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Reuters: Times of Crisis Grade 9 to 12
- Reuters-
10398
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See a visual timeline of the worldwide economic crisis beginning in 2008, from the point of view of a non-U.S. source. Reuters shares 365 days of upheaval beginning in fall, 2008 via pictures, captions, videos, articles, facts, and more in a highly interactive timeline.
In the Classroom:
Explore the timeline on your interactive whiteboard or projector as a class or ask students or groups to explore it on their own, looking for key points and terms that help them better understand this complex crisis. Ask student "guides" to trace and elaborate on trends they find or to highlight key moments as they explain orally to the class. Have students respond to a single image using an online tool to narrate an image such as Voicethread reviewed here or in a blog post. Find an event to which they can connect from their own personal or family perspective. Compare these vignettes with others from the Great Depression photos of great photographers. Keep the link to this interactive timeline on your class web page or wiki as a reference or as a venue for sharing students responses. |
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Frontline: Breaking the Bank Grade 9 to 12
- PBS-
10117
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A website connected to an episode of Frontline, this site looks at the recent collapse of several large "superbanks," and how these bank failures have been connected to the general economic downturn. Many PBS shows' sites are built around the concept of having students "watch the show and discuss"; these require teachers to buy or find a copy of episode. However, this site includes access to the full episode (requires Flash), which can be viewed as a whole or in sections. The resource list is very comprehensive and would give students who are researching national or global economics many good sources. Finally, there is analysis, set up in Q&A format that stands alone, and could be used if you don't want to use classtime to view the video episode.
In the Classroom:
Although this site deals with the 2008-2009 banking crisis at a level that is probably more in-depth than most teachers have the opportunity to deal with, it would be useful for an economics class or a recent American history class. You might consider some portions of it during a discussion of the Great Depression in the 1930s, to help students connect that economic time with the present. Finally, this might be a good resource site for students who are interested or who are working on more comprehensive projects. Why not have students create a multimedia presentation of their own demonstrating their understanding of the connection between the bank failures and the economic downturn. Have students create (and respond) on class wikis. Not comfortable with wikis? Have no wiki worries – check out the Teacher’s First Wiki Walk-Through reviewed here. |
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Understanding Economics and Money: TeachersFirst Editors' Choices Grade K to 12
- TeachersFirst-
9931
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Understanding how world economic systems work can mystify even the experts, but all of us need to understand the basics of how an economy functions, especially as current events challenge us to adjust to tough times. This special collection of resources has been hand-picked by the editors of TeachersFirst from among our many reviewed resources on economics and money. These selections were chosen to help students (and families) grasp basic economic principles, personal financial planning, and banking at an age-appropriate level.
In the Classroom:
Browse these editors' choice resources to find the best for your classroom needs. Don't forget that you can use economics information to teach math concepts. Make your lessons relevant in today's world by connecting the economic concepts as you teach writing, reading, and more. As your students master the concept, have them create a "Kids Guide to the Economy" on a class wiki or make videos on single concepts to be shared via tools such as SchoolTube (reviewed here) or TeacherTube (reviewed here). |
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Troubled Times: How to Help Children and Teens During Tough Economic Times Grade K to 12
- TeachersAndFamilies/ NASP-
9930
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TeachersFirst's sister site, TeachersAndFamilies, offers this article and accompanying ideas for school and family to help children and teens understand and cope during tough economic times. The article includes information reprinted by permission from the National Association of School Psychologists and extensive, practical ideas and activities to help families cope together. Included is a printable of these activity ideas.
In the Classroom:
Share the link to this article on your teacher web page, and send the printable home with your students so families are empowered to DO something to reassure children and teens. The site grants permission for a classroom set of copies to be made for students to take home. Be sure to tell your colleagues and principal about this valuable resource. |
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Stock Market - Finance Grade 5 to 12
- Vocabulary University-
9910
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The state of our economy is on the minds of both adults and students. Use this site to teach about the stock market and general economics. There are word puzzles, a wordbank of about twenty words, discussion ideas, and general reference information. Many of the puzzles are printable. This site does have some unobtrusive advertisements.
