Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Education
Popcorn Economics
Scarcity of resources is a fundamental economics concepts that kids need to understand. You'll use a large bag of popcorn to demonstrate this concept. Have the class come up row-by-row to fill their snack bags with popcorn. By...
Carolina K-12
Comparing Economic Systems
How do people make decisions in a world where wants are unlimited but resources are not? How do individuals and governments utilize scarce resources (human, natural, and capital) in different economic systems? Introduce your learners to...
Curated OER
Economic Goals and Measuring Activity
Explore the role of government in the economy market. Young scholars analyze the economic decision-making process and how it takes into consideration additional cost, benefits, and public awareness of what they are trying to accomplish....
Carolina K-12
Factors of Production and Economic Decision-Making
Class members begin this engaging economics activity by listing all the resources used in producing a car and using that example to draw parallels to the four primary factors of production: capital goods, labor, natural resources, and...
Curated OER
Economics during the Civil War
Students synthesize the concepts of scarcity, supply, and demand, pertaining to the Civil War time period. For this economics lesson, students gain understanding of economic terms through read-alouds, Venn diagrams, (comparing lifestyles...
University of Texas
Scarcity
How can having too little of something impact your life? Scholars investigate the concept of scarcity in their own lives and in the overall picture of the economy. Brainstorming activities as well as student-parent work bring to light...
Education Fund
Fear the Scarce Resources
In a life or death situation, what resources would you choose to survive—and why? A zombie attack simulation teaches learners the concepts of scarcity and resources in regards to economics. The hands-on activity requires individuals to...
Federal Reserve Bank
Monster Musical Chairs and Scarcity
Why can't we have everything we want? Youngsters are introduced to the concept of scarcity through a game of musical chairs and by discussing what it takes to satisfy our wants.
Curated OER
Introduction to Economics
Students discover the basic economic problem: scarcity; examine how "there is no such thing as a free lunch" (opportunity costs); and define economics. They act out a play demonstrating basic economic principles.
Curated OER
Econ in a Bag
Here is a nice idea, have your young entrepeneurs form their own companies. Each company is given a paper bad to locate and place resources in that they can use to create products their businesses sell on Sale Day. They identify and...
Curated OER
Scarcity of Water Throughout the World
Students identify the various forms of fresh water on the earth. They observe a demonstration aand read articles that show them the importance of water conservation. They write a journal about their opinion regarding paying for water.
Curated OER
Chapter 2: The Economizing Problem
It doesn't take a lecture on economics to convince teenagers that one's wants often exceed one's means, but this presentation will hopefully help them to understand the discrepancy. Using an example of pizza and robot arms, the slides...
Curated OER
Scarcity, Choice and Decisions
Students study the basic economic trilogy (scarcity, choice, and costs). In this money management lesson, students use a scenario of a High School Prom to calculate how scarcity, choice and cost apply by completing provided worksheets...
Curated OER
Economics
Fourth graders study the effects of economics in their daily life. In this economics instructional activity, 4th graders construct a list of wants and needs if they had an unlimited supply of money. Students discuss how economics help...
Curated OER
Economics Unit I - The Basics
Twelfth graders access how scarcity requires individuals and institutions to make choices about how to use available resources. They explore the characteristics of different economic systems and institutions. Student are able to describe...
Curated OER
The Game of Business
Young scholars practice the economic concepts of scarcity and opportunity cost. They imagine creating their own businesses and brainstorm what they need to know in order to determine when the business is profitable.
Curated OER
Popcorn Economics
Students examine the concept of scarcity. In this economics lesson, students define scarcity and take part in an activity that illustrates the concept as it relates to goods and services.
Curated OER
Scarcity and Opportunity Cost - To Choose Is To Refuse
Students are introduced to scarcity and opportunity costs. They discuss how different societies allocate their resources differently based on their needs. Illustrating trade offs, they create a production possibility frontier. They...
Curated OER
Scarcity and Choice
Students participate in a role play as producers of two goods, allowing students to experience scarcity. They make choices about using their scarce resource to produce both or one of two goods. Then they construct...
Curated OER
What is Economics?
Pupils define economics; Explain the importance and process of making economic choices and decisions; Identify the factors of Production; Determine the goal of entrepreneurship. Students identify and describe the difficulties associated...
Curated OER
Scarcity and Choices
First graders gain an understanding of the scarcity of resources and how it affects the choices that we make in our everyday lives. Students will participate in a variety of activities such as literature analysis, shopping, journal...
Curated OER
Economic Decisions
Students practice decision-making skills by planning vacation, including all proposed expenses. Students distinguish between needs and wants, identify difference between goods and services, and describe economic resources used in...
Curated OER
What is Economics? An Economic Board Game
Students learn the fundamental concepts of economics as it relates to government.
Curated OER
Location of Resources in Early Civilizations
Sixth graders define scarcity and opportunity costs.