The purpose of these units are: 1) to teach social science concepts using aviation as a vehicle to create interest and provide a meaningful context; 2) to facilitate skilled development through varied learning experiences which meet the individual needs of the students; 3) to provide learning experiences which build upon previous knowledge; 4) to…

Looks at the way community interaction with students developed from the "The McWhorter Book" project at McWhorter Elementary School (Lubbock, Texas). States that the project was designed to respond to drop-out problems. Preparing advertisements for local businesses helped students develop a deeper understanding of the community and of…

Reports on a study of learning achievement in economics among five groups of third-grade students using the videotape instructional program, "Econ and Me." Finds that, although students achieved some level of content mastery, the overall results were not as dramatic as had been expected. Calls for further research into transfer of…

Explains that technology allows teachers access to instructional materials for teaching economic concepts in the elementary classroom. Describes "Virtual Economics: An Interactive Center for Economics Education" that is a multimedia resource CD-ROM consisting of a center for economic education and a resource library and provides four web…

Describes the "Teaching and Learning Website Seminar" held at Ball State University (Indiana) that encourages teachers to review state and national economics content standards and to use technology to augment economics lessons. Provides an example of an online lesson plan created at the seminar called "Why Do Some Beanie Babies Cost…

This study evaluates the Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary School (USMES) curriculum developed by the Education Development Center in Massachusetts. Effects of using USMES materials on students' economic understanding, attitudes, and problem-solving ability were explored. The research also examined the simultaneous relationship…

Children's stories provide a valuable resource for teaching economic ideas and provide opportunities for young people to relate their experiences to the economic world. The Center for Economic Education at St. Cloud State University has compiled a bibliography of children's stories to assist teachers and librarians in selecting stories for the…

This report in the National Education Association's "Developments in Classroom Instruction" series presents seven detailed descriptions of models for elementary-level classroom learning centers. It presents lists of materials, suggestions for the placement of equipment, study plans, and evaluation guides for learning centers in a variety of…

As part of the second grade curriculum of introductory economics, this unit of the Focus on Inner City Social Studies (FICSS) series (See SO 008 271) explores housing and communities. The unit is an active study in which children explore and probe into community conditions. They experiment with methods of improving their own environment and…

Basic economic concepts appropriate for the second grade are elaborated in this guide which is intended to be used for enrichment of an existing social studies program. Numerous supporting ideas are used to develop an understanding of the following fundamental concepts: 1) people in a community need goods and services; 2) someone must produce the…

Asserts that the Developmental Economic Education Program (DEEP) is a model for curriculum change. Describes the process and content of the DEEP teacher education and curriculum development program. Presents a case study of a DEEP project involving one Indiana school district. (CFR)

Provides a lesson that integrates economics, mathematics, history, and language arts through a common interest of all elementary students: candy. Explains that the students managed and shopped at three classroom candy stores while learning economics concepts, such as supply and demand and the relationship of price to buying decisions. (CMK)

Intended for use by teachers in elementary and junior high schools, this booklet offers ten classroom activities to create a community microcosm which would enable students to develop awareness of career opportunities and of community values and priorities. As a lead-in exercise, lesson 1 suggests two films for the class to view and discuss.…

This document briefly introduces and describes the administration of the Elementary School Economics (ESE) program, discusses program objectives, suggests ways to integrate ESE into social studies curriculum, and evaluates the program's effectiveness. In 1960 the Industrial Relations Center at the University of Chicago initiated the ESE program to…

This guide is organized around fundamental economic concepts which are applied to particular themes in United States history. The concepts deal with such things as availability and use of resources, division of labor, trade, and are illustrated through the following situations: 1) Indians of the Pacific Northwest; 2) explorers, fur traders, and…