This is a comprehensive review of literature related to K-12 economics curriculum spanning 20 years, from 1998-2018. The search for literature revealed 18 articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals and volumes related to social studies and economics education. The study revealed several trends and issues related to K-12 economics…

This article presents findings from an investigation of the treatment of wealth distribution by high school economics textbooks. The eight leading high school economics texts in the United States were examined.

The issues surrounding the federal budget, national debt, and budget deficit are complex, but not beyond the reach of young students. This study finds scant treatment of the federal budget, national debt, and budget deficit in high schools today. It is hardly surprising that high school teachers spend so little time discussing these topics in…

The typical method of presenting supply and demand in high school classes often leaves students with an impression that markets are simple and function effortlessly. In reality, the effectiveness of markets depends on the quality of complex institutions such as private property and property-rights enforcement. Students often do not realize that…

Illustrates how the ideas of classical economists Adam Smith, Thomas Robert Malthus, David Ricardo, and John Stewart Mill are excellent sources for the contemporary social studies teacher. Suggests classroom applications to be used in conjunction with explanation of the economic principles of each of the above-named theorists. (AEM)

Stuart Chase, through his writings, contributed greatly to acquainting the American public with many concepts generally accepted today: social planning to eliminate economic waste, greater government regulation of business, confrontation of technological unemployment, a national approach to social and economic questions at right angles to laissez…

Discusses teaching about the financial market as it relates to family finances, savings, and business. Explains ways of making these relationships clear to students through diagrams, activities, games, and role playing. Suggests questions to focus on that highlight the relationship between the rate of return and the risks involved. (DK)

Economists and educators concerned with promoting economic literacy" in students have relied heavily on teacher training to achieve this end. This essay explores: 1) what it means to know economics and, 2) what a teacher should be able to do to exhibit this knowledge. (Author/JB)

Presents a method of using the Consumer Price Index to give students an understanding of the meanings of price levels in different historical periods. Demonstrates how to figure the actual price of items in the 1920s and 1930s by converting prices to present value. Argues that consumer goods were not cheaper in the past. (DK)

Discusses the advantages of using the stock market to add new dimensions to social studies classes. Suggests that changes in society will make knowledge of financial markets essential for students. Includes two lesson plans with handouts that use the Disney company and changes in the operation of the stock market to capture student interest. (DK)

Fourth and fifth grade students at Bulman Elementary School, Redford, Michigan, learn economics concepts by selling potato chips: company stocks are sold and part of the profit is invested in a student-run bank which has checking accounts and issues monthly statements. (AV)

Presents study results of how children reason about international trade. Explains that open ended questions were posed to students in grades 1-11 asking why nations trade, the benefits of trade, and their understanding of barriers to trade. Concludes that teaching fundamentals of international trade can be introduced as early as grade six. (DK)

A secondary course uses an integrated approach to teach economic analysis through sports. The course takes a microeconomic look at one segment of the national economy, providing an in-depth analysis of the American sport scene through the eyes of an economist. Evaluation techniques are discussed and a reprint of the course outline is provided.…

Presents results of a study to determine the effectiveness of the Stock Market Game in contributing to students' learning about financial markets. Suggests that the biggest advantage of the game it its ability to motivate students. Includes the test that was used by the study to determine how much the students had learned. (DK)