8th Grade  Project 2 weeks

"Money Matters: Save, Spend, Succeed!"

Victoria A
D2.Eco.10.6-8
D2.Eco.5.6-8
D2.Eco.2.6-8
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

Embark on a journey to understand the vital role financial literacy plays in your life by designing a personalized savings plan. Explore various savings options and create a visual representation of your financial goals, enhancing your ability to make informed decisions. Engage in critical thinking and problem-solving as you develop a comprehensive personal finance plan, reflecting on how these skills can help you achieve your dreams and contribute positively to your community.

Learning goals

In this project, you'll explore the impact of financial literacy on achieving personal goals by researching different savings options and creating a savings plan poster. You'll develop a personal finance plan presentation to outline your financial goals and savings strategies. Throughout the project, you'll engage in self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving to understand how financial literacy can help you achieve your dreams. You'll also meet social studies standards by explaining the influence of interest rates, the role of money in exchanges, and evaluating economic solutions.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.10.6-8 - Explain the influence of changes in interest rates on borrowing and investing.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.5.6-8 - Explain ways in which money facilitates exchange by reducing transactional costs.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.2.6-8 - Evaluate alternative approaches or solutions to current economic issues in terms of benefits and costs for different groups and society as a whole.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Design a savings plan poster that visually represents your short-term and long-term financial goals, including the different savings options you researched. Develop a personal finance plan presentation that outlines your financial goals, savings strategies, and how financial literacy can help you achieve your dreams. Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on each other's posters and presentations, enhancing your understanding of diverse financial strategies.

Launch

Begin with a real-world simulation where you manage a virtual budget over a month. Use an online tool to make decisions about spending, saving, and investing while encountering unexpected financial events. Reflect on how your choices impact your financial stability and discuss with peers how financial literacy influences your ability to achieve personal goals. This engaging start will set the stage for exploring financial literacy and its role in your life.

Exhibition

Organize a financial literacy fair where you present your savings plan posters and personal finance plan presentations to classmates, teachers, and community members. Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on each other's work, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Invite local financial experts to attend and offer insights or answer questions, enhancing the real-world relevance of your project.