High schoolers explore economic security at the local and national level during the time period preceding the 2008 presidential election. They fill out surveys on their thoughts and concerns regarding the US economy, and watch a video covering the economic situation in 2008. The instructional activity culminates with a project. Note: This plan was created to address the 2008 US economic climate, but the surveys are not dated. By choosing some current videos, the instructional activity could be effectively adapted to today's economic situation.