Printable Copy: The Economics Classroom: A Workshop for Grade 9-12 Teachers

A video workshop for high school teachers; 8 one-hour video programs, workshop guide, and Web site; graduate credit available

Now on DVD

This video workshop for teachers provides a solid foundation for teaching the concepts covered in high school economics courses. Topics range from personal finance to global economic theories. In addition to defining economics concepts and outlining modern economic theory, the programs review the national standards for economics education and provide effective lesson plans and classroom strategies. The video programs also feature unscripted footage of diverse economics classrooms, interspersed with reflections by teachers and students. The accompanying print guide and Web site provide a complete package for the professional development of high school economics and social studies teachers.

Produced by Pacific Street Films, Inc. 2002.

ISBN: 1-57680-493-3

PURCHASE THIS SERIES
Download

Download: $200.00

DVD

DVD-R - Entire Series and Guide: $220.00

Coordinated Books

Additional Guides: $39.95

Individual Program Descriptions

1. Workshop 1. How Economists Think
This session introduces the workshop with an economist's perspective on everyday transactions. In this session, you will explore the four cornerstones of economic thought: everything has a cost, tradeoffs are necessary, incentives matter, and voluntary trade creates value.

2. Workshop 2. Why Markets Work
This session employs market simulations and exercises to illustrate key concepts of the market — the foundation of economic activity. Special emphasis is given to the interplay of supply and demand. See how supply and demand affect prices, and how prices can work as incentives — positive and negative — for consumers and producers.

3. Workshop 3. The Government's Hand
This session explores the intervention of the government in the free market, with price ceilings (such as rent control), price floors (minimum wage), or social welfare programs. When the government's hand produces surprising or unintended outcomes, economists need to consider the incentives offered, how others will react, and what the inevitable tradeoffs will be.

4. Workshop 4. Learning, Earning, and Saving
Learn basic personal finance and arm students with sound, practical advice to formulate and reach their own financial goals. This session reveals the truth about millionaires, the power of compound interest, and how investment in education pays off. A stock market simulation illustrates investment concepts.

5. Workshop 5. Trading Globally
Explore the global economy — why and how nations trade with one another. Meet some of the major players in the international market and find out how protectionism can have unintended consequences. Topics include where goods come from, absolute and comparative advantage, economies of scale, and international trade organizations and alliances.

6. Workshop 6. The Building Blocks of Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics looks at the economy as a whole, including inflation, recession, unemployment, economic growth, and gross domestic product (GDP). In this session, lectures, simulations, and exercises help explain these great forces and show how they fluctuate.

7. Workshop 7. Monetary and Fiscal Policy
Learn how the government controls demand with fiscal policy - affecting tax and spending - and monetary policy - involving the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and the banking system. See how these policy tools are developed and how they work in practice.

8. Workshop 8. Growth and Entrepreneurship
This session explores how innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish in and enliven a free-market economy. See why the good old days weren't all that good, what entrepreneurs do, and what makes countries richer over time. Discover the tradeoff for innovation.