Professional Development for Educators

Our goal: equip and empower educators to incorporate economic and financial concepts in their courses. Access webinars, data and resources to help meet your classroom needs.

Economic Information and Data

Inflation and You Webinar

Learn more about inflation, including monetary policy actions and how households and businesses are affected by price stability.

TEN Magazine

Review summaries of research and current news from the Kansas City Fed in this easy-to-read magazine format.

Community Development

We promote economic development and public understanding that leads to progress for lower-income individuals and communities.

Regional Research

Our work provides insights on local economies, including data on the seven states we serve.

Agriculture and the Economy

Review data and information about a major driver in the Tenth District economy - agriculture.

Banking and Payments

Find out more about issues affecting the banking and payments industries.

Federal Reserve Education

Want more resources? Search lesson plans and resources for educators from every Reserve Bank.

Historical Publications about the Federal Reserve

Dig into the history of the Federal Reserve with our free books.

Speeches

Review recent presentations by Kansas City Fed economists and speakers to get insights on the economy.

Economic Vocabulary

Economic Education

Fifty Nifty Econ Cards

Fifty Nifty Econ Cards are designed for elementary and middle school students to assist them in developing a knowledge base of economic and personal finance words.

Economic Education

Core Concept Cards

Core Concept Cards provide a strong foundation of economic and personal finance vocabulary for secondary students.

Key Educational Resources

Economic Education

Jay Starts a Business

This interactive story takes 4-6 grade students into the world of entrepreneurship by helping them start their own business.

Economic Education

The Money Circle

These lesson plans for high school students focus on four concepts related to money, from the history of money to its use in their own life and our economy.

Videos and Webinars

Evening with the Fed

Educators are invited to hear from our economists on current topics and events - from climate change to Covid-19.

Elementary and Middle School Webinars

Access on-demand professional development webinars made just for elementary and middle school teachers.

Webinars for High School Educators

Learn about new resources and information to help equip your high school classroom.

Career Education Webinars

Learn about skill building and opportunity occupations for students to consider for success on their chosen career path.

Events

Teacher Workshops 2023

, CDT In person or virtual

These learning opportunities for educators will feature expert speakers, up-to-date research and data analysis, demonstrations of new classroom materials and instruction, as well as culturally responsive content. The workshops are free to K-16 educators, but advance registration is required. Learn more and how to earn graduate or continuing education credit by registering today!


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Trivia table
Trivia Title Trivia Content
Bite Size Economics

Why are federal laws necessary to protect the civil rights of consumers?

Bite Size Economics

Discuss this quote: "Don't put all your eggs in one basket," and relate it to diversifying, or having a variety, of stock investments. Why is diversification a good strategy?

Bite Size Economics

Design a trophy celebrating an important export from your state and explain your choice and reasoning with the class.

Bite Size Economics

Why does it matter that the recent recession coincided with a financial crisis? Research from the Kansas City Fed that examined banking crises in Spain, Norway, Finland, Sweden andJapan found that when a recession is combined with a financial crisis unemployment increases are unusually severe and persistent. http://bit.ly/11m62Nt

Bite Size Economics

Examine samples of foreign currency by going to: www.clevelandfed.org/Learning_Center/Online_Activities/explore_money/index.cfm. Compare bill features for three chosen countries. How are these notes similar? How are they different? What are some basic features that are common to all currency studied?

Bite Size Economics

Gather pictures from magazine, local newspaper articles, chamber of commerce promotional material, etc., and create individual or group collages that represent the economy of theregion where you live. Be sure to include the natural, human and capital resources of your area.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss the importance of the following quote to those who run their own business: "In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield." - Warren Buffett

Bite Size Economics

Review the credit scenarios from the Dallas Fed's Building Wealth in the Classroom, Lesson 9. Choose one and decide whether the teen described should borrow money. Write a short persuasive essay with reasons to support your answer. http://bit.ly/10IsJHM

Bite Size Economics

Is a home an asset or liability? Research this question and then draw an illustration to explain what you learned and whether you think a house is an asset or liability.

Bite Size Economics

In preparation for homecoming, identify what is needed for the event. Then divide the list of items into goods and services. Rank the list in order of importance to you. What goods and services could you give up if you were on a limited budget?

