Grade 6: Economics Lesson in Science

Science teacher Aaron Murray has designed a lesson that teaches students the connection between the use of natural resources and the economics of running a household. Keep reading for his article about this impactful project! 

"Prior to our study of the energy and resources use in homes and how electricity is produced using various renewable and non-renewable resources, we studied the needs for families use these resources to survive in America today. The simulation also helps students understand the plight of the homeless community we serve during our service learning project at Capital Hill Community Services soup kitchen.  

 

"Sixth graders had an opportunity to simulate adult responsibilities and decision-making. They were placed in households that had adults with careers and children. They rolled dice to determine their number of adults able to work in each household, the number of children/dependents in each household and the education level that determined the annual salary. Salaries ranged from a full time minimum wage salary to a career with advanced-degree.  Some students were on disability and had to live on Social Security disability funds.  

 

"After determining their yearly gross salary, they calculated their taxes rates based upon gross yearly salary and determined their monthly net salary to use for expenses. Each household had to make decisions about housing, transportation, health insurance, communications (phone, internet, etc.), food, utility costs and entertainment. The households had to spend their monthly salary so their budgets balanced the first year. The households had to prioritize what their families needed and what they could sacrifice if their funds were insufficient.

 

"Once each household determined their monthly budget, they drew various wildcards that simulated unexpected expenses such as medical costs, home maintenance, transportation costs, job losses or promotions and other unexpected costs. Student learned how their choices impacted their wildcards such as households who decided on various qualities of medical insurance and how that impacted their medical costs when they visited the hospital/emergency room. They were able to empathize with families that have limited funds but have major medical or other expenses happen in their lives. The students took on these roles and truly felt the stress and uncertainty of situations."