Teacher Support From Ohio Web Services

By Ria Mastromatteo, Educational Technology Consultant ()

At one of our meetings, we asked media people to name the topics for which they receive requests and have difficulty finding appropriate material. Economics and money, for grade 4 and up, were two topics that we heard most often. Thought we?d look at a few resources here.

Producing Ohio is an excellent video series of five programs ? from Factors of Production to International Trade ? that are keyed to fourth- grade Ohio standards but can easily be used at higher grades. To find broadcast and block feed times, go to www.pbs4549.org/itv/producoh.htm. There?s an excellent Web site at www.producingohio.org. Listed below are other sites that deal with money or economics.

PBS Electric Money ? Explores the history of money. Visit www.pbs.org/opb/electricmoney.
Practical Money Skills for Life ? Money flash cards and activities to help students make wise spending choices. Go to www.practicalmoneyskills.com/index.php.
The U.S. Mint?s Site for Kids ? Good for primary students when learning about money. The site is located at www.usmint.gov/kids.
Welcome to Econopolis ? Deals with supply/demand and consumers/producers for elementary students. Select Library, then Money & Economics, and then Econopolis. (It?s really worth the effort!) Visit www.thinkquest.org.
Junior Achievement ? For business simulations, this site is great for middle and high school students: titan.ja.org.
Escape From Knab ? An interactive adventure where you need to earn enough money to return from the planet Knab to home. Check it out at www.escapefromknab.com.
Banking on Our Future ? Basics of savings and checking accounts, budgeting and investing. Sections are targeted to grades 4-5, grades 6-8 and high school. You?ll find it at www.bankingonourfuture.org/hope/default.htm.