Bite Size Economics

Read My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. Use the children's literature lesson to discuss investing in human capital through acquiring skills and knowledge: www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/assets/lesson_plans/MySideMountain.pdf

Bite Size Economics

Write and perform a skit that explores the concept of fair trade, which aims to help producers in developing countries receive higher prices for their goods and improve social and environmental standards. Include advantages and disadvantages to fair trade policies.

Bite Size Economics

Estimate the cost: If you want to buy an item for $9.50 with a 9% sales tax, is $10 enough money?

Bite Size Economics

Stores often have a surplus of holiday candy after Halloween and Valentine's Day. What methods do store managers use to quickly sell their surplus? (half-price sales; special display) Describe three new and creative ways to reduce this surplus.

Bite Size Economics

Research the household savings rates of several different countries. Make a chart comparing the rates. Which country's rate is the highest? What are some possible reasons for this?

Bite Size Economics

Visit a local bank or credit union and ask for some deposit slips. Use addition and subtraction and place value to practice filling out the slips

Bite Size Economics

Research three universities you may want to attend. Evaluate each one using a decision grid with these criteria: size, location, fields of study and tuition cost.

Bite Size Economics

Read Monster Musical Chairs by Stuart Murphy. Use the children's literature lesson to discuss the topic of scarcity in the story: www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/assets/lesson_plans/MonsterMusicalChairs.pdf

Bite Size Economics

Which is the better milk buy? one gallon for $2.49; 1/2 gallon for $1.29; or one quart for $.69? (One gallon at $2.49)

Bite Size Economics

Discuss the correlation between a country's resources and what goods they export and import. Have students choose countries, research their major resources, exports and imports, and share their findings. Discuss which countries might make good trading partners.

Bite Size Economics

Introduce wants and needs and give examples of each concept. Tell the students that they will be planning a picnic lunch and will make a chart of wants and needs for the picnic. Draw a T-chart on the board, labeling one side "Needs" and the other "Wants." Ask students for ideas to complete the chart, telling whether each idea is a need or a want.

Bite Size Economics

Develop a role play about an entrepreneur whose ideas for a new product or business are not well accepted and how he/she meets these challenges and eventually becomes successful. Perform the role play for your class.

Bite Size Economics

Create a consumer profile, such as a 20-year-old college athlete, and make a collage of products or services using newspaper, magazine ads and/or computer-generated images that would appeal to that type of consumer.

Bite Size Economics

Create a rap or song titled, "Invest in Yourself." Include all the ways to invest in your human capital, such as more education, training and practicing to gain experience, and taking care of your health. Perform your verses for the class.

Bite Size Economics

What does money mean to you? Purchasing power? Security? Freedom? Brainstorm ideas and then create a collage showing what money can represent.

Bite Size Economics

Starting your own business as an entrepreneur has opportunity for profit and possibility of loss. Brainstorm a list of potential businesses to start and then list possible profits and losses for one of those businesses. Debate whether the business risks are worth the rewards.

Bite Size Economics

Calculate this profit/loss stock statement: 100 shares of XYZ Electronics bought at $29 each + $1.50 broker fee ($2901.50); 100 shares sold at $35 each - $1.50 broker fee ($3498.50); ($3498.50-$2901.50 = $597 profit).

Bite Size Economics

Credit card bills now provide an estimate of how long it will take to pay off a balance making only the minimum payment. Paying more than the minimum can substantially decrease the total amount of the purchase. Discover the savings using the credit card repayment calculator at www.federalreserve.gov/creditcardcalculator.

Bite Size Economics

After discussing entrepreneurship, ask students to interview an entrepreneur in their community. Interview questions could include: describing their business; explaining how they financed their venture; discussing any challenges in their business; and describing a typical work day. Share completed interviews with the class.

Bite Size Economics

Wants and needs may vary depending on culture. Research wants and needs around the world and compare and contrast them with your own community.

Bite Size Economics

Ask students to design the "Market of the Future" by drawing a blueprint of their dream store. Have them include basic food departments and cashier areas, and then add original areas to make their market unique.

Bite Size Economics

Another name for the Bank Panic of 1907 was the Knickerbocker Crisis.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss the word "panic" and brainstorm situations in which people may panic (severe weather, accidents, fire, etc.) How do you feel when you panic? Why could these feelings cause you to take actions you normally wouldn't? Relate these feelings to bank panics.

