Turn “what if?”
into a lesson.
Ten guided activities that connect real-world economics to math, evidence and decisions. Fictional scenarios, printable response sheets, and teacher guides.
Suggested grades 7–12, depending on the activity. Students need percentages, basic arithmetic and an adult guide for unfamiliar financial terms. Use invented numbers throughout; no family income, debt or student accounts are needed.
New: Is this becoming a buyer’s market? Explore real housing data →
New: Play branching business simulation games →
A home costs more than its price tag
Distinguish purchase price, borrowing cost, monthly ownership costs and upfront cash.
Open lesson & activity →Grades 10–12 · 60 minutesWould you buy this business?
Distinguish advertised earnings, adjusted earnings, estimated value and buyer cash flow.
Open lesson & activity →Grades 9–12 · 50 minutesRent collected is not profit
Calculate the difference between rental revenue, operating income and cash flow.
Open lesson & activity →Grades 10–12 · 55 minutesTwo paths, one starting budget
Compare opportunity cost and ending wealth under uncertain assumptions.
Open lesson & activity →Grades 7–12 · 45 minutesCan your small business cover its costs?
Use contribution margin to calculate break-even sales and test demand risk.
Open lesson & activity →Grades 10–12 · 50 minutesThe payment that arrives later
Explain amortization and why a balloon payment changes financing risk.
Open lesson & activity →Grades 8–12 · 45 minutesTwo ways to pay down debt
Compare payoff strategies while holding the payment budget constant.
Open lesson & activity →Grades 9–12 · 45 minutesWhich job offer fits the budget?
Compare gross pay, assumed taxes, living costs, benefits and time.
Open lesson & activity →Grades 7–12 · 40 minutesSave for a goal without using the safety cushion
Separate emergency reserves from planned purchases and calculate a saving schedule.
Open lesson & activity →Grades 8–12 · 40 minutesA bigger number can buy less
Distinguish nominal pay from inflation-adjusted purchasing power.
Open lesson & activity →Teach a small experiment
- Make a prediction before using the calculator.
- Keep the first scenario and change one assumption.
- Compare results, explain the mechanism and name a limitation.
Connect these activities with the free economics course. Older students can extend selected activities with the calculator API beta.