National Standards in Economics

Below are the National Standards in Economics that most closely relate to the following lesson. Switch to National Standards in Personal Finance

LESSON

Lesson 7 - The Silk Road

http://msh.councilforeconed.org/lessons.php?lid=68366

Grades: 6-8

STANDARDS

Standard: 11

Grades: 4-12

• Money and Inflation
• Students will understand that: Money makes it easier to trade, borrow, save, invest, and compare the value of goods and services. The amount of money in the economy affects the overall price level. Inflation is an increase in the overall price level that reduces the value of money.
• Students will be able to use this knowledge to: Explain how their lives would be more difficult in a world with no money, or in a world where money sharply lost its value.

Standard: 5

Grades: 4-12

• Trade
• Students will understand that: Voluntary exchange occurs only when all participating parties expect to gain. This is true for trade among individuals or organizations within a nation, and among individuals or organizations in different nations.
• Students will be able to use this knowledge to: Negotiate exchanges and identify the gains to themselves and others. Compare the benefits and costs of policies that alter trade barriers between nations, such as tariffs and quotas.

Standard: 7

Grades: 4-12

• Markets and Prices
• Students will understand that: Markets exist when buyers and sellers interact. This interaction determines market prices and thereby allocates scarce goods and services.
• Students will be able to use this knowledge to: Identify markets in which they have participated as a buyer and seller and describe how the interaction of all buyers and sellers influences prices. Also, predict how prices change when there is either a shortage or surplus of the product available.

Standard: 6

Grades: 4-12

• Specialization
• Students will understand that: When individuals, regions, and nations specialize in what they can produce at the lowest cost and then trade with others, both production and consumption increase.
• Students will be able to use this knowledge to: Explain how they can benefit themselves and others by developing special skills and strengths.

Standard: 8

Grades: 4-12

• Role of Prices
• Students will understand that: Prices send signals and provide incentives to buyers and sellers. When supply or demand changes, market prices adjust, affecting incentives.
• Students will be able to use this knowledge to: Predict how changes in factors such as consumers' tastes or producers' technology affect prices.