THE MAJOR CONCEPTS OF ECONOMICS ARE EXPLAINED TO PROVIDE A BASIS FOR CONSTRUCTING NEW CURRICULUM APPROACHES AND MATERIALS FOR GRADES K-6. THE AUTHOR PRESENTS EIGHT FUNDAMENTAL IDEAS THAT MAY BE USED AS A BASIS FOR BUILDING AN ECONOMICS CURRICULUM AND EXPLORES WAYS OF TEACHING THESE CONCEPTS WITHIN THE EXPERIENCES OF CHILDREN. CHILDREN MAY BE…

Six math activities with which elementary school children can reinforce money skills and check their own responses are described. (GW)

Presents an activity using a number grid to challenge second grade students' concepts related to counting change. (KHR)

The described game provides children with practice in multiplying by three and in comparing the values of sets of coins. (SD)

Describes a classroom economics system for fifth graders based on real-life experience. Income earned in assigned "jobs" may be spent for future fixed expenses, unexpected opportunities and expenses, and immediate entertainment. Students learn social skills as well as how to bank, buy stock and insurance, cope with unemployment, manage a store,…

Discusses a money management unit helpful in explaining national and international economic systems to elementary social studies students. Individual, group, and class activities are described. For journal availability, see SO 505 448. (Author/DB)

Intended for teachers of learning disabled children, the performance based learning package provides a list of steps for students to take toward obtaining competency in time and time telling. The package is broken down into eight milestones which include such steps as constructing a simple sundial as a group project, understanding that 15 minutes…

Economic education is needed. Elementary school children should be taught the following concepts of economics: that economics is concerned with the problem of deciding how to make the best use of resources to satisfy human wants; that production and consumption are functions of any economic system; that in America competition in a market is the…

The author describes a technique for teaching various aspects of the subtraction algorithm (e.g., regrouping, borrowing) by relating them to the use of money. (SD)

Discusses how the decimal monetary system was created, considering colonial currency, continental currency, money under the Articles of Confederation, and money under the Constitution. Also discusses how money is taught in arithmetic textbooks during these times. (JN)

Gold's physical and chemical properties are without equal for use in high-tech fields such as medicine, space, architecture, and electronics. This article, with an accompanying poster on gold, contains the following sections: Lore and Legends; Matter, Metals, and Minerals; The Origins of Gold; Mining and Recovery; Cultural Crossroads; Modern…

Materials and activities used to teach change making, coin recognition, and purchasing skills are described. (JT)

Information about the money most likely used by elementary school students in their transactions is presented in a four-part series. The unit is designed to supplement the teacher's regularly assigned materials in economics education. Each successive part presumes some incremental educational experience by the students. Part 1 includes lessons on…

The guide, one in a series of elementary level economics and consumer education teaching resources, is designed for kindergarten and first grade levels. The guide identifies objectives for economics and consumer education, offers a glossary of relevant terms, lists general audiovisual and print resources, and outlines specific learning activities…