Resources Timeline

  • 2011

    The Wealth of Nations Socratic Seminar

    This lesson offers detailed instructions on how to run a Socratic Seminar and provides specific resources for a Socratic Seminar lesson using readings from Adam […]
  • 2011

    Yoda, Adam Smith, and Division of Labor

    This lesson provides a specific example of division of labor from Adam Smith’s TheWealth of Nations using Yoda Origami and group work. All of our […]
  • 2011

    American Imports and Tariff Policy

    This lesson features an investigation into the United States’ biggest imports and an evaluation of tariff policy and its impact on the economy. All of […]
  • 2011

    Facts Are Stubborn Things

    This lesson focuses on facts, data, and their usefulness in civil discourse, politics, and public policy. Students will be given a quick quiz (not for […]
  • 2011

    Evaluating an Economy’s Health

    Students analyze global economic datasets to evaluate the strengths and limitations of different economic indicators. Using evidence from multiple data sources, they determine which metrics […]
  • 2011

    The Great Economic Auction

    Students bid on quotes from famous economists to help their team build an argument for why their assigned economic system is the best. All of […]
  • 2011

    Comparative Study of Economies and Countries

    Students will research various economic metrics for countries (United States, Mexico, UK, China, and one additional country). Students review types of economies and match the […]
  • 2011

    The Best Modern-Day Capitalist

    It’s tournament time! Looking at America’s modern-day capitalists, students will decide: who is the best? What criteria should be used to judge them? Then, students […]
  • 2011

    Wealth of Nations Analysis

    This lesson gives students an overview of the key concepts in Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations as foundational to the United States capitalist system. […]
  • 2011

    Wealth of Nations Vocabulary

    This vocabulary sheet gives students an overview of the key concepts in Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations. All of our lesson plans are created […]
  • 2011

    Country Comparison

    Students will judge which country is the “best” place to live based on the metrics and indices. While doing so, students should see how democracy […]
  • 2011

    Hamilton and the Golden Line Protocol

    In 1791, Alexander Hamilton defended the constitutionality of a national bank against objections from Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Using the Golden Line Protocol, students […]
  • 2011

    Gospel of Wealth Analysis

    This lesson introduces the question, “What is the government’s role in the economy?” Students will learn about the laws and norms of the American government […]
  • 2011

    FDR’s “Arsenal of Democracy”

    These activities focus on FDR’s “Arsenal of Democracy” Fireside Chat (#16), which was delivered on December 29, 1940. Students will examine the address’s content and […]
  • 2011

    Inauguration Day 1933

    The U.S. Presidential Election of 1932 represented a change in leadership during a time of national crisis. During this transition, FDR prepared to enter the […]
  • 2011

    Competing Visions of America

    Students will explore core political and economic ideas of prominent 18th- and 19th century northern and southern thinkers (Jefferson, Fithugh, George, and Webster) through primary […]
  • 2011

    Spectrum of Thought: 20th and 21st Century Thinkers

    In this 90-minute graffiti-style lesson, students will work with partners to recode the core ideas of prominent 20th- and 21st-century economic and political thinkers (Theodore […]
  • 2011

    20th Century Economy Vocabulary

    This vocabulary sheet gives students an overview of key concepts in the 20th-century economy. All of our lesson plans are created for teachers, by teachers. […]
  • 2011

    What is Democracy?

    Students will work in small groups to explore seven primary sources to create their own definition of Democracy. The sources include excerpts from the Magna […]
  • 2011

    What is Capitalism?

    Students will work in small groups to explore six primary sources to create their own definition of Capitalism. The sources include excerpts from the U.S. […]
  • 2011

    What is Communism?

    Students will work in small groups to explore seven primary sources to create their own definition of Communism. The sources include excerpts from The Communist […]