Curriculum Updates 10/1/25

We are constantly updating our lesson plans. Often it's small changes to a handout or slide, but we also regularly update data and refresh sources and examples. Our experiences this semester in the classroom have helped inform some bigger lesson changes. 

September's significant lesson plan changes:

2.5 Shifts in Demand

• Encouraging Gradual Release of Responsibility: We have tweaked the slides and handout to encourage educators to build the first few models with their students and engage in a think-aloud as they do so.  

2.10 Introduction To Market Failure

• Simulation & Debrief Support in Slides: We’ve added step-by-step slides for those who have not implemented a tragedy of the commons simulation, and streamlined the debrief questions. A "no talking" rule has also been added during the open forest round to help the simulation run smoothly.

2.15 Labor Markets

• Making Connections Explicit: To explicitly connect with the coffee market simulation, we've introduced a new section: "Competition Results in Price Changes." Our goal is to clarify how equilibrium wages change before students apply shifts in various labor scenarios. You'll also find three practice problems moved to the end of the slides; if your class has more than 45 minutes, we encourage you to include them!

4.8 Why Trade Is Sweet 

• Student Handout Revised: To simplify preference ranking and minimize confusion during the simulation, we have reformatted portions of the Student Handout. Students now fill in their “My Utility” column of each table for all of the flavors before candy is distributed and the simulation begins.  Shout out to GA teacher Erica S. for the suggested changes!

We will continue to make changes as we observe and implement lessons at the high school and community college and receive feedback from our members.

If you want to follow along each day as we reflect on the lessons, join us on the Econiful Community Facebook group.