Description
This is a one-semester online economics class that will cover the material usually taught in a high school Economics class in as creative a manner as possible. Instead of textbooks, students will learn through videos, games, simulations, podcasts etc. Popular movies and TV shows will be used to teach economic principles too!
Students’ grades will be based on assignments and not on tests (there will be some quizzes). Students will be required to conduct research and deliver projects that show their mastery of the subject eg create comic strips, animations, slideshows, and posters.
Students will also participate in the national Stock Market Game (registration fees are included in the cost of the class).
Instructor: Meryl van der Merwe (meryl@fundafunda.com)
Hours: 4 to 6 hours per week
For: Grades 9 -12
Credit Hours: 1/2 High School Credit on completion of the semester
Syllabus: Available here
Spring Dates: January 6 – May 2 (any week in March can be taken for Spring break)
Required Materials: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy by Richard Maybury
View One Module Here
Examples of student work
**Links to resources may be affiliate links. You don’t pay anything more but we make a small percentage of each sale.
Nathan Waller –
This was an amazing class! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a better understanding of economics. I have taken many classes through Funda Funda and I knew going into this class that there would be a lot of work but nothing too hard to handle. The teachers are very helpful and respond quickly to any questions that you have. I now have a better understanding of many economic concepts and I’m sure I’ll learn even more as I progress through life. Thanks to all the teachers who provided this class to us students, God bless!
Lauren Barton –
This class was a lot of fun, but a lot of work too! Before this class, I knew little to nothing about economics. Now, I feel confident in my ability to apply what I learned in this class to the real world.
Brennan Whitehead –
A great class, plus it wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it would be! Plus the class was just all around fun to be in.
Charis Guilford –
This class has been a huge help to me. Going into it I knew next to nothing about economics, but by the time I finished it, I could navigate economic discussions with ease. I found the curriculum to be both informative and engaging. Thanks to this class, I now have a solid understanding of economics.
Lillianna Mather –
This class is really well done, and the content is super interesting! Not boring like an economics class could be:) There’s a good balance between watching videos and actively doing work. I would absolutely recommend this class and I’m looking forward to taking another class from Mrs. Meryl!
Stephanie Barnes –
My Son really learned and enjoyed this class. I as a parent love how it approaches Economics from different aspects for each module. Also it uses lots of different types of assignments. It is never a mundane lesson followed by testing. This classes uses lots of different creative avenues to teach a lot of information.
Cristian Quinata –
I loved this class. It was very in depth and it made the topic of economics and economic theory fun to learn about. I can’t recommend this class more to anyone looking for a great economics coarse.
Natalie Vaughn –
Absolutely loved this course! The assignments were so enjoyable that sometimes I would forget they were for a class until I realized how much information I had learned from them. We covered a variety of topics from both macro and microeconomics, and after completing all of the work I feel like I have a solid base in a broad spectrum of economic concepts. The information is presented in a way that really helps you see how economics come into our everyday lives and why it’s important for us to understand them. I would highly recommend this course to anybody looking for a fun way to learn econ!
Bryce Bible –
I took this class in Spring 2017, after taking another one of these courses in the Fall, and I absolutely love it. Mrs. Van der Merwe was my favourite teacher! She incorporates technology and fun into every single lesson. You will learn a lot, I promise that! And most of the time, you’ll forget you’re learning, because it’s so fun!
Caroline B –
This is a really great class to get a good understanding of how the economy actually works! There are no major tests or textbooks, just a variety of activities that really help teach and reinforce the concepts. Definitely a very engaging and informative class!
Daniel –
This is an awesome Economics course. Mrs. Van der Merwe teaches the subject in such a way that you’ll become transfixed in a subject that might have previously bored you. 10/10, would take again.
Lindsey H. –
I took this class in the spring semester of 2016-17 and I loved it! It was very interactive and engaging, and it is well suited for a wide range of learning styles. This class definitely makes Economics interesting and fun! I would absolutely recommend this course!
Abbey b –
Really great class and teacher! This class really helps you understand what’s going on in your own economy, and well just understand economics. No tests, no textbook reading, fun games, and activities that help you learn and think. Learn a lot while having fun (most of the time) you still have homework that can be time consuming. Overall great class, would definitely recommend!
Lauren –
I had a great time in this class! I not only had tons of fun, but I also learned a lot of information!
P Daigle –
Took the course in 2017, and loved it! There are lots of interactive games, without textbooks and tests! You learn a whole lot, and the activites are incredible. Even if this is merely an elective course, I’d take it.