Curricular Materials

Center for Economic Education, University of Florida

This document describes sets of curricular materials--teacher's guides, lesson plans, and activities--for teaching economics lessons in elementary school (13 sets), middle school (6 sets), and high school (16 sets). These materials are available for a nominal fee plus $0.75 each ($2.00 minimum) shipping and handling from the University of Florida Center for Economic Education website. Please check their listings for the latest pricing information.

Center for Economic Education
University of Florida
186 Norman Hall
Gainesville. FL 32611-2053
(904) 392-0971
econed@coe.ufl.edu

Elementary School Curricular Materials
Middle School Curricular Materials
High School Curricular Materials

Elementary School

CHOICES: This teachers' guide contains lesson plans and has reproducible activity sheets. It is designed to introduce students to decision-making principles with an understanding of the concepts of scarcity, choice, and opportunity costs. The lessons also cover wants, needs, barter, and comparison shopping. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center. .; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-100, 79 pages, Revised 1992, Grades K-1.
MONEY: This teachers' guide includes lesson plans with reproducible activity sheets. It is designed to be used to introduce students to forms of exchange, barter, and money. The lessons emphasize that in our society money is needed to purchase the goods and services which are produced. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-101, 68 pages, Revised 1994, Grades K-1.
GOODS & SERVICES: This teachers' guide contains lessons and has reproducible handouts. The lessons include material and ideas for teaching about production and distribution of goods and services, resources, occupations, public and private property, and money. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-102, 61pages, Revised 1994, Grades K-1.
GOODS & SERVICES: The lesson plans with reproducible activity sheets in this teachers' guide are designed to provide students with an understanding of: 1) what goods and services are, 2) how they are bought, and 3) how they are produced. The lessons are constructed to help students understand the 3 basic economic questions, " what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce." Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-103, 64 pages, Revised 1991, Grades 2-3.
MONEY: Students are introduced to the concepts of the value of money, bartering, saving and spending and budgeting in the lesson plans of this teachers' guide. Reproducible worksheets and handouts are included. The films recommended are available from most Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-104, 64 pages, Revised 1993, Grades 2-3.
PUBLIC & PRIVATE PROPERTY: The activities in this teachers' guide are designed to: 1) make students aware that some wants of individuals are satisfied by businesses (the private sector) and some by government (the public sector), 2) illustrate the kinds of goods and services that governmental agencies usually provide, 3) enable students to discriminate between goods and services normally provided by government and those normally purchased from businesses and individuals, 4) provide students with an understanding of the many goods and services needed in providing one government service--such as police protection, and 5) introduce the concept of taxation. This guide contains lesson plans with reproducible activity sheets. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00. , Order No. CE-105, 55 pages, Revised 1994, Grades 2-3.
CHOICES: The lessons in this teachers' guide are designed for introducing students to decision- making principles and to the concepts of scarcity, choice, and opportunity costs. The lessons also cover wants, needs, barter, and comparison shopping. The guide contains lesson plans with reproducible handouts. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-107, 49 pages, Revised 1993, Grades 2-3.
RESOURCES & ENERGY: The lesson plans in this teachers' guide may be used to introduce students to the following concepts: 1) the pro-duction of goods and services requires the use of resources; 2) when resources are used for one thing, they cannot usually be used for another; 3) resources are limited; there are not enough resources to satisfy all wants; and 4) since resources are limited, choices must be made about what goods and services will be produced. This guide contains lesson plans with reproducible activity sheets and handouts. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-108, 66 pages, Revised 1992, Grades 2-3.
MONEY: Containing lesson plans and reproducible handouts, this teachers' guide introduces the following economic concepts: 1) Why money emerged as a medium of exchange; 2) The advantages of using money instead of bartering; 3) The value of money; 4) The creation of money; and 5) The advantages and disadvantages of using credit. Exercises on how to use checking accounts, saving accounts, and how to compute interest are included. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-121, 92 pages, Revised 1992, Grades 4-5.
SCARCITY: Using detailed lesson plans, this spiralbound booklet covers the topics of scarcity (limited resources) and opportunity costs. The lessons may be used to introduce the factors of production--capital resources, human resources, and natural resources. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-122, 66 pages, Revised 1990, Grades 4-5.
DECISION MAKING: The activities in this teachers' guide utilize a five-step decision-making model. The detailed lesson plans cover various decision-making activities. Students are asked to use basic economic principles in decision making. Reproducible activity sheets are included. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-131, 78 pages, Revised 1990, Grades 5-6.
PROPERTY, TAXES, AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: The purpose, benefits, and kinds of taxation, and different kinds of goods and services provided by local, state, and national governments are covered in the step-by-step lesson plans of this curriculum guide. Fourteen reproducible activity sheets are included. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-140, 52 pages, Revised 1990, Grades 5-6.
CONSUMER ADVERTISING: This is a guide for elementary teachers to use in teaching children about advertising. It is presented in lesson-plan format and has reproducible worksheets and handouts. Any films recommended in this guide are available from most Centers for Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center. The role of advertising in our economy as well as the advantages and disadvantages of advertising are covered in this guide.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CE-141, 102 pages, Reprinted 1993, Grades 3-4.

