Flip to the front of nearly any high school Economics textbook and you are sure to find a discussion of Economic Systems and Economic Goals.  

When my classes discuss these topics (see PowerPoint notes), I like to incorporate a few simple activities.

Cover of Student Economic Systems Brochure

The first activity covers Economic Systems. After the students have read and discussed the topic in class, I have them create an advertisement (flyer, brochure, commercial, or video) highlighting the main tenants of an Economic System of their choice.

As a wrap-up, I like to have the students read an excerpt from Ayn Rand’s Anthem, to help them visualize what it might be like to have a job assigned to them in a Command Economy.

The second activity uses music to show how people can become frustrated when Economic Goals are not met. During the classroom discussion of Economic Goals, I highlight a song in which the artist is dissatisfied with an Economic issue (think John Mellencamp’s ‘Scarecrow’ , Bob Dylan’s ‘Union Sundown’, or any number of songs, really).

Afterwards, the students are charged with the task of finding their own song and writing a short (less than one page) summary of how it addresses failed Economic Goals. Assuming you have access to the CDs/MP3, these songs can then be played for the class, as time allows.

Lesson Resources
PowerPoint Discussion: Economic Systems & Goals
Instructions: Economics Systems & Goals Activites
Reading: Excerpt from “Anthem” by Ayn Rand

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