Bite Size Economics

If a company's losses are much greater than its profits, the owners might consider filing for bankruptcy. Research the concept of bankruptcy and write an essay describing the advantages and disadvantages.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss famous entrepreneurs that students are familiar with, such as Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Walt Disney and J.K. Rowling. Look at: www.thelittlee.com/html/famous_entrepreneurs.html and ask students to choose one entrepreneur they are impressed with to research and share with the class.

Bite Size Economics

Write and perform a rap highlighting one or two of the principles you've discussed from the Guide to Economic Reasoning. Give examples explaining the principles in your lyrics.

Bite Size Economics

Professionals like lawyers and accountants may trade services, such as an accountant preparing a lawyer's taxes and a lawyer handling a legal matter from the accountant. Write a short news article about the costs and benefits of trading services.

Bite Size Economics

Jay Eagle from the Kansas City Fed is flying throughout the Tenth District. Learn more about Jay and how to have him visit your classroom at jay.kcfed.org.

Bite Size Economics

Get an international view of economic growth by looking up the per capita GDP and other economic information from the CIA World Factbook. Create a Venn diagram to compare similarities and differences of two countries. http://1.usa.gov/18tqEb9

Bite Size Economics

Learn about federal income taxes, FICA, W-4 and W-2 forms in Know your dough Lesson Two: "W" is for Wages, W-4 and W-2: www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/assets/lesson_plans/paycheck/IYP_lesson2.pdf.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss "interest" as "payments made for the use of money." Ask students if they think earning interest when they deposit money in a savings account is a good incentive to save. Why or why not?

Bite Size Economics

Taylor purchased candy bars from the store at 50 cents each. She wants to sell them at school after lunch for $1 each. From what you've learned about supply and demand, what advice would you give Taylor regarding her price?

Bite Size Economics

If U.S. exports to China are worth $8 billion, and U.S. imports from China are worth $34 billion, what is the total trade amount? ($42 billion) What is the trade deficit? ($26 billion)

Bite Size Economics

List all the concepts from this planner on the board and number them. Number the sections of a beach ball similarly. Toss the ball to the class. Whoever catches it should explain the concept with the number closest to their right thumb. Repeat.

Bite Size Economics

Debate the importance of producers using social media, such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, to get the attention of consumers in order to sell their products.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss the stock market as a public place to invest dollars in stocks, or shares of ownership in a company. Go to: www.essortment.com/invest-money-mutual-funds-stocks-17734.html to learn about stocks vs. mutual funds. Which type of stock would you invest in? Give reasons for your answers.

Bite Size Economics

Use the Recession Lesson "Navigating the Fear of the Unknown" (http://kansascityfed.org/publicat/education/teachingresources/RecessionLesson-EconomicUncertainty.pdf) to learn about the role that economic uncertainty played during the recent recession for businesses and consumers.

Bite Size Economics

Explore money from around the world by visiting the following website: www.clevelandfed.org/Learning_Center/Online_Activities/explore_money/index.cfm. Discuss money symbols and designs from several chosen countries, then vote for the most beautiful piece of currency. Ask students to redesign a U.S. dollar using more symbolism and color.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss the resources used in the production of chocolate (cocoa beans, sugar, milk) and the producers of each resource. Ask students to choose any product, make a list of resources used in its production, and count the number of producers involved in the process. Can anyone find a product that has more than five producers?

Bite Size Economics

Discuss this quote: "When written in Chinese, the word �crisis' is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity." - John Kennedy

Bite Size Economics

Without international trade, you may not have the items on your back. Ask students to look at the labels on their clothing and accessories, and list the countries that manufactured the items. Create a class graph showing all of the countries represented and compare label totals. Discuss whether clothing and goods made in the U.S. are a prevalent as they once were.

Bite Size Economics

Working in groups, use restaurant menus to pick something to order and then calculate the sales tax on the order. Report the cost with tax and figure the tip using the tax rate as a guide.

Bite Size Economics

Consumers can pay for purchases by using cash, checks, debit or credit cards. Use the lesson and role play for "Payment Parliament": www.kansascityfed.org/education to introduce these different forms of payments to students.

Bite Size Economics

Political cartoons show opinions. Look at the cartoons featured throughout the Kansas City Fed's Balance of Power, Under Pressure, or Integrity, Fairness and Resolve books. Create an original political cartoon related to the Federal Reserve and explain your message.http://bit.ly/11CEUqr

Bite Size Economics

How can pocket money make someone a millionaire? Use anonline compound interest calculator to see how a small monthlyinvestment can grow over time by compounding. Write a plan toreach a financial goal using compound interest.