In the Classroom:
Have students work in cooperative learning groups, divide up the vocabulary words, and have each group find the definitions for their assigned vocabulary words. Have the groups share their words and definitions in an online book, using a tool such as Bookemon (reviewed here). Have the groups share the online books on your interactive whiteboard or projector. If you don't have the time to complete online books, have students share the definitions using a class wiki. Be sure to also check out the interactive word puzzles! |
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The History of Money Grade 6 to 12
- The History Channel-
9860
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With the news dominated by problems with the world economy, this site on this history of money might provide a good baseline for further discussion. The video gallery features historic newsreel clips and other content associated with currency and economics. An image gallery shows the history of US coinage. There is a page of quotes related to money as well as a resources page with links to other sites with further information. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Use the video clips to introduce a lesson or reinforce content on the history of the Great Depression, or the significance of the gold standard, for example. Use the "coined phrases" as writing prompts or as thoughts to ponder, posted in the classroom. The interactive timeline shows the history of US currency and would work well on an interactive whiteboard or projector. |
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Kids Bank Grade 3 to 6
- Sovereign Bank-
9856
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This site, ideal for elementary students, offers some basic information about money. There are "characters" that teach students: Penny, Interest Ray, Mr. EFT (electronic funds transfer), and others. Each character offers a basic slideshow of information about their topic. There are also interactive quizzes and calculators.
In the Classroom:
This is a nice site to introduce young students to economics. It is ideal for a projector or interactive whiteboard. Have students work in cooperative learning groups and assign each group a "character" to explore. Have the groups create a multi-media presentation to share with the class: video, wiki, blog, PowerPoint, or other. |
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Schwab MoneyWise Grade 9 to 12
- Charles Schwab-
9855
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This is a nice informational site for students, teachers, and parents. Learn about budgeting, saving, and investing. Use the calculators to determine interest, savings, and more. This site has polls, tips, articles of interest, and a link for teachers. At the teachers' link, you will find lesson ideas, true stories of teachers "in the trenches," and other links. There are also downloadable PDF files of teaching guides and student activities.
In the Classroom:
Use the lesson ideas at this site to help your high school students understand economics. Take advantage of the free teaching guides and student worksheets. |
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My Bread: NEFE High School Financial Planning Program Grade 8 to 12
- National Endowment for Financial Education-
9853
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If you are teaching students about the economy, budgeting, debt, or other topics of "money" - don't miss this site! Highlights include seven units of study (Financial Planning, Budgeting, Investing, Good Debt and Bad Debt, and others). You can easily download entire units (PDF files). There are also articles and interactives. The interactives are incredibly useful (although they are called Games). The Games include "Live to Work? Or Work to Live," "Education: Worth It?," "Paper or Plastic," and several others.
Another great feature of this site is that it is also available in Spanish. The site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
There are many ways to incorporate this website into your plans and help your students prepare for their financial futures. Download entire units to use with your class. There are countless activities presented with each unit. An economics class could focus on one new unit each week (or even month). Demonstrate the Games on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students try out the "real life" economics interactives on their own computers. Download (and print) copies of the unit. Have students work in cooperative learning groups to read through the units and complete the activities. |
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Sense and Dollars Grade 6 to 12
- Maryland Public Television-
9848
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Plan your dream job, pretend to live on your own, pay bills, and decide what the "important" extras are at this site. There are links to interactives that help you learn to save, spend, and earn money! You can even plan a “dream prom” budget. Students learn about money and economics as they practice living in the "real world." There is a Teachers' Guide, although it is tricky to find. Click on the GO button and then the Info link. Here you will find a link to a Teachers' Guide and Parents' Guide. The guides provide statistics about students (and adults) knowledge of money, standards, lesson ideas, tutorials, technology tips, and links for more information. You MUST turn off any pop-up blockers to fully access this site!
In the Classroom:
Have students work on individual computers and explore this site. There are many options to print off pages that they complete (for example, the mock budget that they create in Check It Out). Visit the "Teachers' Guide" to get more ideas about how to use this website in your math, social studies, or economics class. |
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Kid's Finance Grade 1 to 6
- kidsfinance.com-
9844
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This simple site offers a basic introduction to money and financing for younger students. The site has two main "characters" Penny and Bill. There is biographical information about various "bills" of money, a matching game, and puzzles. There are printable pages, reference information, and other useful tools. There is a link to purchase a coinciding book; the site is FREE and usable without the book.
