The purpose of this learning experience is to equip students with fundamental financial literacy skills through engaging, real-world activities. By collaborating with community partners and participating in hands-on projects, students will enhance their understanding of budgeting, saving, and investing while developing critical thinking and effective communication abilities. The project aims to foster a sense of self-directed learning and self-efficacy, empowering students to plan for their financial futures effectively and confidently.
Learning goals
Students will develop actionable financial literacy skills through hands-on creation of budgeting plans and investment strategies, with emphasis on sustainable financial security. Participants engage in critical analysis of real-world financial concepts, connecting mathematical proven theories such as the relationship of circles to budget cycles. They hone communication skills by presenting learned concepts at a community fair, fostering dialogue and understanding with local participants. Through self-directed learning, students refine their projects using feedback, cultivating a reflective mindset and a deeper sense of identity within financial literacy.
Standards
[Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSG-C.A.1 - Prove that all circles are similar.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS4-3 - Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a wave model or a particle model, and that for some situations one model is more useful than the other.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS2-5 - Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field and that a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current.
[National Core Arts Standards] MA:Cn10.1.ii.b - HS Accomplished: Explain and demonstrate the use of media artworks to synthesize new meaning and knowledge, and reflect and form cultural experiences, such as new connections between themes and ideas, local and global networks, and personal influence.
[National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cn11.1.IIIa - Appraise the impact of an artist or a group of artists on the beliefs, values, and behaviors of a society.
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.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Products
Throughout this project, students will design and produce a digital infographic on personal finance basics using platforms like Canva. These infographics will then be printed or projected at the Finance Fair to educate community members. Students will also develop personalized budgeting plans, incorporating detailed breakdowns of income, expenses, savings, and investments, and visually presented with graphs or charts. Finally, students will craft interactive demonstrations for the Finance Fair, showcasing their financial projects to engage and educate attendees on budgeting and investment strategies.
Launch
Gather students for the 'Financial Freedom Fest,' a dynamic event featuring community partner guest speakers who share compelling stories and real-world applications of financial planning. Engage students with interactive Q&A sessions and personalized advice from experts to spark interest and contextualize the importance of financial literacy. Allow students to explore diverse perspectives on financial success, setting the stage for their journey into creating sustainable budgets and investment strategies.
Exhibition
Students will collaboratively organize a Finance Fair, transforming the school gymnasium into an interactive exhibit of financial literacy. Each student will curate a booth to showcase personalized budgeting and investment plans, complete with digital infographics and dynamic visual aids. Throughout the event, students will engage guests with hands-on activities and simulations to actively demonstrate their newfound financial skills, inviting community members to offer feedback and participate in discussions about planning for financial futures.
