This paper, written by the research historian with the Elementary Economics Project, focuses upon the experience of that project in its attempts to develop new curriculum materials for pupils and teachers. The major point of the project is to integrate history, economics, and geography within multimedia units or modules which can be used…

There is a growing awareness of the need to include economics as a subject in the elementary school curriculum. This research project directed by the Industrial Relations Center of The University of Chicago demonstrates that variable economic understanding in students occurs at each socioeconomic status (SES) level. Included in the study is an…

Objectives of this educational research conducted in 1969-70 to determine if two categories of variables, socioeconomic level and location (rural, suburban, or urban), affect 6th and 7th grade students in their: 1) acquired economic knowledge; and 2) ability to gain knowledge from an economic program. Classes and teachers were randomly selected…

Describes a student teacher's experiences using a classroom simulation to teach fifth graders about the world of work. Summarizes the economic concepts and principles that were illustrated through the simulation of a candy factory. Discusses student activities and reporting in the five-six day lesson and includes a list of resources for teaching…

Contends that the biggest gains in student understanding of economic principles are made in formal economics courses. Reports on an analysis of data from three national tests of economic knowledge. Finds that a formal course or an extensive economics unit leads to larger gains in student achievement. (CFR)

The Card Connection: Business for Children project gives East Harlem elementary school children an understanding of economics. This greeting card business teaches math and communication skills, interview techniques, basic economics concepts, and salesmanship. Requirements include a minimal initial investment for materials and supplies, an…

Conceptions of 50 third graders (aged 8-9 years) in Italy about shopkeepers' profit were examined using the Piagetian clinical procedure, with an interview followed by a comparison task that checked comprehension. Teaching children about profit had a higher impact at posttest on children who could compare correctly. (SLD)

Through the first-hand experiences gained from out-of-school visits in which they observe and talk with adults in the workplace, and through gaining elementary rules of exchange via classroom simulations, young children can develop a rudimentary understanding of the complexities of commerce and trade. (MDM)

Reviews some issues which arise when interviewing young children about adult work, and describes the procedures followed in and some of the initial findings of a study of three- to eight-year-old London children's attitudes and understandings of their parents' work. (MDM)

Discusses a study of the content of elementary social studies textbooks. Reports that geographic and economic concepts predominated in textbooks written for first through fourth graders although publishers differed over which concepts were most important. Concludes that the books offer little opportunity to review and expand upon concepts over…

Forty-seven elementary school teachers, librarians, curriculum specialists, and administrators participated in a research oriented education course that consisted of 15 television programs designed to help elementary school teachers and students analyze and understand economic concepts. Teachers also: (1) viewed programs with students; (2) used a…

This report is the second part of a continuing effort to evaluate the economic content and related teaching strategies of new social studies textbook series used in the elementary grades. The following five textbook series are examined: (1) The World of Mankind (Follett); (2) The Ginn Social Science Series; (3) Our Family of Man (Harper and Row);…

Activities for grades 4, 5, 6, and junior high acquaint students with consumer and economic problems, particularly how people spend money and methods used in advertising. The guide opens with a vocabulary list. Then, five objectives, using hypothetical situations, introduce the student to the decisions involved in spending money wisely. For…

Unit three of the third grade level of the FICSS series (Focus on Inner City Social Studies -- SO 008 271) continues the study of some of the major social institutions which affect students' lives. The unit focuses specifically on the local business community. The ways in which businesses get started, the kinds of local businesses, some problems…

This book presents a variety of social studies activities for elementary students. The activities are divided into broad social science disciplines but can be adapted to an interdisciplinary format. The activities are wide-ranging in ability level and complexity but can be modified to fit any teaching need. Each activity follows the same format…