Learning Targets:
- I can demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of economics (KN LT 11)
- I can apply my understanding of new ideas and concepts to a new context or problem (CR LT 3)
- I can self-direct my learning (BLT 2)
- I can understand the expectations and rubric for the semester-long Making Sense of Economics assignment.
- I can define the key economic terms: producer, consumer, and factors of production.
- Making Sense of Economics: We began class by reviewing our homework, completing the practice "Making Sense of Economics" assignment. We first reviewed the assignment rubric, and then evaluated Mr. Reed's example assignment, before then self-evaluating our own work. Though this assignment will not count toward our learning target, it will provide me with the information I need to better teach and support student needs. Again, the point of this assignment is to give you ample opportunities to demonstrate your understanding of economics and the essential critical thinking skills of applying ideas learned in class to new problems.
- RAP: I then asked students to analyze this cartoon as a way to brainstorm ideas ahead of our new unit, "Economics and Climate Change." It is my belief that we can best understand economics, especially the theoretical principles, through application and in real-life examples. I loved our conversations, so rich and interesting.
- Reading the World Through a Loaf of Bread: We then reviewed the major terms we'll be learning in this unit, and began brainstorming how these terms are interconnected through a loaf of bread. Students took notes about the following terms: production, consumption, factors of production, circular flow, supply and demand, and scarcity. I asked students to brainstorm "everything" that went into the making of a loaf of bread (had an in-class example).