A "shop-around" activity for German classroom communicative practice is described. The exercise is a reasoning-gap activity in which the students seek out specific items or use a shopping list to search for and/or acquire using play money. Preparatory exercises, follow-up activities, and variations of the activity for different…

This curriculum unit of the Muncie (Indiana) Southside High School is to simulate the dynamics of foreign currency exchange rates from the perspectives of: (1) a major U.S. corporation, ABB Power T & D Company, Inc., of Muncie, Indiana, a manufacturer of large power transformers for the domestic and foreign markets; and (2) individual…

Discusses how the decimal monetary system was created, considering colonial currency, continental currency, money under the Articles of Confederation, and money under the Constitution. Also discusses how money is taught in arithmetic textbooks during these times. (JN)

Economics can be the most relevant and stimulating class students take in high school. One way to make this happen is to actively involve students in lessons that demonstrate important economic concepts and economic reasoning. This book contains a compilation of 14 popular lessons (all-time favorites from earlier publications by the National…

Gold's physical and chemical properties are without equal for use in high-tech fields such as medicine, space, architecture, and electronics. This article, with an accompanying poster on gold, contains the following sections: Lore and Legends; Matter, Metals, and Minerals; The Origins of Gold; Mining and Recovery; Cultural Crossroads; Modern…

This curriculum guide emphasizes that economics is a method of thought or analysis and highlights the teaching of macroeconomic concepts. Definitions of economics, economic actions and their results, individual and group relationships, and supply and demand principles are reviewed. Macroeconomic concepts that are introduced include: (1) economic…

Materials and activities used to teach change making, coin recognition, and purchasing skills are described. (JT)

Many generalizations sound simple enough--for example, "strong is good, weak is bad"--but they can be confusing when talking about money. This booklet explores how the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies affect each other and how their interaction affects the individual and the economy. The booklet contains the following sections:…

Suggests utilizing foreign coins and banknotes as teaching aids for geography. Discusses coins portrayal of such issues as societal goals, historical commemorations, or conservation of wildlife. Cites banknotes as a source of even more geographical information than coins. Suggests sources of information, coins, and banknotes. (DK)

Asserts that many macroeconomics textbooks include arguments about national fiscal policy that may not be relevant nor accurate. Concludes that counter cyclical fiscal policy restricted to changes in income taxes and transfer payments are weak tools in efforts to pull a nation out of recession. (CFR)

Explains the use of forwards, futures, swaps, and options in international currency trading. Argues that pricing options are based on the same basic principles as pricing other financial instruments. Concludes that, although financial markets have developed several new products, hedging and speculation involve similar processes. (CFR)

This guide lists teaching packages, audiovisual materials, and resource materials produced and published by the Federal Reserve System that are specifically designed for teachers and can be adapted easily to classroom use. Materials are listed by intended audience level: elementary, high school, or college. Materials cited are ordered directly…

The monetary system in the U.S. colonies was notable because it was based on thin air. The earliest forms of U.S. money were commodities, items that were not just tokens of wealth but had some intrinsic value. In addition to adopting the Indians' use of wampum and furs, the colonists used crops and European-made items such as nails. In 1775, the…

Maintains that, although U.S. currency today is pure fiat money and not backed by gold or any other precious metal, students frequently ask, "But what about the gold at Fort Knox?" Describes what is really located at Fort Knox, why it is there, its implications for public policy. (CFR)

Asserts that, despite changes resulting from new theories on international trade, simple graphs in the Heckscher-Ohlin-Samuelson tradition remain a significant part of most courses in international economics. Provides four figures illustrating these economic concepts. (CFR)