Bite Size Economics

When you deposit a $5 bill in the bank, will you ever see that exact $5 bill again? Draw a comic strip that shows what happens to the bill that you deposit.

Bite Size Economics

How do students buy their goods and services? How many shop online versus going to brick-and-mortar stores? Discuss the use of shopping apps and how they help in comparing prices. Do students ever use apps to comparison shop?

Bite Size Economics

Introduce the following formula: Assets-Liabilities = Net Worth, or your economic wealth. Use Money Circle Theme 3, Lesson 1 found at: www.federalreserveeducation.org/resources/MoneyCircle. Discuss the assets, liabilities and net worth of the student in the Activity 1 story. Ask students to write a similar story about themselves, listing current assets, liabilities and assessing their net worth.

Bite Size Economics

What monetary policy tools does the Federal Reserve Bank use to regulate the money supply?

Bite Size Economics

Look at the Federal Trade Commission's website: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm to learn about the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Discuss why consumers should order a copy of their credit report yearly.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss this proverb: "It is a wise man who lives with money in the bank, it is a fool who dies that way."

Bite Size Economics

Uncover how and why the Federal Reserve expanded its balance sheet during the recent recession and financial crisis in the Philadelphia Fed's resource It's Not Your Mother and Father's Monetary Policy Anymore: The Federal Reserve and FinancialCrisis Relief. http://bit.ly/19gvxBB

Bite Size Economics

Just for fun, try saying this tongue twister quickly three times: Skyler scored the scarce scholarship.

Bite Size Economics

Read Rock, Brock and the Savings Shock by Sheila Bair. Illustrate the benefits of saving by using two clear jars, one for Rock and one for Brock, and adding or removing beans whenever the boys save or spend money.

Bite Size Economics

Explain the benefits as well as the costs (monetary and nonmonetary) of owning a pet. Draw a picture of three pets, listing one cost and one benefit for each.

Bite Size Economics

Use the Kansas City Fed's Exploring Economic Sectors lesson to learn how the Federal Reserve assesses economic conditions in the United States. http://bit.ly/13mAbfu

Bite Size Economics

Watch the Economic Lowdown video on equilibrium at: http://www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/podcasts/economic_lowdown_video_3.cfm. How do the concepts of surplus and shortage relate to market equilibrium?

Bite Size Economics

View a short clip depicting a bank run from the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Describe in a paragraph or two how depositors make poor decisions when they fear their bank is failing.

Bite Size Economics

You have saved enough money to buy your first computer! Which is the better buy: a laptop for $599, a case for $29, and a mouse for $19; or a desktop monitor for $149, a computer tower for $469, and a keyboard with mouse for $39? (laptop package=$647; desktop package=$657)

Bite Size Economics

Create a PACED (Problem, Alternatives, Criteria, Evaluate, Decision) grid to determine the costs and benefits of a used car decision. Possible criteria include model; year; gas mileage; and insurance costs. Visit www.econedlink.org/lessons/docs_lessons/463_PACED1.pdf for a sample grid.

Bite Size Economics

View the American Currency Exhibit on the San Francisco Fed's website to explore currency from throughout our nation's history. Choose two bills from different eras and create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast bill symbols and features. http://bit.ly/1922F3l

Bite Size Economics

Research the meaning of marginal cost and marginal benefit. Businesses think on the margin, deciding whether the benefit of producing one more unit would be greater than or less than the cost. Share an example of this marginal cost/benefit situation from your research.

Bite Size Economics

Introduce counterfeit money ("fake currency") as the major reason bills have been redesigned. Look at a real note online: www.newmoney.gov/currency/20.htm. Identify security measures placed on new U.S. currency including color, watermarks and micro-printing.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss this quote: "Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for almost all the economic growth in the United States." Ronald Reagan

Bite Size Economics

Play a game of musical chairs or a game where there is not enough gym equipment for all players. Discuss how the lack of chairs or equipment makes the game more difficult. Scarcity forces us to make choices or decisions.

Bite Size Economics

Have students draw a picture of their perfect vacation spot and include as many natural resources as possible.