Back to the top of this page

Middle School

CAPITAL INVESTMENT: This teachers' guide, with reproducible handouts and worksheets, deals with the advantages and disadvantages of saving and investing in capital goods and in human capital. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00 Order No. CM-201, 45 pages, Revised 1989, Middle School.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND: A collection of detailed lesson plans and reproducible worksheets designed to introduce middle school students to the Law of Supply and Demand. The lessons deal with factors which affect the demand for and the supply of goods and services. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CM-204, 52 pages, Revised 1993, Middle School.
GOVERNMENT AND TAXES: This set of lesson plans and reproducible worksheets is designed to introduce students to the goods and services provided by governments and the taxes paid by individuals and businesses to provide those goods and services. The lessons cover the role of regulatory agencies, the various taxes paid to each level of government, the theories of taxation, and the issue of how taxation has influenced the history and economy of this nation. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CM-205, 97 pages, Revised 1991, Middle School.
PRODUCTIVITY AND SPECIALIZATION: This teachers' guide deals with the general concept of increasing productivity, including the advantages and disadvan-tages of doing so. It also deals with specialization and division of labor as ways of increasing productivity. Reproducible work-sheets and handouts are included in this self-contained guide. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CM-206, 67 pages, Revised 1989, Middle School.
CONSUMER ADVERTISING: This teachers' guide contains lesson plans specifically designed to help students understand the role of advertising in our economy and its influence on consumer choice. Consid-erable emphasis is placed on helping students recognize the persuasive intent of advertising and develop requisite analytic skills. In addition, the lessons cover the regulatory environment in advertising and effective strategies for making consumer complaints. This guide contains reproducible handouts. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CM-207, 156 pages, Published 1990, Middle School.
RESOURCES AND ENERGY: This guide is designed to give students an understanding of the connections between energy and economics. The differences between renewable and non-renewable resources and the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources are presented in a team teaching activity. The environmental im-pact of our continued reliance on fossil fuels is explored, as are the ways of dealing with oil spills and laws relating to drilling offshore in Florida. Videos recommended are available from Centers for Economic Education. A list of Centers is avalable upon request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CM-208, 50 pages, Published 1994, Middle School.

