Learners discover how to determine the flavor of a jellybean using different key documents.  In this economics lesson, students discuss Virginia economics and begin an activity in which they will help decide on the what jellybean...

Prevent the Federal Reserve System from becoming a dry topic for your middle and high schoolers by using an informative, engaging resource! The cartoon takes your class on a journey with aliens from the planet of Novus to observe the...

How do people improve their economic situations? While many learners may not consider questions about how many crops to grow in ancient times were economic decisions, a hands-on activity encourages individuals to make these connections....

Historically, Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis has been difficult for many readers to grasp. From the difficult translation issues to the complex plot and themes, the novel's message and story can be lost when learners...

Once Upon a Dime ... a group of middle schoolers wanted to learn about economics! Teach them complex economic concepts like supply and demand through a resource that effectively simplifies the explanations. Pupils work through various...

Students explore the concept of cause and effect as it relates to economics through the story "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie."  Students discuss simple cause and effect relationships and make predictions according to the story. They...

What is the connection between greed and mercantilism? Historians consider this question by analyzing a fairy-tale like story about King Midas from the nineteenth century. The background information and excerpt help pupils understand the...

How tall is the Empire State Building? Lead your class through a collaborative estimation activity to determine the number of quarters it would take to reach the top and teach the following concepts: human capital, human resources,...

Students research the origination of the expression "The Real McCoy." In this economics research instructional activity, students read the book The Real McCoy. Students examine Elijah McCoy and his invention of the oil cup and how it...

First graders engage in a literature study that helps them to focus on the concepts of goods and services. They describe the various skills people may need at home, school, and work. Students create a map of businesses found in the city.

Mansa Musa was so rich that his gifts of gold made the value of the metal drop throughout Africa. As he traveled from Mali to the Middle East to make hajj, his gifts were so extravagant, they devalued the gold already in circulation....

Learners discuss capital resources and the types of machines their families use at home. They discuss how these machines increase productivity, and how these concepts connect to the law of demand and capital invention.

What do you think sheep might be able to barter when they don't have quite enough to buy a gift? Your pupils can find out this and much more during this lesson about Sheep in a Shop, spending, saving, and bartering.

Considering Carson McCullers' The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter for whole-class reading or as a selection for book circles? Check out this resource that overviews the organizational patterns, themes, plot structure, tone, and setting. 

Second graders use The Berenstain Bears' to learn about money management. In this money management lesson, 2nd graders read The Berenstain Bears' Dollars and Sense book and complete the 'Rainy Day' worksheet. Students then discuss the...

Fourth graders study the role of money in society and define how to earn an income. In this human capital lesson plan, 4th graders read the book Shoeshine Girl and discuss it. Students discuss various economic concepts and complete the...

Students read the novel Stone Fox and review economic concepts including income, goods, and services. They define the following terms: capital, credit, credit risk and summarize their reading by reading several chapters at a time. They...

Economist Adam Smith supported free enterprise, he but critiqued mercantilism. These two ideas—seemingly contradictory—may be difficult for some young historians to grasp. A reading that explores these ideas guides scholars in unraveling...

Young scholars, after reading Chapter 1 in the book, "Latino Economics in the United States: Job Diversity," write an essay that compares the cultural as well as the historical factors (experiences with jobs, discrimination, education,...

Third graders write about a time they have experienced supply and demand affecting price. For this economics lesson, the students define basic economic words, then the teacher introduces a real-life example of supply and demand affecting...

Third graders demonstrate an understanding of geography and its effects on lifestyles and culture. Then they apply basic economic terms and principles and identify the United States government and history. Students also identify and...

Students explore wants and needs. In this introductory economics lesson, students use a "pinch card" to display whether a familiar item is a "want" or a "need". Students listen to the book Alexander used to be Rich on Sunday by Judith...

Fourth graders explore economics by identifying financial goals. In this consumerism lesson, 4th graders discuss money matters and how to conserve an income when they get older in order to achieve their goals. Students collaborate in...

Students set up and collect data for a virtual lemonade stand. In this entrepreneurship, economics, and technology instructional activity, students purchase ingredients, determine costs, and set up a virtual lemonade stand. Students...