Economics Wisconsin

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Wisconsin Economic Standard
D.12.9

Economic Institutions

Explain the operations of common financial instruments (such as stocks and bonds) and financial institutions (such as credit companies, banks, and insurance companies)

Economic Concepts
Stocks  ||  Bonds  ||  Credit companies  ||  Bank  ||  Insurance Companies 

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Links to Content Information

blue check mark ABCs of Figuring Interest - Describes some of the more common methods of calculating interest and how they can affect total interest payments.
blue check mark Democracy and Government Control of the Money Supply - This essay looks at the revolution of electronic money and how democracy may be influenced.
blue check mark Financial Institutions - Kids page from the Department of Financial Institutions of the State of Wisconsin. Describes the difference between banks, financial institutions, and credit unions.
blue check mark Making Sense of Savings - From the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Describes options available for saving money including bank accounts and many types of investments. Provides help in determining which is option to choose for your needs.
blue check mark Ready, Set....Credit - Here is some important information that may help you determine whether you’re ready for plastic, what to look for when you select a company to do business with, and how to use your credit card responsibly. 
blue check mark Security and Exchange Commission: Get the Facts - Resources on saving and investing, including an interactive quiz, links to free materials and lesson plans.
blue check mark What is a Credit Union? - By the Credit Union National Association (CUNA)
blue check mark What is Electronic Banking? - Learners will define electronic banking, describe several electronic fund transfer services, compare several types of electronic currency, and list consumer protections under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act.
blue check mark What is Investing? - Kids page from the Department of Financial Institutions of the State of Wisconsin. Describes stocks, bonds, mutual funds; and more.

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Links to Lesson Plans and other Suggested Teaching Strategies

blue arrow The Credit Card Mystery - Grades 9-12. Students take a look at why credit card interest rates are so much higher than other interest rates.
blue arrow Decisions Decisions -  Bob Jones, a young business executive not unlike yourself, has lost his life in an untimely boating accident. He has left a wife, three young children, a huge pile of debt, and a $500,000 life insurance policy. As a financial consultant, it is your responsibility to help the widow invest the insurance money wisely so that the family can resume a normal life and the children can be supported through college. You must make the right decisions.
blue arrow Developing a Financial Investment Portfolio - Grades 9-12. Students are given scenarios for three individuals. They act as financial advisors and develop a financial investment portfolio for each client using internet references as they analyze the various saving options.
blue arrow The Early 1980's: A Tough Time for Home Builders and Mortgage Bankers - Students will explain interest rates and their relation to inflation. They will also explain that one of the objectives of the Federal Reserve is to adopt policies that lead to low rates of interest.
blue arrow Investigating Investment Activity (4-12) - From the Bank Street College of Education. With or without money, students have a lot to invest. Invite your students to explore the value of what they have and to create individual plans to get the most from their investments.
blue arrow Should I Use Cash or Credit? - Grades 9-12. Students use the concept of opportunity cost to help them see the advantages and disadvantages of buying on credit. 
blue arrow The Stock Market - Grades 11-12.  This activity helps students to have at least a simple understanding of the stock market, and also see how many factors can influence the market. They begin to understand how many things are inter-related - the stock market and politics for example. 
blue arrow Stock Prices Tumble - Grades 9-12. Students look at factors that change the value of stocks. 
blue arrow What is a stock, or who owns McDonald's? - Middle and High School Levels.  Students will explore the fundamentals of stock ownership. They discuss how stock owners share the risks and rewards of purchasing stocks. From Learning for the Market:  Integrating the Stock Market Game Across  the Curriculum, ©National Council on Economic Education
blue arrow Wisconsin Stock Market Simulation - A motivating approach to learning about the American economic system. Student teams invest a hypothetical $100,000 in stocks and compete for the best portfolio performance. Stock market portfolio management programs have been offered by the Wisconsin Council on Economic Education for 11 years, and are endorsed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. 

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List of Curricular Materials and Learning Activities

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 Credit for Kids: Credit and Consumer Decision-Making by Diana Haskell, Brenda Manger, Sharon O-Connell; 1995.  Published by:  The Center for Economic Education 
McMicken College of Arts and Sciences 
University of Cincinnati 
1605 Crosley Tower, PO Box 210223 
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0223 
(513) 556-2948,  Fax (513) 556-2953

blue push pin The Story of Banks -   Follows three young entrepreneurs as they use progressively more sophisticated bank services over a 23-year period. Also explores the role of checking deposits and lending in money creation. Teacher's guide also available. 1994. 24pp. Available from Federal Reserve System. To find it, type "story of banks" (without the quote marks) in the keyword search box and click on Go.
blue push pin The Story of Consumer Credit - Explains consumer rights and responsibilities and consumer credit regulations. 2000. Available from Federal Reserve System. To find it, type "story of consumer" (without the quote marks) in the keyword search box and click on Go.
blue push pin Virtual Economics: An Interactive Center for Economic Education, Version 2 - Each exhibit includes teaching tips, background information, a list of lessons, and video and audio clips that give additional information about the topic.  Available from Economics America (search catalogue). 
  • In section Fundamental Economics, see exhibit:  Economic Institutions and Incentives

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National Content Standard 6.

    Scroll down the linked page to locate the grade 12 benchmarks. 

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Email an expert

    Professor Jim Grunloh, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

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Developed by 
Lynn Kirby, Ph.D.
Larry Weiser, Ph.D.