Students read a book about the opportunity costs of starting a business, play a fill-in-the-blank game, and discuss things they could give up so they can have something else.
Earn (Becoming an entrepreneur, Learning about careers, Making money), Spend (Buying things)
CTE (Career and technical education), English or language arts, Social studies or history
Elementary school (4-5), Middle school (6-8)
75-90 minutes
Big idea
When we choose to do or buy one thing, we often have to give up something else.
Essential questions
- What is an opportunity cost?
- What opportunity costs do I have in my life?
Objectives
- Understand opportunity costs
- Identify personal opportunity costs
What students will do
- Read the Money Monsters Start Their Own Business chapter book. (You will need a book reader app to open ePub files).
- Play a fill-in-the-blank game about opportunity costs.
- Reflect on opportunity costs in their own lives.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_exploring-opportunity-costs_guide.pdf
Student materials
cfpb_building_block_activities_exploring-opportunity-costs_worksheet.pdf
cfpb_building_block_activities_money-monsters-start-their-own-business_book.pdf
cfpb_building_block_activities_money-monsters-start-their-own-business_book.epub
Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.