Bite Size Economics

Play the online game Pursuit: On the Trail of Economic Growth from the Boston Fed with a small group or individually. This game traces the economic growth of New England throughout history. What events shaped the growth of this area? http://bit.ly/190VJ2L

Bite Size Economics

Check out the Kansas City Fed's Financial Fables ebooks to discover how "money morals" can help students from preschool to fifth grade become money smart. http://bit.ly/11OINYK

Bite Size Economics

Research the purposes of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Hold a mock debate where two countries use the WTO as a forum to discuss their disagreements concerning a trade policy.

Bite Size Economics

How does the following quote relate to today's rate of savings? "In the old days, a man who saved money was a miser; nowadays, he's a wonder." - Author unknown

Bite Size Economics

Read Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman. Use the children's literature lesson to discuss the topic of opportunity cost in the story: www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/assets/lesson_plans/SomethingNothing.pdf

Bite Size Economics

Ask students to imagine they have landed on a deserted island and will be living there until they are rescued. Have them work in pairs to develop two lists: one of their daily needs to survive, and the other of their wants while on the island. Share lists and discuss ideas with the class.

Bite Size Economics

Solve this income problem: Jay shoveled snow for five neighbors on his block. He earned $10 from two of them, $12 from the third, and $15 from the fourth and fifth. What was his income total? What was his average income from each shoveling job? (Total income: $62.00. Average income per job $12.40)

Bite Size Economics

Resource Trivia: What two fabric resources are used to make paper currency? (linen - 25%; cotton - 75%)

Bite Size Economics

Use Lesson 2: "W Is for Wages, W4 and W2" at www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/assets/lesson_plans/paycheck/IYP_lesson2.pdf to learn about gross pay, net pay and the different deductions that are taken from paychecks.

Bite Size Economics

Download the St. Louis Fed's Econ Ed Mobile App to explore the cost of using credit. Learn how interest is calculated, and then use the Credit Cost Calculator to see how interest ratesaffect monthly payments and the total cost of a purchase. http://bit.ly/11zNwSM

Bite Size Economics

What can happen when a person or organization doesn't face all the consequences of their actions? Learn about moral hazard and the role it played during the recent recession and financial crisis in the Kansas City Fed's Recession Lesson: Moral Hazard. http://bit.ly/11JIFss

Bite Size Economics

Design a new $500 bill with your nominee in the portrait. Remember to include legal currency details, such as denomination, serial numbers, seals and signatures. Add additional details to make your note unique.

Bite Size Economics

Introduce and discuss the characteristics of an entrepreneur, such as being a risk taker; having high energy; being competitive; having a strong desire to be your own boss; and possessing a "never quit" attitude. Ask students to rank themselves "+" or "-" on each of these characteristics to assess their own potential for entrepreneurship.

Bite Size Economics

Use a graphic organizer to show how the price of gas varies from your state to several neighboring states. How can the same gallon of gas from the same distributor, such as Shell or Phillips, differ in price from one state to the next?

Bite Size Economics

Your credit report is like a report card. It is used to calculate your credit score. You can receive one free credit report every twelve months from each of the nationwide credit bureaus-Equifax, Experian, and Transunion-by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

Bite Size Economics

Justin's assets are a $250 bike, a $1299 computer, and $582 in savings. His liabilities are $475 owed on a loan for the computer and $138 owed to his mom. Add Justin's assets and subtract his liabilities from the total. What is Justin's net worth? ($2131 - $613 = $1518)

Bite Size Economics

Many students think about running their own business as adults. Ask students to brainstorm types of businesses that interest them. Invite a local business owner from an area of interest to speak to the class about his/her experiences. Prepare for the speaker by making a list of interview questions related to running a business.

Bite Size Economics

Develop a classroom currency to use as pay for completing projects, following rules and helping others. Discuss income earned from these tasks each week and plan a future action to spend this income at the end of the quarter, semester or year.

Bite Size Economics

Use magazine pictures to create a collage of future wants. Develop a budget that includes long term savings goals to purchase these items within the next five to 10 years.

Bite Size Economics

Nominate a president or famous person in U.S. history (no longer living) for a new $500 bill. Write an essay describing how your nominee contributed to American history and why he/she would be a worthy candidate.

Bite Size Economics

Brainstorm a list of careers or jobs that are associated with taxes (such as accountant). Research one of these careers to learn about the education qualifications, income level and demand for the job.

