Federal Reserve Bank
Quantitative Easing Explained
Dig deeper into the financial crisis of 2008 in the United States and actions taken by the federal government, including the bailouts and purchase of institutions as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to bolster financial market conditions.
Federal Reserve Bank
The Output Gap: A‘Potentially’ Unreliable Measure of Economic Health?
How can we accurately estimate what the economy should produce now and in the future? Have your pupils tackle this question as they learn about real versus potential GDP and as they review data regarding the output gap in the United States.
Federal Reserve Bank
Financial Regulation: A Primer on the Dodd-Frank Act
Get the lowdown on the most sweeping financial regulatory reform since the Great Depression: the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.
The White House
The White House: Recovery, Your Money at Work
Explains to everyone what the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is meant to do, track the spending associated with the act, and provide accountability for the act.
PBS
Frontline: Inside the Meltdown
A fascinating report complete with interviews of those closest to the matter, videos, etc. regarding the 2008-2009 economic crisis is provided by Frontline.
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour Extra: Obama Outlines Economic Plan in Address to Congress
President Obama addresses Congress with his plan for the economy following his signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Teachers and leaders can utilize the discussion questions provided. February 25, 2009
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour Extra: u.s. Economy's Troubles Hurt Alternative Energy Plans
Because of recession and the costs of gas on the decline, many worry that the search for new forms of energy will be put on hold. Read and discuss as a class these concerns. October 24, 2008
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour Extra: Plans Change Dramatically for u.s. Financial Bailout
Students and educators can deepen their knowledge of the bank bailout in the US and how it should be used to stimulate the economy and get businesses back up and running through these activities and lesson plan. November 14, 2008
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: American Automobile Industry Seeks Rescue Plan to Survive
The major automobile companies in the U.S. need to stabilize themselves in this hurting economy. Learn more about it and share discussion questions as a class. December 12, 2008
Other
Reuters: Ben Bernanke's Speech on the Financial Crisis
A solid "state of the economic crisis" speech by Bernanke that outlines the reasons for the crisis as well as possible U.S. policy responses. 1/13/09
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Obama Pledges to Halve Deficit, Asks Governors Spend Responsibly
Read and watch President Obama's pledge to cut the U.S. deficit in half by the end of his first term in office by asking governors to spend their stimulus money responsibly.
The Balance
The Balance: Savings and Loans, S&l History and Operation
Savings and Loans are specialized banks which support home ownership in communities. Modern banking laws have changed to role of savings and loans, as this article explains.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Economy for Kids
Hearing about the economy can be scary, especially when you don't know what it all means. Scholastic provides a glossary of economic terms, explanations about the problems facing the U.S., and ways to actually spend less in our own lives.
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour Extra: u.s. Economy Officially in a Recession
The verdict is in and the U.S. is in a recession. Find a succinct explanation of the 2008 recession and backtrack to the Great Depression. Follow up with discussion questions and a lesson plan complete with a glossary of terms. December...
University of Michigan
U. Of Michigan: Anatomy of an Economic Meltdown
A panel of professors seeks out the history and causes of the 2008 financial crisis. Fixes and recovery signals are also discussed.