Students research U.S. Department of Labor web resources to learn about the minimum wage and some laws affecting workers.
Topic
Earn (Getting paid, Making money)
Subject
CTE (Career and technical education), English or language arts, Social studies or history
Grade Level
High school (9-10), High school (11-12)
Duration
45-60 minutes
Big idea
Minimum wage laws set the lowest hourly rate a person can earn doing a specific eligible job.
Essential questions
- What is the minimum wage?
- What protections does the government provide for workers’ earnings?
Objectives
- Become familiar with federal minimum wage laws
- Recognize specific wage laws that apply to young people
What students will do
- Read a poster about the federal minimum wage and other pay issues.
- Answer reading comprehension questions.
- Do Internet research to determine how their state’s minimum wage compares to the federal minimum wage.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_exploring-minimum-wage_guide.pdf
Student materials
cfpb_building_block_activities_exploring-minimum-wage_worksheet.pdf
Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.