Bite Size Economics

Examine currency from other countries and see what it can reveal about their culture and economy with the Cleveland Fed's Explore Money from Around the World online activity. http://bit.ly/11MDk3I

Bite Size Economics

Some areas routinely experience water shortages. List the ways you use water every day. How could you cut down your usage or recycle water to help reduce water shortages? Create a public service announcement featuring your water saving ideas.

Bite Size Economics

Use the role play There's No Business Like Bank Business toexplore the benefits of saving money in a bank:www.kansascityfed.org/publicat/education/teachingresources/Bank_Business_script.pdf.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss this quote: "Expenditures rise to meet income." - C. Northcote Parkinson

Bite Size Economics

Ask students to work with a partner on the following income/expenses problem: You want to convince your family to buy a new computer to replace the outdated one at home. Create a visual that gives family members ideas on how to cut monthly expenses (such as food, clothing and entertainment) in order to save income for the purchase.

Bite Size Economics

Jennifer sells craft items for extra income. She sold $236 worth of items in October, $348 in November, and $559 in December. What was her income for the three months? ($1142) What was her average income from crafts monthly? ($381)

Bite Size Economics

Discuss the meaning of this quote: "A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart." - Jonathan Swift

Bite Size Economics

Draw a cartoon to portray one of the following label instructions found on consumer goods: hairdryer-never use while sleeping; iron-do not iron clothes on body; child's costume-cape does not enable user to fly.

Bite Size Economics

Read the original Federal Reserve Act, signed Dec. 23, 1913. Write down four key facts about the founding of the Federal Reserve System from the primary source document, available from the Librarians' Society of Washington, D.C. http://bit.ly/18qbUEL.

Bite Size Economics

Read Ten Mile Day by Mary Ann Fraser. Use the children's literature lesson to discuss the role of production in the development of the transcontinental railroad: www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/assets/lesson_plans/TenMileDay.pdf

Bite Size Economics

Draw pictures that represent financial words and write the definitions of the words on the opposite side. Save these financial flashcards to use for review. Suggested words: bank, save, deposit, withdrawal, interest, emergency fund, short-term goal, long-term goal.

Bite Size Economics

Visit the National Archives website to learn about the Homestead Act of 1862, which offered free land in the west to anyone over 21 if they agreed to farm it. Create a skit about the act and its effects on economic growth during that time. http://1.usa.gov/13v9G5v

Bite Size Economics

Research Mattel, Hasbro or other toy companies to see how they determine what toys to produce and supply to retail stores. Use the information you find to predict what toys might be popular in 2020.

Bite Size Economics

Find auto loan 36-month interest rates for a used car from three banks. Record the rates and any additional fees or conditions from each bank. Discuss which bank you would choose to finance your car loan and give reasons why.

Bite Size Economics

Read A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams. Use the children's literature lesson to discuss how part of the family income was saved to reach a goal: www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/assets/lesson_plans/ChairForMother.pdf.

Bite Size Economics

Think of people at school who are producers. One example might be cafeteria workers who produce breakfast and lunch for students. Others could be a custodian, principal, administrative assistant or any teacher. Make a list of these producers and the goods or services they offer. Ask each student to write a thank-you note to one of these producers.

Bite Size Economics

Track expenses for a week and then create a spending plan to make sure your expenses don't exceed your income.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss what economists mean when they say, "There is no such thing as a free lunch." How does this quotation relate to costs and benefits?

Bite Size Economics

Discuss the meaning of this quote: "An opportunity cost is an opportunity lost."

Bite Size Economics

Explore bank supervision and regulation by watching Chapter 6 of the Philadelphia Fed's video The Federal Reserve and You. Write three key facts about each of the video segments: Supervision and Regulation History, the Role of Congress, and Bank Examinations.http://bit.ly/11dWBdQ

Bite Size Economics

Use Lesson Two "Budget to Save: Developing a Budget" from Building Wealth in the Classroom: www.dallasfed.org/education/pubs/wealth_classroom/02_lesson.pdf to discuss budgets in relation to financial goals. Do the suggested activity of a budget analysis for a high school senior saving for the prom. Discuss areas where this budget could be streamlined to meet the student's financial goals.

Bite Size Economics

Compose a song or a rap about being a "savvy shopper." Include verses about comparison shopping, purchasing quality vs. quantity, and avoiding buyer's remorse.

