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Project Based Economics

Project Based Economics features seven complete curriculum units developed by BIE that engage students in realistic problem-solving scenarios. Each unit addresses key content standards set forth in the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics in a rigorous and relevant, highly participatory way. The key economic concepts of scarcity, tradeoffs, and opportunity cost are emphasized in all units; please note which units are considered the "Essential" units for teaching micro and macro-economics concepts. Each unit contains:

  • Step-by-step directions for the teacher
  • Student handout masters
  • Content background materials for the teacher
  • Assessment rubrics and multiple-choice tests

Field tests and experimental-design evaluation studies in a variety of classrooms have demonstrated the effectiveness of the units. You can learn more about -- or download at no cost -- each of the following units.


description
 
unit
Learn about the content and implementation of PBE units
PBE Overview
A short activity to introduce students to the problem-solving process used in all PBE units
Make More Money
Introduces the PBE problem-solving process, and fixed and variable costs, demand, profit, revenue
The High School Food Court
Investment, economic growth, and the multiplier effect
Matildaville
Producers, consumers and circular flow in a market economy
Running in Place
Free markets, demand and supply, price controls and equilibrium price
The Invisible Hand
Competition, profit and monopoly
Monopoly’s Might
Specialization, free trade, comparative advantage
The Greater Good
Macroeconomics; fiscal and monetary policy, economic indicators
The President’s Dilemma

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    PBL Starter Kit ($24)

    The PBL Starter Kit contains BIE's latest guidance for planning & managing projects with planning forms, rubrics, handouts, 6 example projects, and practical advice for successfully running your first project.

  • PBL Handbook ($35)

    PBL Handbook ($35)

    The PBL Handbook gives an overview of PBL, explains how to design and manage successful projects, provides sample rubrics, forms and handouts, and describes five example projects.

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