Economic Lessons Grades 6-8

Literature Annotation:  This book depicts the construction and workings of the Erie Canal and its impact on the economy.

• Grade: 8
• Economic Concept: Economic Growth
• Maryland State Economics Standard: Students will develop economic reasoning to understand the historical development and current status of economic principles, institutions, and processes needed to be effective citizens, consumers, and workers participating in local communities, the nation, and the world.

Literature Annotation: This novel tells the story of a young apprentice silversmith who lives in Boston during the turbulent times prior to the Revolutionary War. The main character, Johnny Tremain, interacts with a variety of historical figures, British soldiers and ordinary citizens as he attempts to resolve the mysteries of his past, to overcome his personal misfortunes, and to secure a role for himself in the impending conflict between Great Britain and the American colonies. 

• Grade Level: 8
• Economic Concepts: Independence, opportunity cost 
• Maryland Standard: Students will develop economic reasoning to understand the historical development and current status of economic principles, institutions, and processes needed to be effective citizens, consumers, and workers participating in local communities, the nation, and the world.

Literature Annotation: This book, the true story of fugitive slaves Ellen and William Craft, is based largely on William Craft’s narrative, Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom. The story begins on a winter morning in 1848 when Ellen Craft, a light-skinned young slave, disguises herself in men’s clothing and walks into a train station in Macon, Georgia and purchases two tickets; one ticket was for herself and the other for her husband. Ellen posed as a white Southern planter, and her husband, William, as her slave. Thus began their dangerous journey that took them to England and eventually back to Georgia.

Maryland State Curriculum Economics Standard: Students will develop economic reasoning to understand the historical development and current status of economic principles, institutions, and processes needed to be effective citizens, consumers, and workers participating in local communities, the nation, and the world.

Literature Annotation: Through reading this book, children learn the incredible story of Johann Gutenberg and the history of early printing and publishing, including the printing achievements of the Chinese and Koreans. The text describes bookmaking and explains the impact of Gutenberg’s invention.

• Grade: 6th
• Economic Concepts: Goods and services, consumption
• Maryland State Curriculum Economics:  Give examples of how technology changed consumption and provided greater access to goods and services; Examine why technology has changed production such as the development of the printing press.

Five Years to Life

Somali Pirates

Triangular Trade & the Middle Passage

Weather Alert Supply and Demand

The Big Winner