I remember learning about the great depression in my 10th grade history class. We were taught that "borrowing on margin" caused the stock market to crash, which caused the depression. Even back then I found the story unsatisfactory, as it didn't outline the cause and effect of things, and there were gaps in the logic.
I think I might be able to convince a friend of mine (who taught me that history class about 9 years ago now) to let me have about 40 minutes of class time to describe the great depression part of history.
I was wondering of doing something with monetary inflation, with me cutting out paper and stamping it as money, right before the student's eyes, (counterfiting it) and handing it out to them to create a scenario that resembles the roaring 20's. Or even giving them a simple lecture without a lot of interactivity.
Essentially, what I want to do is two things: show that there is the ABCT, which more sufficiently explains the great depression, and also to plug in some sites such as mises.org and lewrockwell.com just so the students have the opportunity to learn more. if they wish.
I figure I might eventually be able to do this about 10 times a year and reach 250 students a year. And don't you worry about my precious time, I can make it! :p (I'm a grad student)
Anyways, are there any lesson plans, lectures or activities suitable for 15-16 year olds to introduce them to the ABCT concept?
Aloha,
I teach US History to 10th graders and yes the GD is one unit I am working on for summer school. Couple points I brought up was the standard textbook says the cause was (1) unequal distribution of income (2) Overproduction (3) Underconsumption and availability of easy credit. I had the students turn to the page where the text said that, then I addressed each one.
But
I want to do better. I have some great Mises store books on the GD and am trying to put something together. The Fed provides comic books and DVDs for free. Over on the reg forum there is a guy doing AE comics and another posted a quiz he gave his gang. Its a start and a worthy challenge.
Cheers,
will