Is there a bank for the banks? Pupils analyze the complexities of the Federal Reserve system by breaking it down into easy-to-understand sections. Step-by-step investigation using flow charts and graphs of how the monetary system works...

What is it worth to you? A hands-on instructional activity asks groups to collect weights of different combinations of coins and calculate weighted averages. They use the analysis to understand the concept of an isotope to finish the...

Pack the lesson into your plans. Young mathematicians learn about packing and optimization with the context of circular paving stones. They use coins to model the paving stones, and then apply knowledge of circles and polygons to...

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...

Just what is the census for? Using data and census questions, class members explore how officials gather information. Then, they consider how the government uses the answers to determine how it spends its money with a collaborative...

Second graders explore financial decision making. In this introductory economics lesson, 2nd graders listen to the book Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst, and discuss making financial choices based on wants and...

Students discover the importance of saving and spending. In this finance lesson, students read the book Kermit the Hermit and discuss the differences between needs and wants. The students complete worksheets concerning money in their...

Fifth graders participate in activities to promote understanding of investing and saving. In this saving and investing lesson, 5th graders design a portfolio, play a card game and write a skit about the importance of investing.

Learners explore foreign currencies. In this foreign currencies lesson, students simulate travel to another country and determine the value of the US dollar compared to other countries. Learners use a conversion table and search Internet...

First graders shop for a bag of cookies using toy money. In teams, they choose which variety to buy and decides which bills and coins are necessary to buy the bag of cookies and a cashier makes change. They tally the cookies purchased...

Students consider the idea of earning and spending money. In this money management lesson plan, students discuss the concept of saving and spending money through the reading of a story and by completing several activities that involve...

Students examine paper currency for its artistic value. They design their own piece of currency based on the artistic methods used in the design of real money.

Fifth graders discover how saving money can apply to their lives. In this personal finance lesson plan, 5th graders use the book The Leaves in October, as a conversation starter on income, savings and setting goals. Students explore the...

Second graders explore how to incorporate a new type of technology, the cash register and/or a calculator, as a motivational tool for solving real life problems. They practice estimating money and counting back change from $20.00.

Students investigate money. In this consumer math lesson plan, students use coins, identify their value, then group them in various ways to equal a dollar.

Second graders practice counting money using nickels, dimes, and quarters. They review the value of nickels, dimes and quarters. They explore Penny Panda's Sticker Store, and talk a little about what the object of the activity is (save...

Young scholars keep track of money. In this money management lesson plan, students read Less Than Zero by Stuart J. Murphy and manipulate a number line to keep track of spending and borrowing in the story.

Students establish budgeting techniques.  In this Economics lesson, students work in small groups to prepare a budget for a simulation activity, purchasing new playground equipment.

Your young economists will explore the roots of fears about high inflation by learning the effects of rising prices during the world wars and in particular the Great Inflation of the 1970s.

Does the pay gap begin with allowance? That is the big question scholars answer in a lesson examining how gender affects how much money an individual earns. Class members conduct a survey to identify how the allowance is paid, take their...

Fourth graders examine productive resources. In this economics lesson, 4th graders read a book about a man who saves money to buy his own barbershop. After reading, students get into groups to play a game to learn about savings.

Buying enough candy for trick-or-treaters without spending a lot of money can be the ultimate Halloween trick. Middle schoolers solve two holiday-themed word problems to determine which brand of candy is the better deal, based on cost...

Who knew that fairy tales and economics go hand-in-hand? Pupils complete a host of handouts, using everything from graphic organizers to short answer questions to reinforce concepts. They also complete a project that builds on everything...