Teacher will issue a, "Proclamation of Independence," to all students in the class for one month. The "Classroom National Bank" will have teacher-determined amount of assets. Students will work in groups of 2 or 3 and will be responsible for their family unit for one month. (All parents have gone on a cruise. Bon voyage!) The teacher is President of the Bank. Teacher will invent several income profiles to be drawn from a hat.

 

 

You will need a computer(s) loaded with Claris Works or Microsoft Works spreadsheet* and access to a printer.

 

 

Discuss reasonable cost of living expenses and guidelines. For example, rent or mortgage, food, clothing, entertainment, etc. Student groups will then randomly select an income profile (low income, middle class, upper crust).

 

Make a chart of an average per person basic monthly living expenses and post in the classroom.

Create a plan for living based on their income profile.

 

Set-up a spreadsheet with monthly family costs and their total budget based on their income profile.

 

Create comparative graphs of class groups income status. For example, analyze housing costs, clothing budgets, food, etc.

Create savings/checking accounts (issue check books with registers) with the bank.

 

Expand the project from home to community by establishing small businesses.

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