Exploring Benchmark 3.2.9.1: Identify possible short- and long-term consequences of different choices, while highlighting that not all individuals have access to the same choices. 

The first part of this session you will be guided through creative ways to use crazy questions to inspire economic inquiry. When should you rob a bank? How much do you need to pay students to succeed? Is recycling worth it? The second part is going to give teachers fun lessons that use economic podcasts as a resource to connect current events and economic concepts 

Exploring Benchmark 6.2.12.1: Explain why companies might move production to other states or countries. 

Where do I find news articles/podcasts/videos? How do I use different forms of media in the classroom? What type of activities can I build around a news article? What techniques can I use to spark discussions? Everything teachers need to incorporate recent events into their economics class. 

In this interactive session, we will explore what economics can teach us about the political process. We will analyze the economics of the 2024 presidential election. From understanding what motivates politicians to understanding why many people choose not to vote, economics can help shed some light on some seemingly confusing behavior such as nonvoting. Applications to civics, government, and economics courses will help teachers build lesson plans that engage students and explore electoral issues in a new way. 

Exploring Benchmark 4.2.8.1: Explain how incentives can change people’s decisions about resource use. 

The revised state standards include a new standard Economic Inquiry: Use economic models/reasoning and data to construct an argument and propose a solution related to an economic question.” This is an exciting opportunity for educators to show students what economists actually do! By applying economic theory and analyzing economic data related to a policy or business question, students will learn that economics offers a powerful tool kit for understanding their world. This webinar will overview multiple lesson plan options and provide teachers an opportunity to think about how to best integrate this new standard into their classrooms. 

Exploring Benchmark 7.2.10.1: Explain how profit can be an incentive for entrepreneurs to develop medical breakthroughs, new technology, green energy and other benefits to society, but the profit motive can also lead to negative outcomes including resource exploitation and unfair labor practices.