Sample problems concerning energy consumption and conservation with air conditioners, electric ranges, refrigerators and televisions are provided. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also discussed. (CP)

Discusses methods that can be used to encourage students to use chemical principles to evaluate claims made in advertising. Considers weight loss diets, structure and properties, and reproducibility of evidence. (CW)

Analyzes the content and images presented in textbooks used to teach English as a second language to adults during two different periods: just after World War I and the present. During the first time period the researchers found that concerns of citizenship were critical; in the present, concerns over consumerism are dominant. Includes a table and…

The author, a Boston television consumer news reporter, describes her work and shares with home economics teachers two video scripts she has used on news broadcasts. Students may produce these two presentations and then be encouraged to conduct their own investigations and report them through closed-circuit television. (AJ)

This comprehensive educational curriculum aims to teach adults about federal income taxes and the role of taxes in the economy. The unit provides the tools, lessons, and activities to teach information about taxes and tax forms. The lessons build upon each other. Two instructional modules can be used separately as workshop topics, integrated into…

Background information, learning activities, and educational resources for a lesson unit on food additives is provided. Advantages and disadvantages of additives are discussed. (PP)

The mathematical nature of the product barcode that now appears on many supermarket goods is discussed. Particular attention is given to the nature and formula of a "check digit" used to verify that product numbers are correctly scanned. Several possible student activities related to this code and others are suggested. (MP)

The purchaser of wooden play equipment should check a variety of manufacturers before selecting a specific brand. The "Value Comparison Method" of purchasing playground equipment allows the consumer to make a valid comparison of many types of equipment. (JN)

Suggests consumer economic activities which can help elementary and secondary social studies students understand how to make wise consumer decisions. Also presents a directory of organizations and activities which distribute free materials related to the activities. (Author/DB)

This article describes how classroom discussion and field trips can be used to teach students with disabilities to engage in comparative shopping and informed choice making when they dine in fast food restaurants. (JDD)

Reports on a comparative study of two fifth-grade classes (Louisville, Kentucky) whose members learned economic principles through the establishment of a classroom grocery store. Provides a review of the literature relating to economic education and simulations, discusses the actual classroom instruction, and describes the instrument used to…

Describes a consumer science fair to help students develop problem-solving skills and become savvy consumers. (MKR)

This booklet of teacher-developed and teacher-tested activities and strategies draws upon the curriculum areas of language arts, mathematics and social studies. Though prepared for fourth, fifth and sixth grade students, the material is adaptable for primary grades and can be used for group activities or as individual task cards. Activity sheets…

This instructional unit is intended to inform students about the coins and paper money used by U.S. citizens to conduct daily financial transactions. The unit is designed to supplement the teacher's regularly assigned materials in economics. The booklet provides a brief study of currency in the United States. It is intended to serve as the basic…

Information about the money most likely used by elementary school students in their transactions is presented in a four-part series. The unit is designed to supplement the teacher's regularly assigned materials in economics education. Each successive part presumes some incremental educational experience by the students. Part 1 includes lessons on…