Lesson Plan

Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

There are so many ways to use a potato: bake it, fry it, or barter it. The lesson explains the concepts of bartering, money, and goods and services with a story that takes place during the Great Depression. Academics complete group discussions, worksheets, and games to understand what bartering is and how people use money to buy goods and services. 

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Instructional Ideas
  • Lead a group discussion on ways for learners to barter with each other
  • Have pupils draw pictures that explain how money is used 
Classroom Considerations
  • Students may be unfamiliar with terms such as bartering 
  • Requires a copy of the book Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression by Kate Lied to complete the lesson and activities 
Pros
  • The lesson covers social studies topics, as well as mathematics and economic concepts
  • Multiple activities enhance students' engagement and learning 
Cons
  • None