Lesson 1 Economics and Daily Life. This lesson shows the students how much economics impacts their lives: the bombardment of advertising, the hours and years of dedication required to obtain a good job, the consequences of not being educated in our economy, the perils of consumer debt and enslavement to materialism. See detailed lesson plan
Lesson 2 Wealth and Happiness. This lesson questions the common superficial and self-centered beliefs about material wealth and in their place proposes that real wealth is relational: closeness to God and other people. Money has an important role in real wealth, but it is not ultimate. See detailed lesson plan
Lesson 3 Understanding Materialism. This lesson identifies and critiques the key lie of American culture. Materialism is shown to be a deeper issue that how much money and possessions you have, but an outlook that defines identity, fulfillment, security and success in terms of temporal things. See detailed lesson plan
Lesson 4 Understanding Poverty I. This lesson sensitizes the students to what it is like to be truly poor though images and descriptions of life in the developing world. The students are exposed not only to poverty but the extremes of rich and poor in the world that call for moral action. See detailed lesson plan
Lesson 5 Understanding Poverty II. Lesson 5 continues the analysis of poverty in the previous lesson with a look at the underlying causes of poverty and what is being done to help the poor around the world. See detailed lesson plan
Lesson 6 Principles of Generosity. In light of the poverty seen in the previous lessons, this lesson looks at the Biblical ethic of financial generosity based on faithful stewardship of God's resources in response to God's grace. The students are urged to give regularly to a credible charity. See detailed lesson plan
Lesson 7 Understanding Credit Cards. This lesson shows the advantages and even more so the disadvantages of credit cards by acquainting the students with concepts like interest rates, minimum payments, and late fees. The students are taken to a interactive web site where are they are challenged to budget their money and limit credit card use. See detailed lesson plan
Lesson 8 Developing a Work Ethic. In lesson 8, the students are challenged with Biblical standards for hard work and the sin of laziness. They are shown that a hard-working attitude not only brings financial reward, but is part of an effective witness for Christ. See detailed lesson plan
Back to Economics Learning Goals