In the Classroom:
Get some basic ideas at this site. Everything here is quick and simple. You will want to supplement with other information about the economy and money. |
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Tips for Life Grade 6 to 12
- American Century Investments-
9826
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This site offers "Tips for Life" for students about economics and money. The modules (topics)include "Creating Confidence," "Mastering Information," "Investing In Your Future", and "Managing Your Business." Most of the material is aligned to national standards. This comprehensive program places students in "real-life" situations in the world of business, money, and finance. There is a section for teachers and students. The teacher section allows teachers to enroll students, view progress, determine score, and much more. Don't miss the Teacher's Guide: introduction, classroom ideas, details about the modules, and more.
Be warned: to register you must give full demographic information to gain free access. If your school prohibits this, you may want to create some generic student accounts, or register at home. Even if you only register as a teacher and do not keep track of student progress, you can still gain many valuable teaching ideas from the modules. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Take advantage of the many free resource ideas at this site. Share sample activities on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students work in groups to complete one of the many "real life" projects provided in the learning modules. Bring some technology into the lessons, by having the groups complete a multi-media project about their "real life" assignment: video, blog, wiki, or even a PowerPoint presentation. |
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Tips For Kids Grade 4 to 12
- American Century Investments-
9825
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This site features many modules (similar to lesson plans) in PDF format all related to money and economics. You can download the ENTIRE curriculum FREE! Each module includes four units of study. Module topics include Business Building, Mastering Finance, Economic Encounters, and Money & Me. There are also links to articles about finance (What is a Bond, Risk and Return, and others). At the "Resources" link there are four interesting calculators: Dollar Cost Averaging, Expected After-Tax Return, Staying Ahead of Inflation, and Time Value. Even though the stated grade levels go up through middle school, many of these could also be used with high school business, econ, or “life after high school” classes. This site does require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
The activities at this site are ready to go, printable, and easy to follow. Although this site isn't highly interactive, the lessons are very practical and timely. Tie together your social studies, current events, and math classes with a unit found at this site. |
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The Mint: Fun Financial Literacy Activities for Kids, Teens, Parents and Teachers Grade 6 to 12
- Northwestern Mutual Foundation-
9727
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Economics and the stock market have taken center stage since the crises of 2008. This site provides a nice overview of the world of personal investment including sections on earning, saving, spending, investing, giving, owing, safeguarding, and tracking. There are also a number of interactive features that can provide insight into the student's attitudes toward money. Online calculators help students understand how finance charges affect the "bottom line" for purchases bought on credit, and how saving in interest-bearing accounts can increase assets. The "Ideas for Teachers" link includes lesson plans and other tips for using the site in an educational setting. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
This site provides some great tools for use by students in a personal finance or "Real World" class, as well as information to supplement a discussion of economics or current events. You could also use it as a real world application of many math concepts or team teach middle school math and social studies together. Consider assigning the interactive quizzes as independent work, and using the topical overviews to accompany a lecture or class discussion. One drawback: the "sounds" that accompany mousing over your choices are very distracting. Consider turning down the sound (or hitting mute) on your computer if you use this site on an interactive whiteboard. Challenge students to write “financial” blogs offering advice, based on the information learned at this site. Or assign them to demonstrate competence with concepts such as per cent and interest by creating a financial advice column for a student online newspaper. |
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All of Inflation's Little Parts Grade 7 to 12
- The New York Times-
9292
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As the saying goes, "It's the economy, stupid." The US economy continues to be an important talking point. Some report that the country is already slipping into recession, but what does that mean? This graphic, designed by the New York Times, is the kind of visual presentation that can really help put this discussion into perspective. Presented as an amped-up version of the traditional pie chart, the chart shows what percentage of the average consumer's spending is devoted to everything from cable TV to gas to fast food to postage. The graphic also shows the relative increase or decrease in that cost over the past year. For example, students may enjoy seeing the comparison between money spent on men's clothing versus that spent on women's clothing, with additional comparative data on shoes, accessories, and children's clothes! This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
This relatively simple graphic has a very wide variety of possible applications. If you teach personal finance and budgeting, students can use this chart to compare the average American's spending with their own. If you teach economics, the fact that the items that have increased the most in the past year are gasoline, fuel oil, firewood, and eggs (OK, eggs?) will bear out the impact of the rise in the cost of crude oil and the chaos in the middle east. If you teach civics or government, you can show how the changes in the economy affect what citizens want from their politicians. If you teach math, the graphic's real-life data could be used as a basis for computation and problem solving. Because it's Flash-enabled, the "mouse over" effects and the ability to zoom in and out to see greater detail (how much does the average American spends on ham versus turkey? It's on there!). This site would work well on an interactive whiteboard or projector. |
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Finance Freak Grade 6 to 12
- Coolmath.com-
8517
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This website demonstrates the basics of finance for teenagers. There are seven general topics. The first topic is the basics of banking (types of banks and accounts, how banks work, etc..). The second is the math of money (compound interest, annuities and more). The third is all about owing money (such as credit cards or student loans). The fourth topic is credit ratings. The fifth topic is all about investing (stocks, mutual funds, bonds, CDs and others are all included). The sixth topic (probably a student-favorite) is learning how to be smart and rich (spend wisely and plan for the future). The seventh area provides financial calculators for a mortgage, a car, investments, and more!