Back to the top of this page

High School

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE: This teachers' guide contains reproducible worksheets with lesson plans designed to teach students to: 1) Identify the risks and responsibilities in owning, driving, or riding in a automobile; 2) Identify the types of coverages available in auto insurance policies; 3) Identify how rates are determined and why young drivers pay high insurance rates and 4) Show several ways in which car owners can shop for automobile insurance in order to save money on the premiums. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-300, 59 pages, Revised 1989, High School.
COMPARISON SHOPPING: Lesson plans in this teachers' guide are designed to: 1) Define the role of the shopper; 2) Familiarize the consumer with consumer legislation and consumer rights and 3) Show consumers what to look for when shopping, ways to save, and how to become a comparison shopper. Reproducible worksheets are included. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-302, 68 pages, Revised 1990, High School.
CONSUMER CREDIT: The concept of credit, the major uses of credit, the sources and costs of credit, how to obtain credit and the advantages and disadvantages of credit are covered in this teachers' guide. It includes detailed lesson plans and reproducible worksheets. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-303, 122 pages, Revised 1990, High School.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND: A teachers' guide with lesson plans designed to help students understand the economic forces of supply and demand which influence not only prices but the types and amounts of goods and services which are produced. The lessons illustrate that the forces of supply and demand are a way that producers and consumers communicate with each other in the marketplace. Reproducible worksheets and handouts are included. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-305, 81 pages, Revised 1991, High School.
INFLATION: This curriculum guide, with detailed lesson plans, is designed to: 1) Define inflation; 2) Familiarize the student with the consumer price index and its construction; 3) Describe the causes of inflation and 4) Familiarize the students with national policies concerning inflation. This teachers' guide contains reproducible work-sheets. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-307, 60 pages, Revised 1994, High School.
CONSUMER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This teachers' resource guide is designed to: 1) Introduce and define consumer education; 2) Identify consumer rights and responsibilities and 3) Familiarize the student with consumer protection agencies. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-309, 53 pages, Revised 1989, High School.
AMERICAN FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM: This teachers' guide includes lesson plans designed to acquaint high school students with the basic economic concepts needed to understand how the free enterprise system works in the United States. It has reproducible worksheets. It also includes comparative information on other types of economic systems. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-310, 81 pages, Revised 1991, High School.
BUYING A HOME: Taxes, zoning, real estate brokers, financing, and the process of buying a home are topics covered in this teachers' guide. Detailed lesson plans with reproducible worksheets are included.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-311, 53 pages, Published 1987, High School.
FEDERAL TAXES: The lesson plans in this guide are designed to introduce students to the role of taxes in our economy, the bases for taxation, and the nature of taxing authority. In particular, this guide deals with the role taxes play in our lives. It also has activities designed to help students prepare income tax returns. Reproducible handouts and worksheets are included. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-312, 80 pages, Revised 1988, Currently in Revision(2/95), High School.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES: A teachers' resource guide with detailed lesson plans and reproducible worksheets to be used in teaching the role taxes play in state and local governments. The lessons introduce students to the role of state and local taxes in our economy and the bases for taxation. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center. The I.R.S. videos suggested for use have been furnished to most schools in the U.S.A.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-313, 93 pages, Revised 1994, High School.
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM: This guide has lesson plans designed to: 1) Familiarize students with the historical development, structure, and functions of the Federal Reserve System and 2) Familiarize students with the role of the Federal Reserve in the money and banking system of the United States .. Reproducible worksheets are included. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-314, 72 pages, Revised 1991, High School.
ENERGY AND ECONOMICS: This guide contains detailed lesson plans and reproducible worksheets designed to give students an understanding of the connections between energy and economics. The following con-cepts are included: 1) How economic factors have played a role in determining the types of energy used. 2) The connection between market forces and the supply and demand for energy. 4) The connection between fossil fuel use and worldwide economic expansion in the 20th century. 5) Possible present and future alternatives to fossil fuels. 6) The environmental impact of continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels. and 7) How a nation's economic growth and development is intrinsically linked to its ability to have readily available energy resources. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-317, 116 pages, Revised 1991, High School.
ECONOMIC COSTS OF CRIME: A teachers' resource guide which covers the various aspects of crime and its economic costs. The activities in this guide will help students understand the magnitude of the crime problem in the United States and its cost to our society. Data are presented to illustrate actual costs of police protection , apprehension, and incarceration of criminals. The guide has step- by-step lesson plans with reproducible activity sheets.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-318, 165 pages, Revised 1994, High School.
CONSUMER ADVERTISING: A set of detailed lesson plans, reproducible worksheets, and handouts that include lessons concerning the power of advertising, the role of advertising in our market economy, the techniques and strategies of advertising, and the labeling and analyses of advertisements. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-319, 186 pages, Published 1991, High School.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A teacher's resource guide which deals with the evolution of the world into an interdependent global economy. The guide includes lessons with reproducible activity sheets and handouts on the following topics: 1) Why Trade? 2) Exchange Rates and the Gold Standard 3) The Floating Exchange Rate System 4) The Balance of Trade and Balance of Payments 5) The United States: A Net Debtor Nation and 6) Barriers to Trade. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-320, 196 pages, Published 1991, Being Revised(2/95), High School.
FINANCE: MONEY, BANKS AND CREDIT: A collection of detailed lesson plans and reproducible worksheets designed to teach: 1) the functions and use of money; 2) the computation of simple and compound interest; 3) the role of the Federal Reserve System; 4) the role of credit and, 5) considerations to be used in choosing a bank. Films recommended are available from Centers of Economic Education. Lists of Centers are available on request from the University of Florida Center.; Price=$10.00, Order No. CH-321, 174 pages, Revised 1995, High School.
Audio-visual Resource Catalog: This catalog contains a list of approximately 100 videos and films for Elementary, Middle, and High Schol teachers to use in their classes. A brief description of each video is provided, along with the length of the video and the appropriate grade level. A description of Computer software and economic games is also provided. The materials from this Audio-visual catalog may be borrowed by teachers in the state of Florida. Directions for ordering are given in the catalog.; Price=$5.00, Order No. AV-088, 69 pages, Revised 1995, All grade levels.