The purpose of this project is to enable students to explore and articulate the economic dimensions of topics that interest them, fostering a deeper understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications. Through research, analysis, and presentation, students will develop critical thinking and effective communication skills. This experience aims to connect classroom learning with authentic issues, encouraging students to engage with their communities and consider the broader economic forces at play in everyday life.
Learning goals
Students will analyze and articulate how economic principles such as scarcity, market structures, and globalization influence various topics of their choice. They will develop critical thinking skills by evaluating the impact of economic systems and government policies on market outcomes. Through collaboration and self-directed learning, students will refine their communication skills by presenting their findings in a TED Talk format. They will engage with the school community to enhance their understanding and application of economic concepts. Students will reflect daily on their progress, integrating feedback to improve their presentations and deepen their content expertise.
Standards
[Colorado] HS.E.1 - Analyze how the scarcity of productive resources (land, labor, capital) forces choices to be made about how individuals, households, businesses, and governments allocate these resources.
[Colorado] HS.E.2 - Evaluate how mixed economic systems, market structures, competition, government policies, and the roles of producers and consumers affect market outcomes.
[Colorado] HS.E.3 - Analyze how the business cycle affects the macroeconomy and evaluate the use of government policies to stabilize the economy.
[Colorado] HS.E.4 - Analyze how globalization and international trade affect the allocation of goods, services, and resources.
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.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
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.
Products
Students will create a 5-minute TED Talk presentation that reveals the economic factors within their chosen topic. Throughout the project, students will develop a research portfolio documenting their analysis and insights. They will also produce a reflection journal capturing daily progress and feedback from critique sessions.
Launch
Begin with a 'TED Talk Teaser Day' where students watch a series of engaging TED Talks focused on various economic topics. Facilitate a class discussion to explore the economic concepts presented and how they relate to students' interests. Encourage students to brainstorm potential topics for their own TED Talk, considering the economic factors they find intriguing. This activity will set the stage for their project by sparking curiosity and providing inspiration for their presentations.
Exhibition
Organize a TED Talk-style event where students present their findings to classmates, teachers, and community members. Set up a stage with a podium and microphone to mimic a real TED Talk environment, encouraging students to showcase their public speaking skills. Invite local economists or business leaders to provide feedback and engage in a Q&A session, enhancing the real-world relevance of the presentations.