This curricular content may match up with your math, FCS, economics, social studies, careers, or business classes. Students (and adults) can all learn more about financial options at this fabulous website. Do your students a favor and teach them these "real-life" skills today. Portions of this site require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share the aspects of the site that fit your curriculum on laptops or an interactive whiteboard (or projector) as you assign students to make their own financial plans or learn about compounding interest. Assign them mini-scavenger hunt activities within this site to learn basic financial survival. Be sure to share the link on your teacher web page, as well, since the content will surely interest your eager spenders to visit on their own outside of class, as well. |
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Visual Explanation of US Financial Crisis Grade 6 to 12
- Say It Visually-
7997
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Use this short video (4-minutes) to help explain the U.S. Financial situation of 2008-2009. The video highlights how economics work, for example, how a mortgage loan helps both the consumer and banks or how investing works. The video is easy to understand and very informative. The graphics are phenomenal and really increase the value of the video. Subtitles are available in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Marathi, and Portuguese so even your ESL/ELL students can understand it. Unfortunately, there is no way to increase the size of the video window. But, it is plenty large enough to display on your projector or interactive whiteboard. The video requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share this video on your interactive whiteboard or projector. It will run more smoothly on your classroom machine after it has downloaded into your “cache” the first time you play it. If you are teaching economics, current events, family and consumer science, business, or math, be sure to share this short but informative video. Have cooperative learning groups keep a list of the topics discussed on this short video. Have each group investigate one of the topics in more depth. Have the groups create a multimedia project such as a video or draw simple diagrams to explain it on interactive whiteboard. Share student-made videos on a site such as SchoolTube (reviewed here). |
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Video: Investing Money in Plain English Grade 4 to 12
- Common Craft-
7721
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This site offers a short video (4-minutes) focusing on investing money. Learn about the stock market, savings, and basic economics. The site explains the risks and benefits of investing and saving money. There is a link provided to embed the video. The site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share this video with your students on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Have cooperative learning groups research other aspects of economics or business and create their own videos. Share the videos on Teachertube (explained here). |
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Economic Education Web Grade K to 12
- University of Omaha-
4814
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Although this site is "plain vanilla," we seldom see anything as useful as this one. The site contains an extensive collection of standards-correlated lesson plans for teaching principles of economics at all K-12 levels. The content is drawn from a variety of sources, and some of the presentations are in the form of printable PDF files. While a number of the lessons and resources are centered on standards in Nebraska, there are correlations to national standards, and most of the material could be used elsewhere, sometimes with minor adaptations. This is one that every social studies or economics teacher should see.
Examples of topics for the K-5 students include Shortages and Surpluses, Consumers/Consumption, Functions of Money, and countless others. Grade 6-8 topics include Role of the Government, Unemployment, Economic Growth, and many others. Some of the higher level topics for grades 9-12 include Circular Flow, Market Failures, Federal Reserve, and much more! Many of the topics include more than one lesson plan or classroom activity. A few of the topics are "under construction" as new material is constantly added. Some of the printables require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Take advantage of these ready to go lesson plans at all grade levels. Anyone who teachers social studies or economics can easily find an appropriate lesson plan (linked to standards). Use these lessons to help students understand the economy, learn new vocabulary words, and deepen their understanding on money. |
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Bank Rate Grade 6 to 12
- bankrate.com-
3271
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This simple site provides a calculator to figure out how long it will take for you to pay off credit card debt. They ask a few simple questions (how much you owe, what percentage rate your card has, current monthly payments, etc). Then they present you with WHEN your debt will be paid in full and how much interest will cost you during that time.
