Grade 6 Unit 4 The Wonder of Economics
In this unit, your child will explore the fascinating story of economics from humanity’s earliest self-sufficient economies to the rise of trade, money, and modern financial systems. The lessons weave together math, history, and social studies to help children see not just how economies work, but also the values and choices behind them.
They will:
- Learn about different types of economies, including self-sufficient, bartering, and currency-based systems.
- Explore the flow of money in a currency economy and reflect on its advantages and disadvantages.
- Build math skills by converting fractions, decimals, and percentages, and applying them to real-world concepts like profit, tax, commission, and gratuity.
- Study the history of simple and compound interest, tracing it back to ancient Mesopotamia and Renaissance Italy.
- Compare economic values and worldviews, from Indigenous ways of living in harmony with the land to the challenges of global trade today.
- Strengthen critical and reflective thinking, learning to question assumptions, weigh perspectives, and consider fairness in economic systems.
Children will discover that economics is not only about money—it is about choices, fairness, and the ways humans meet their needs. By connecting math skills with history and social values, this unit invites students to think deeply about the world they are growing into.
This purchase includes one digital curriculum unit with 15 days of lesson plans and 5 days of flexible projects. This unit will inspire you with beautiful images, clear instructions and exciting project ideas.
And that's not all. You will also gain access to the Wonder Hub, which includes supporting documents, videos, resources, and community.
The Wonder of Economics
Learning Standards
Math
Concepts: Mixed numbers and decimal numbers represent quantities that can be decomposed into parts and wholes. Computational fluency and flexibility with numbers extend to operations with whole numbers and decimals.
Connection: Your child will deepen their understanding of mixed numbers, decimals, and percentages. They'll develop computational fluency through hands-on practice in all four mathematical operations, seamlessly converting fractions and decimals to percentages.
Language Arts
Concept: Exploring and sharing multiple perspectives extends our thinking.
Connection: This unit encourages your child to explore and articulate multiple perspectives on the history of economics. They'll dive into the evolution of economic systems, analyzing different viewpoints on how societies have met their needs over time. Your child will enhance their critical thinking and communication skills through discussions and writing exercises, crafting thoughtful essays that reflect their growing understanding.
Social Studies
Concept: Economic self-interest can significantly cause conflict between people and government.
Connection: Your child will investigate how economic self-interest can lead to conflict between individuals and governments. They'll learn about various economic systems, from bartering and trading to modern-day economies, forming their own opinions and values along the way. This study is grounded in practical activities like business start-ups, basic banking, and money management, giving them real-world insights into economics.