World's Population reduced to 100

I am sure we all have seen, or teach, the idea of what if the world's population was reduced down to 100 people. There are many different varieties of this, but this one seems to have the best animation. Though I do not show the end of this video, I like students to see what they look like compared with the rest of the world. It always leads to some interesting discussions.

Library of Economics and Liberty

Above is pictured David Ricardo, the man who made famous the idea of comparative and absolute advantage. His picture is the one that is used for the Library of Economics and Liberty. This website offers a ton of resources. In addition, whenever I am struggling with concept, am sick of lecturing, or want an article for students to read about a topic, I find it here.

Also, the have come up with a list of 51 topics every high school student should know. Though in my CP class I do not get through all of this, it is a great starting point.

Bellringer FED Game

One of the issues I run into with both my AP and CP classes, is the power of the Federal Reserve and what the role of the FOMC. I show them the clip below from the movie, "Catch Me if You Can." It explains one of the roles of the Federal Reserve. It works as a fun introduction. The game found here is a fun, quick way to illustrate both struggles I have. It is fun to watch as they try and control one aspect of the economy and as they see the effects on the other aspects of the economy, their reaction to try and curb what actions they have been taking.

 

Oregon's New Minimum Wage

In my CP class, we are discussing supply and demand. I start with the Crash Course video on the subject. As part of the unit, we talk about price controls. The one the students find most interesting is that of minimum wage.

There are many pros and cons on the subject and I want students to have access to both. Here is a con article to the rise and here is a pro on the increase. We talk about the arguments to both.

Freakonomics PodCast

I am always looking for ways to make economics more interesting. Though the search is never a difficult one, I also like challenging the students to think as well. Hence, we do a bunch with Freakonomics in my class. We read the book Think Like a Freak and watch part of the Freakonomics documentary. As part of my classes I have them listen to Freakonomics Radio, and do a write-up. I pick what podcast they must listen to and we talk about it in class. Most of the time the subject in the podcast has something to do with what we are learning. I have left an example of an assignment below.

 

Each week you will be asked to listen to a Podcast from Freakonomics Radio. In week four we will look at the old saying, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend." Are they? Boys do you know how much you are supposed to spend on an engagement ring? 

Please write a 500 word response. What did you like? What did you agree/disagree with? What did you find interesting? What do you still have questions about?