In the Classroom:
If your students are starting to use credit cards, share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. |
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Practical Money Skills Grade 4 to 12
- Practical Money Skills for Life-
2926
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This site offers lots of information on money management for students of all ages. Click on the At School link to to find curriculum ideas, classroom resources, student activities, games, and more. Some links of particular interest include the curriculum links to activities (and lesson plans). Another great one for high school students is Financial Football (find it under the student activities section).
To gain full access to some of the activities (i.e. lesson plans), you do need to register (this requires an email address). But most of the site is fully accessible with no registration. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
There are countless options and ideas about how to use this site in your classroom. Share the interactives on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Take advantage of the FREE lesson plans to teach your students about money and the economy. |
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Video: Borrowing Money in Plain English Grade 5 to 12
- Common Craft-
2844
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This short video demonstrates the risks, benefits, and realities of borrowing money. The video offers simple pictures to explain the complex topics. There is a link provided to embed the video. The site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share this video with your students on an interactive whiteboard or projector or embed it in your class web page or wiki during your unit on credit or percent. Have cooperative learning groups research other aspects of savings, borrowing, or economics and create their own videos. Share the videos on Teachertube (explained here). |
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Consumer Jungle Grade 9 to 12
- -
2077
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This is a well-structured site targeted to students and teachers, with separate sections for each. The topics include common encounters with credit, financial planning, and budgets that young people are likely to encounter as they complete high school. The presentation is interesting without preaching, though teachers will need to bolster the thin lesson outlines if they use them. There is also a list of 50 Common Financial Pitfalls. There is a neat Money Skills Life Simulation. In addition, students can click to learn about the "Fraud of the Month." Most of these topics include a PowerPoint presentation and brief lesson plan. This could be a good start for a simulation or class activity. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share various portions of this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have students try the simulation on their own. Did they reach their financial goals? The Fraud of the Month would be a good way to share a new topic (about money and the economy) each week. There are at least twenty that are ready to go from previous months. Be sure to visit the Teachers link. You do NOT have to join to use this fabulous tool. |
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Young Investor Grade K to 12
- Columbia Management-
1714
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If you are looking for a new way to teach your student about money and the economy...check out this gem! This site has articles and interactives for students of all ages (preK-grade 12). Some of the younger grades have only one or two activities, while upper elementary through high school have a wide choice of both articles and interactives. Topic examples include Budgeting, Sharing Your Money With Others, Understanding the Stock Market, and MANY others. There are links for teachers, parents, and students. Some of the activities require ShockWave, Flash, or Adobe Acrobat. You can get these from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share the articles or interactives on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Have cooperative learning groups investigate a specific topic or article together. Then have them create a project, such as an online book using Tikotok (reviewed here) or a wiki “guide” their topic for their peers to follow.
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Welcome to Planet Orange Grade 4 to 8
- ING Direct-
1472
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This site is truly a MUST-SEE for anyone teaching economics and finance. In today’s world, everyone could use a better understanding of this complex topic. Some of the highlights of the site include interactives explaining countless topics of "money," links for teachers with 20+ lesson plans, classroom ideas, links for parents, and more.
To begin your adventure, choose your student guide, Cedric or Amy. They will take you on a tour of the four continents on Planet Orange: Republic of Saving, Moneyland, Investor Islands, and South Spending. Each continent includes interactives, information, and an online quiz.
Teachers, be sure to visit the Teacher Resource Center. The center includes lesson plans, printable pages, "Certificate of Achievement" to print for students, answer keys, curriculum matrix, and more. Using the Teacher Resource Center requires registering with the website. Registration is FREE but does require some demographic information and an email address. Students DO NOT need to register to use the student portion of the site. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
As a teacher, the best place to begin the adventure is the Teacher Resource Center. Although this feature does require registration, it is well worth your time. The ideas at this site are simply to use, in "kid-friendly terms," and ready to go. Since there are four continents at Planet Orange, why not divide your class into four teams. Have each team explore one of the continents and prepare a video sharing what they have learned. Share the videos on TeacherTube (explained here). |
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Video: Saving Money in Plain English Grade 4 to 12
- Common Craft-
887
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This site offers a short introductory video about savings. Learn the basics of savings, compound interest, and how money continues to grow over time. There is a link provided to embed the video. The site require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share this video with your students on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Have cooperative learning groups research other aspects of economics and create their own videos. Include this video as you teach about interest in math class, then have students create a video advertisement for a savings program. Share the videos on Teachertube (explained here). |
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Understanding Economics and Money:
