Exploring Economics
Exploring Economics uses hands-on activities to explain complex economic concepts such as supply and demand, inflation, and the production, distribution and consumption of goods. It gives insight into the effect governments and individuals have on the global economy— and on the price of a loaf of bread.
Purpose and process
Exploring Economics tackles a complex subject and makes it accessible and fun for high school students through hands-on activities.
Exploring Economics teaches concepts such as supply and demand, inflation, and the production and consumption of goods. It also explores how consumers can increase their wealth through different saving and investing options.
By making economics engaging and relatable, Exploring Economics helps students better understand the impact they have on the economy as consumers and taxpayers, and it teaches important personal financial lessons about spending, saving, and investing.
Exploring Economics is for students in grades nine through 12. It is composed of seven 45-minute sessions. Materials are packaged in a self-contained kit that includes detailed session plans for the volunteer and materials for 32 students.
Learning outcomes
Concepts: Banks as borrower and lender, Command economy, Consumer Price Index (CPI), Consumer purchasing power, Demand, Distribution, Economics, Economic isolationism, Economic systems, Federal Reserve System, Free-rider problem, Inflation, Inflation rate, International trade, Investing options, Market economy, Market-clearing price, Nonrivalry, Percentage change, Private property, Production, Public vs. private goods, Public vs. private sector, Regional trade, Risk versus reward, Saving options, Simple interest, Supply, Supply and demand, Tariff, Taxes, Trade restrictions, Utility, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), World trade.
Skills: Analyzing information, Categorizing data, Charting, Decision making, Evaluating alternatives, Evaluating information, Graphing, Listening for understanding, Oral and written communication, Negotiating, Public speaking, Reading for understanding, Solving algebraic equations, Working in pairs and groups.
Curricular or thematic relevance
Standalone enterprise activity or could be linked to any entrepreneurship-related curriculum subject. Strongest impact in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and skills for employability areas.
How to organise:
The sessions could take place in timetabled lessons as they are delivered by teachers and/or classroom volunters; alternatively, they could be delivered as an extra-curricular activity or as part of an enterprise club.
Assessment and evaluation approaches
Fully integrated within the sessions.
Volunteer involvement
Volunteers and entrepreneurs can help by providing real-life examples from the business world.
Additional comments
Additional details in English language can be found online HERE.
Provider country
Contact your national JA-YE organisation.
Provider Institution:
, JA Europe Belgium
helper do TM detail body (June 6th, 1st half)