Described is a project in which third graders create their own corporation--a cupcake factory--and learn first-hand about economic principles and the decisions that businesses must make in the market economy. The cupcake factory is one example of how enterprising educators can make economics comprehensible and captivating. (RM)

The focus of this guide is to simulate real world economic activity in the classroom by using a form of economics instruction called a " mini-economy." In a mini-economy, students earn play money in a variety of ways and spend it at a class store or class auction. Students apply for classroom jobs, run businesses, pay taxes, buy rental…

A classroom business venture (CBV), one component of the Human Resources School's career development program for physically disabled fifth, sixth, and seventh graders, is described. A CBV is defined as a simulated business situation where students, with teacher guidance, plan and organize the operation toward the eventual goal of distribution of…

How to use elementary school children as curators of a classroom museum is described. The teacher decides the concept or unit to be showcased in the museum. As curators students are responsible for many tasks including writing descriptive paragraphs for the artifacts and arranging the artifact display. (RM)

A Philadelphia third-grade class uses a classroom economy simulation to explore real-world situations, which provides opportunities for meaningful application of academic skills, role exploration, separation of academic success from "acting White," questioning of reality, experience of economic success, and the ability to perceive social…

Describes a simulation called, "Classroom City," used by elementary students to learn about communities. Focuses on the students' own simulated city named Bat Town, U.S.A. Discusses the project in detail. Describes the activities children participated in and the roles they assumed during the simulation. (CMK)

Reports on a comparative study of two fifth-grade classes (Louisville, Kentucky) whose members learned economic principles through the establishment of a classroom grocery store. Provides a review of the literature relating to economic education and simulations, discusses the actual classroom instruction, and describes the instrument used to…

Presents low-cost learning activities to help teach elementary students about the earth's magnetic field. One project has students make a model of the earth's magnetic field. Another has them experiment with magnetism. (SM)

Describes a project for first-grade students at the Friends' Central School (Philadelphia, PA) founded by the Quakers in 1845, in which students learned about the experience of traveling westward during 1845. Explains that the project also focused on Quaker history; the school; and that the centerpiece of the project was a covered wagon. (CMK)

This study focuses on the ways in which various methods of instruction affect elementary school children's political attitudes and knowledge toward the regime level--values (goals and principles), norms, and structure of authority--of the political system. (MJB)

The teacher program described here was designed to create a deeper understanding of a wide span of instructional problems unique to the inner-city school setting, putting participants in a position of forming teaching strategies of their own as solutions. Such school problems as overcrowded classes, frequent daily interruptions, playground…

Describes a student teacher's experiences using a classroom simulation to teach fifth graders about the world of work. Summarizes the economic concepts and principles that were illustrated through the simulation of a candy factory. Discusses student activities and reporting in the five-six day lesson and includes a list of resources for teaching…

Described in this article is an energy conservation simulation game in which students participate in a space mission to Mars. Activities such as decision making, valuing, and problem solving occur during the game. (SA)

Designed as part of a series to develop teaching strategies for the elementary curriculum, this module focuses on simulation games and role playing as two important teaching devices. The first part describes games and simulation; and factors that should be considered in selecting, using, and debriefing games in the classroom. Exercises to test…

Touts the advantages of experiential learning through educational games, or simulations, as provided by outdoor-learning centers. The organization of outdoor learning is discussed along with ways for integrating community groups into the activities. Included are five examples, a bibliography, and contact information for two centers that support…