Challenge Question

Standards

• [Massachusetts] ET6.6 - Research and monitor financial investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
• [Massachusetts] ET2.11 - Explain how financial markets, such as the stock market, channel funds from savers to investors.
• [Massachusetts] ET6.5 - Compare and contrast credit, savings, and investment services available to the consumer from financial institutions.
• [Massachusetts] PF2.6 - Formulate a savings or financial investment plan for a future goal (e.g., college or retirement).
• [Massachusetts] USII.T1.4 - Explain what a financial investment is (e.g., a bank deposit, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate); explain why the value of investments fluctuate, and track the gains or losses in value of a financial investment over time (e.g., stocks, bonds, or mutual funds).
• [Massachusetts] PF3.10 - Analyze the role of the Securities and Exchange Commission in regulating financial markets.
• [Massachusetts] 11-12.SCLA.2 - Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
• [Massachusetts] PF3.7 - Explain what a financial asset is (e.g., bank deposit, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate) is and explain why the worth of assets can go up or down over time.
• [Massachusetts] PF3.9 - Analyze the role of diversification – having an investment portfolio with different kinds of assets – in lowering risk for the individual investor.
• [Massachusetts] PF3.6 - Formulate a credit plan for purchasing a major item such as a car or home, comparing different interest rates.

Competencies

• 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.
• Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
• Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
• 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.
• Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
• Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Phase	Learning Outcome
Discover	I can analyze the financial landscape of Southern Berkshire County and understand the challenges faced by local businesses in order to identify economic opportunities that support sustainable growth.
Examine	I can research and compare various investment strategies and assess the impact of market fluctuations by exploring case studies and engaging with financial professionals to enhance my understanding of financial markets.
Engineer	I can develop my own mock investment portfolio using diverse financial assets and apply stock market principles, ensuring my choices reflect informed strategies and potential for real-world application.
Do	I can implement my investment strategy by simulating real-time market conditions, monitor performance, and adjust my portfolio based on data analysis and feedback to refine my approach.
Share	I can share my investment portfolio and learning experiences with a panel of local financial experts, peers, and community members, highlighting my personal growth and insights gained throughout the project.