Econ+Spring+2009+Announcements

//** Signing up for the Optional Econ Project **// 1. Any students wishing to do the optional project, please go to STUDENT PAGES (thanks Lauren!) and create your own link. You may choose any example of social entrepreneurship that either (a) was not one of the topics from the Fall 2008 class or (b) was in the Fall 2008 class but left much room for improvement. //** The Final Week! **// After today's debates, there are only 3 days left of class! What's happening those days? Good question. Here's the answer: 1. Mon 6/1: (a) turn in debate summary/analysis, (b) Mr. Duncan introduces "social entrepreneurship," (c) briefly meet with group about planning podcast, and (d) work on Gapminder activity about economic differences. Homework: Finish Gapminder activity (if necessary), prepare for podcast, final stock trades, be prepared to present social entrepreneur project (optional). 2. Wed 6/3: (a) celebrate the end of the stock market game!, (b) social entrepreneur presentations (remember--this project is optional), and (c) spend approx. 30 minutes recording podcasts. Homework: Filling out debate project survey, study for exam 3. Thu 6/4 (EECON) or Fri 6/5 (FECON): (a) Wrap up social entrepreneurs & Gapminder activity, (b) Africa Brain Drain article/discussion, (c) thank you notes for our guest speakers, (d) review for exam. Homework: Study for exam
 * Thursday May 28 **


 * The exam study guide will be posted on the wiki sometime by Wednesday June 3. **

Saturday May 9 ** //** Optional Econ Project **// 1. As of right now, the documentary is 18% of each student's semester grade and the debate project is 12%. For students who complete the extra project, the grade breakdown will be: documentary 15%, debate project 10%, and the social entrepreneur project 5%.

2. If you are not satisfied with your documentary grade or if you do not anticipate your debate grade to be high, then you may complete an extra project. The project would involve doing research, creating a visual component (iMovie, xtranormal, etc), and teaching the class about one example of social entrepreneurship. What is social entrepreneurship? Check out Social Entrepreneurs Links to find out! 3. The social entrepreneur project will be based on the following document:  There are some differences between this description and the project you will complete. The main difference is that the presentations were originally done in small groups. You would teach the whole class instead of 3-4 people. Also, any topic covered by a Fall 2008 KIS Economics student will be off limits. For other specifics on the differences, Mr. Duncan will explain in class. For some great examples of the wiki component, see APPROTEC and Microenergy credits

//** Investment Game **// 1. The 1st KIS Economics Stock Market Competition is underway! Be sure to go to the [|Virtual Stock Exchange] website to sign up! (Use the password from a previous email.) 2. The prizes: 1st through 5th place will receive some sort of prize...come to class on Fri 4/24 with ideas on what the prize(s) should be. 3. The rules: Follow the rules to avoid disqualification! 4. Keep in mind that trades will only take place when the U.S. stock market is open. That means it will be open beginning around 10pm on Monday-Friday nights and will close likely before most people wake up for school. Plan ahead! //** Test Study Guide **// 1. The test study guide and related PowerPoint will be available at Spring 2009 Econ Test Documents by Friday April 24. This will also be passed out in class. Start studying in advance for the Friday May 1 test! Wednesday April 15 ** //** Financial Crisis **// 1. By Friday, know the basics to the financial crisis using the following link: Financial Crisis -- Basic Background. There is a podcast to listen to as well as links to important articles. At the bottom of the page are links to other articles/videos that are not required but could provide additional understanding to a difficult subject. //** EECON Students only: **// 1. Be sure to respond to the questions/feedback on your documentary page by 10pm tonight (Wed)!
 * Thursday April 23 **
 * At least 1/2 of the original $100,000 should be invested at all times. (So...$50,000-100,000 should be invested)
 * No one investment should comprise more than 40% of all total investments when purchased (example: If someone has invested $50,000 while keeping the other $50,000 as cash, then none of the individual stocks/mutual funds should be purchased for more than $20,000)
 * Each person should have at least 5 separate investments at all times.
 * Each person should have at least 2 mutual funds at all times. (Be sure to find the mutual fund that is right for you!)
 * The game ends on June 3...GOOD LUCK!

//** Post Documentary Activities **// 1. Online survey: Be sure to fill out the appropriate survey for the documentaries (only 1 per person): [|EECON Spring 2009 Documentary Voting] [|FECON Spring 2009 Documentary Voting]
 * Wednesday April 8 **

2. Project Reflection: In a typed, 2 1/2 to 4 page, double-spaced essay, each student should: a. Analyze your work and your partner's work in making the documentary. b. Reflect on the lessons learned (good and bad) throughout the entire process. The lessons should be both about the content AND the process of creating the documentary. c. Critique the assignment, considering what was/were the best aspect(s) of it as well as ways it could be improved for future classes.

1. What is the "law of supply?" 2. Besides an increase in price, what are 7 things that could cause a change in the quantity supplied? Quickly explain or give an example for each. 3. What determines whether or not a supply is elastic or inelastic? 4. What are several ways the elasticity of supply is different from the elasticity of demand?
 * Tuesday March 10 ** **// In-class Assignment for Thursday, March 12 // ** Answer the following questions in your own notes based on Ch. 5-1.

You do not need to turn this in, but it should be either (a) on your computer or (b) written down on paper the next time class meets.

// **Assignment for Monday, March 16 ** // Please read your documentary project info document to see what 3 items are due on Monday! One quick note on part A: the video does not need to be edited. Some quick notes about part C: The outline should include about how long you expect each part of your documentary to take. It should say something like...0:00-0:30--Ghastly images with somber music; 0:30-1:20: Suzie introduces the main problem while riding the elevator, etc.

Be sure to refer to your rubric early and often when planning the documentary!!!