I found an interesting tool that social studies teachers (especially those who teach economics) would be interested in. PBS has posted on its site an online interactive game that allows individuals to balance the budget and postpone its "going bust" date. One can play in order to win various badges, such as a Green badge, a McCain badge, an Obama badge, etc. In addition, after playing the game, students can compare their results across age groups, income brackets, states, and party lines. I played it a couple times, and I must admit it's interesting. This game can make for interesting conversations in the classroom, and can definitely supplement current teachable moments that current national events are bringing to our classrooms.
Check it out at the following address: http://marketplace.publicradio.org/features/budget_hero/
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4 comments:
Interesting game. I tried to play it myself and although I don't know that it would work well in my First Grade Personal Finance Unit, a HS student may find it useful to actually see this simulation rather than read about it in a textbook.
Nice game. I believe this would limit the "know it all" students in the classroom. Many do not understand how complex the National Budget really is. A high school teacher could use this game on a Friday . . . maybe the person that budgets the best earns extra points on the next test.
This is a challenging game. I also tried to follow along playing the game, but was a little confused. I did share the web site with the economics teacher at school and she liked the website and the game, and felt that she would use it with her classes. Thanks for sharing the website.
I completely agree that this really would be not just beneficial to the students who truly need it but may also give different understanding to the students who do "know it all." As a social studies connoisseur, I find economics to be my weak point and really was able to learn a lot from this and may be able to incorporate it into my lessons.
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