Economics - Scarcity and Choice | Cupcake Shop Experiential Learning Activity

Experiential Learning is a great way to unpack the Economics curriculum.

Small student groups collaborate on opening a cupcake store with a limited number of resources so they can experience scarcity and choice in economics first-hand. Student groups are set up with basic store/bakery options from which to choose. Without teacher spelling it out up front, student groups will deal with trade-offs as well as scarcity and choice, thereby, being introduced to those concepts.

Engage students in the learning process whereby students “learn by doing” and then by reflecting on the experience. This approach reduces that glazed look from students when they are learning Economics

For the NEW teachers – experiential learning activities are not difficult! In fact, this will make your job easier, more joyful, and the students enjoy it too.

**Only after students have engaged in this fun student-centered activity do you present the instructional portion of the lesson through the guided questioning provided in the resource and brief PPT. By priming your class with “prior knowledge” through an engaging project, you bring ‘economics’ to life for your students and the curriculum will have more relevancy for them.**

SWBAT assess how limited resources affect decision making, compare multiple decisions when planning a business providing a rationale for each; connect unit Economic terms to experiential learning activity and real-world applications.

The lesson can be delivered with or without technology, however, access to computers is highly recommended.

Included in Zip Folder for this Resource:

• Detailed Teacher Lesson Guide (PDF)
• Warm-up Activity and discussion guide
• Engaging Student Activity Handout with instructions and chart to manually organize their efforts (PDF)
• Editable Excel Spreadsheet so students can plan their shop and stay on budget using technology (Excel)
• PowerPoint with notes to guide you and students through the activity reflection help you introduce and unpack the Economics curriculum

*Office Excel doc and PDFs can be uploaded to Google Drive for use in Google Classroom.

Prepare your students for success NOW and after high school.

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