Economic Systems Teacher Resources

Young historians practice identifying evidence to categorize a particular country's economic system as either a mixed, centrally planned, traditional, or free economic system in this two-part lesson.

Here is a worksheet in which learners identify and compare economic systems (market, command, mixed, etc.) with 18 fill-in-the-blank questions and a graphic organizer. 

How do people make decisions in a world where wants are unlimited but resources are not? How do individuals and governments utilize scarce resources (human, natural, and capital) in different economic systems? Introduce your learners to...

As an introduction to economics, government classes investigate different types of economic systems (traditional, command, market or capitalist, mixed) to determine answers to basic question about how goods are produced.

Agribusiness, human capital, productivity. Find out what your class members know about economic systems and terminology with this two-page economics activity that that asks kids to identify terms and concepts.

What works better: a planned economy or a market economy? Join the global debate with a Crash Course video about macroeconomics and the differences between economic systems. With quotes from Adam Smith and Karl Marx guiding instruction,...

High schoolers explain the basic functions of the various economic systems. As a class, they identify the main characteristics of capitalism and the advantages of division of labor and specialization. They describe the relationship...

What better way to learn about different economic systems than to participate in them? An engaging bead game highlights the differences between market, command, and traditional economies. In small groups, 6th graders work through three...

Sixth graders explore economic systems. In this economics lesson, 6th graders discover global markets. Students work in small groups to identify where their clothing and materials originated. Students locate countries on a map and...

How did Tanzania transition from a socialist to a market economic system? This challenging group research project has scholars examining the change through these structural adjustment policies: trade liberalization, privatization, cost...

Students examine the American economic system. In this economics lesson, students research the organization of American business and determine how business decisions are made.

Young scholars identify two American industrialists within the United States during the second half of the 19th century. They use specific examples, compare and contrast how these two industrialists were successful in their market. ...

In this Types of Economic Systems activity, students read then answer questions and provide examples of different economic elements in the U.S. economy.

Students investigate how the six natural regions of Arkansas work together to form the economic system of the state. They read a paragraph and articles about the state and complete an activity that demonstrates interdependence. They...

From scarcity and marginal benefits and costs to economic systems and GDP, this 22-question multiple choice test covers some of the most fundamental concepts of economics.

High schoolers investigate the early years of the Cold War and the origins of containment. Both supporters as well as critics are probed to examine the differences that emerged in the months following the end of the war in Europe. This...

Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes held different beliefs about economic systems that evolved from their predecessors, and then shaped by their countries' economic situations. A video from Crash Course Economics explains the...

From scarcity and supply and demand to entrepreneurship and the stock market, here you'll find a multiple-choice assessment that includes 34 questions covering all the major concepts of a traditional economics course. 

High schoolers identify different economic systems, compare economic systems by determining how the three basic economic questions are answered in each, and explain concept of mixed economies.

Eighth graders research the economic systems and organization of another country. They prepare a PowerPoint presentation for the class showcasing their findings.

High schoolers examine the distribution of economic systems of the world. They learn the difference between developing and developed countries.

Students learn the characteristics of economic systems through problem solving, communication and representation. In this financial lending lesson, students use math to solve problems dealing with the economy today, to work with their...

Students create an economic system based on responsibility and caring. In this economics and character lesson, students receive Character Currency and practice using the money for a good cause. Students brainstorm charities they would...

In this economic systems instructional activity, students read and follow the provided 5 tips to locate, analyze, and discuss macroeconomics current event issues.