Bite Size Economics

Use handout 3 from lesson 4 of Building Wealth in the Classroom from the Dallas Fed to compare the interest rate, fees and additional information on five account types from a local bank. Share your findings. Once everyone shares, discuss the account and bank you would select. http://bit.ly/18kHBE4

Bite Size Economics

Read Uncle Jed's Barbershop by Margaree King Mitchell. Use the children's literature lesson to discuss starting a business at: www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/assets/lesson_plans/UncleJedsBarbershop.pdf.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss the growing threat of identity theft. Ask students to write tips for consumers to follow in keeping their identity safe. (Example: Memorize your Social Security number so you won't need to carry your card with you.)

Bite Size Economics

Look at a dime and identify the portrait. Use the lesson plan, "Why is Roosevelt on the Dime" available at: http://www.usmint.gov/kids/teachers/lessonplans/viewLP.cfm?id=29 to learn more about Franklin Roosevelt and why he was chosen for the dime.

Bite Size Economics

Read Saturday Sancocho by Leyla Torres. Use the related children's literature lesson from the St. Louis Fed to learn about the advantages of paying money over bartering for goods.http://bit.ly/18D0u5U

Bite Size Economics

Food shortages occur throughout the world due to disasters, war and population increases. Research how the United States helps at: http://foodaid.org/resources/the-history-of-food-aid/. Create a visual illustrating how these food programs enable countries to become more self-sufficient.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss this quote: "No one has a greater asset for his business than a man's pride in his work." - Hosea Ballou

Bite Size Economics

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that refers to wants and needs. Brainstorm a class list of other songs on the topic of wants and needs.

Bite Size Economics

Use the FDIC's EDIE the Estimator tool to explore how FDIC insurance protects depositors. Try the simulator using varying deposit balances to determine the FDIC coverage limit for a single account. Check your answer by reviewing the page's Deposit Insurance FAQs. http://1.usa.gov/YVeeTe

Bite Size Economics

Watch Katrina's Classroom from the Atlanta Fed to understand how natural disasters can affect banking services. Write a creative story about leaving your home due to a natural disaster and the steps you would take to be financially stable during this time.http://bit.ly/14C0lYK

Bite Size Economics

Look up the current national budget deficit at www.brillig.com/debt_clock. Consider methods to reduce the deficit, and write a letter to Congress with recommendations.

Bite Size Economics

Use the lesson plan and role play for "Payment Parliament" to teach students about the many ways we pay for goods and services: www.kansascityfed.org/publicat/education/teachingresources/Payment%20Parliament.pdf.

Bite Size Economics

Use lesson 2, "W is for Wages, W4 and W2," from It's Your Paycheck personal finance curriculum to learn what deductions are taken from weekly/monthly income. Discuss why these deductions are necessary for the government and the individual. www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/assets/lesson_plans/paycheck/IYP_lesson2.pdf

Bite Size Economics

Hold a discussion on this topic: "When choosing a career, income is more important than passion for the job." Ask students to give reasons for their views.

Bite Size Economics

Brainstorm the qualities that create credit worthiness. Assume the role of loan officers and review the credit histories of several fictitious individual who are requesting a loan. Decide to approve or reject the requests and provide rationale.

Bite Size Economics

Choose a job and research its income in two different countries. (Example: a starting teacher in Mexico is paid $10,465 a year, while a starting teacher in Canada is paid $35,400 a year.) Discuss why the same job can have different salary levels in different countries.

Bite Size Economics

The start-up costs for your lemonade business includes $1.99 for the mix and $2.50 for the cups. If you sell each cup for $.60, how many cups do you need to sell to make a profit? (At least 8 cups.)

Bite Size Economics

Choose a publicly-traded company, such as Amazon (AMZN), and follow the price of that company's stock each week for a month. Report whether the price has increased or decreased during that time, and provide a recommendation on buying the stock.

Bite Size Economics

Discuss the meaning of this quote: "Let me remind you that credit is the lifeblood of business, the lifeblood of prices and jobs." - Herbert Hoover

Bite Size Economics

Trade barriers are costs that raise the price of traded products. Examples are tariffs, import and export quotas, and embargoes. In groups, research and make charts to compare and contrast these barriers.

Bite Size Economics

Investment Math: Introduce the "Rule of 72" as a method to determine the number of years it will take for your savings to double in value. Give this example: if the interest rate is 2%, dividing 72 by 2=36 years to double your savings. Ask students to figure out the number of years for 4% (18); 6%