credit, as...

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a credit card versus a debit card? What are the costs of using a debit card irresponsibly? Here you'll find a activity on key concepts that every learner should know...

Here is a detailed breakdown of the traditional banking system, including the roles that intermediaries play as brokers and in making loans, as well as an introduction to the parallel system of shadow banking.

From writing and depositing checks to comparing ATM and debit cards, pupils develop financially savvy practices and build foundational knowledge of the financial service products available through banking institutions. 

How does the Federal Open Market Committee work to formulate the nation's monetary policy in the United States? As the second segment of a instructional activity on the role of the Fed in setting monetary policy, class members will learn...

Are average college tuition and fees really rising in the United States? Here is a fascinating take on the rising cost of college tuition and how price discrimination may explain what is often seen as an insurmountable cost for...

Money isn't the only type of currency that fills a piggy bank. Learners practice filling their banks with the the things that make them grateful. Pupils write about their talents, relationships, challenges, and life skills, making...

When should you save, and when should you invest? In considering this question, your class members will also learn about the time value of money, inflation, compounded interest, and income/growth investments. The resource also outlines...

Get the facts about credit and take a close look at what factors into a consumer credit report with this fantastic lesson. Your pupils will read informational texts, read sample financial documents, and discuss the advantages...

Here is a unique activity in which learners simulate operations of a fractional reserve banking system, ultimately gaining a better understanding of how banks work and process money creation through lending. It includes a Story of Banks...

Every little penny counts, especially when it comes to saving for emergencies or long-term goals. Pupils evaluate different saving and investment strategies, such as a CD or money market account, through worksheets and by...

Introduce your young adults to the important understanding that the money they receive from their paychecks is a net amount as a result of deductions from taxes. Other topics covered include federal, state, Medicare and social...

By studying Benjamin Franklin's work as a printer, your class will have a fantastic opportunity to learn about the economic concepts of entrepreneurship, human capital, and investment. 

A dollar bill, a check, a credit card, and... a cow? What exactly are the various forms of payment that exist today? Your learners will identify the three functions of money in this lesson plan. In addition, they will discover the...

What types of government programs are designed to improve economic inequity in the United States? Introduce your learners to government programs, such as low-income housing, Social Security, and Medicaid, how they work to improve...

From fixed and variable expenses to gross income and net pay, break down the key terms of budgeting with your young adults and help them develop their own plans for spending and saving.

What financial situations and decisions await young learners after they graduate from high school? This project allows class members to glimpse into the types of responsibilities they will have as adults, from considering job...

Choosing your first credit card can often be an intimidating and confusing experience for young adults. Give your pupils the foundational knowledge they need for tackling this process head-on, including learning to...

Remember the Lusitania! As part of their study of the causes of World War I, class members examine newspaper articles and propaganda posters about the sinking of the Lusitania and then craft their own news story about the event.