Planning a Mutual Fund: Personal Finance Lesson Plan

This is a pretty engaging, hands-on way for students to learn about how a mutual fund (or ETF) works. It takes at least one full day, and you can turn it into something that you revisit several times during the semester. It's intended to be a partner project, but students could work alone if you wish.

Students will work in partners to create a “mutual fund”, by picking stocks for their fund that share a common focus. Students pick stocks and adjust the number of shares to achieve a $1000.00 asset fund with a diverse, but focused collection of stock. Students will see how funds act like a “basket of stocks” and how the NAV price is calculated and changes over time.

Includes:

• Lesson plan with directions for prep work, during class steps, suggestions for follow up and assessment.
• Spreadsheet template that students will use as their planning tool
• "Focus groups" cards for students to plan their fund with a focus
• Presentation on mutual funds (if needed)