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Economic Connections |
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Educational services promoting economic and personal finance literacy |
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sample Workshops: GRAdes 6-12 Economics On-line. A
look at favorite web sites offering lesson plans, research data, student
activities and information that address the K-12 economics components of the
Michigan Curriculum Framework. Participants will be given time to go online
and find sites that support their specific subject area. (Grades 3-12
teachers) Time: 2-4 hours. Secondary Economics: A to Z. Teaching economics can be fun! Participants in this workshop
will be given an overview of economics concepts outlined in the Michigan’s
Core Social Studies Curriculum with an emphasis on the middle and high school
benchmarks. Everyone leaves with lessons,
worksheets and other materials that specifically address the state economic
standards. Special attention will be given to how economics connects with
geography, civics and U.S. history. An outline of the program is provided
below. (Grade 6-12 teachers) Time: 12-16 hours
ü Financial Planning ü Starting a Business ü Sharing our Resources ü The Economic Roles of Government ü Economic Indicators ü Other Economic Institutions ü International Trade ü Economic Development Economics in the Middle. A
session similar to the Secondary Economics: A to Z program but focused
specifically on the middle school grades and benchmarks. (Grade 6-8
teachers) Time 12-16 hours. Getting Tech Smart. A workshop designed to take the
mystery out of using cyberspace as a learning tool. In a computer laboratory, teachers move through a series of
activities integrating social studies content with the development of
computer skills. Tailored to the participants needs and interests, sample
topics covered include: ü
Conducting web searches. ü
Using Microsoft Word to create web pages—no need to
learn html ü
Designing Web Quests and other online activities
for students ü Using
clip art in handouts and web page design Alphabet Soup: GDP, CPI and other Economic Measures. An
introduction to the statistics you get on the evening news: GDP, CPI, Prime
Rate, the unemployment rate, the Dow and more. What do the numbers mean and
how do they affect people’s everyday lives? Lesson ideas and internet sites
to help students understand economic indicators and assess their accuracy. (Grades
6-12 teachers) Time: 2-4 hours Fast Food Economics. Every kid knows about
fast foods -- build on their interest and teach economics! With this theme
approach, learn how to increase productivity by making play dough hamburgers.
Use the “Big Mac index” to illustrate the value of international currency.
Research via the internet the entrepreneurs who built fast food franchises
such as McDonald’s and Subway. (Grade 2-12 teachers) Time: 2-4 hours.
Marco Polo:
Internet Content for Classroom. In this hands on workshop, participants are introduced to
Marco Polo, an Internet resource for grades K-12 created by the MCI Worldcom
Foundation in partnership with the nation’s leading educational
organizations. This free web site offers links and lesson ideas for
economics, geography, history, art, science, mathematics among other
disciplines. Materials on the site have been screened for objectivity and
appropriateness. Educators will also be given tips and strategies for
integrating Internet content into their classroom. (Grades 3-12 teachers) Time: 2-4 hours. Trade Around the World. This session focuses on international trade concepts and issues found in the state standards and benchmarks—specifically the benefits of trade, trade organizations, and barriers to trade. Participants will be actively involved in learning activities that can be used in the classroom at a wide spectrum of grade levels. Those who attend will also be given a bibliography of lesson materials and web sites that can support a curriculum with an international focus. For those seeking on-line learning activities for students, suggestions for appropriate web sites will also be provided. (Grades 6-12) Time: 4-8 hours. U.S. History: An Economic Perspective. How an economics perspective can enhance the U.S. History curriculum and strengthen student understanding of basic economic concepts. Educators will be introduced to a wealth of curriculum, print reference materials and web sites that can help inject economics into U.S. History classes. (Grades 4-12) Time: 4-16 hours. |
