High school transcript data were used in this study to estimate the percentage of high school graduates who complete an economics course, and to examine course-taking trends in economics from 1982 to 2009. In 2009, 58 percent of high school graduates took an economics course, up from about 45 percent from 1990 to 2005. The increases in economics…

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…

Podcasting remains one of the hot "buzz words" in technology today--both in and out of schools. For high school economics teachers, there is a growing number of podcasts targeted for instruction on economics. While the podcasts can be useful resources for teachers trying to enhance students' economic thinking, they are not produced…

This introductory lesson on teaching economics concepts contains sections on the following: purpose; objectives; time; materials needed; and step-by-step classroom procedures. The focus is on the economic problem of scarcity and opportunity costs. Attached is an original skit, "There's no such thing as a free lunch," and a chart that…

This lesson plan offers students the opportunity to participate in the three basic economic systems (market, command, and tradition). By working in each of the systems, students will internalize the fundamental values present in each system and will gain insights into the basic advantages and disadvantages of each system. The lesson plan provides…

This lesson plan features a classroom simulation that helps students understand a command economic system. The lesson plan states a purpose; gives student educational objectives; suggests a time duration for the activity; lists materials needed; and outlines a step-by-step teaching procedure. Instructions for a research and writing homework…

Bringing mathematics and economics together to connect them in students' minds gives students very important skills they can use in their lives. This book is intended for high school mathematics teachers, with lessons designed to reinforce the mathematics concepts and processes taught by using examples from economics. The book consists of 15…

Reports a study designed to measure the effectiveness of teaching and learning major economic concepts and concept clusters in high school. Includes findings on student attitudes toward the subject of economics and toward economic issues. (BSR)

This teacher's guide is part of a 2-volume set presenting economic reasoning as it might be taught and practiced in secondary school classrooms. The book explains and illustrates a particular approach to reasoning and shows students how to use this approach to think about problems and to imagine solutions. Thirty-five mysteries (problems) are…

Presents the concepts of spot, forward, and futures markets, term structure, and arbitrage within the framework of an apartment complex in which each unit is a perfect substitute for every other. Attempts to illustrate how real markets work by describing the above concepts in terms of the market for apartments. (GEA)

This lesson plan, a simulation which can be a semester-long activity, illustrates numerous economic concepts to students of all abilities. The lesson's system has been used successfully for the past five years in English as a Second Language, regular, and Advanced Placement classes. The "system" has proven to be enjoyable, motivating,…

This study assessed the opinions of four consumer-related organizations as to the importance of basic economic concepts for high school graduates. A considerable difference of opinion was found in the ranking of these concepts by consumer experts and economics educators. (SK)

Suggests that instructors teach the U.S. Catholic bishops' pastoral on economics by confronting today's moral confusion directly to promote values clarification. Reviews the historical causes of today's value conflicts, discusses the bishops' suggestions for resolving them, and offers assignments to help students clarify their own values. (DMM)

Knowledge of economic concepts and ideas and an ability to apply basic economic analysis to solve everyday problems are necessary for individuals to function as productive members of society. This framework is designed to assess the outcomes of student education in and understanding of economics in grade 12 as part of the National Assessment of…

This lesson plan gives students a hands-on understanding of a price index, how it is composed, what it is used for, and some of its limitations. Students then can make the connection to some of the popular price indices such as the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index. The lesson states a purpose; cites learning objectives; suggests…