Creator: PBS | visit site
Grade Range: 8 - 11
A website connected to an episode of Frontline, this site looks at the 2008-2009 collapse of several large "superbanks," and how the bank failures were connected to the general economic downturn. Many PBS shows’ sites are built around the concept of having students "watch the show and discuss"; these require teachers to buy or find a copy of episode. However, this site includes access to the full episode (requires Flash), which can be viewed as a whole or in sections. The resource list is very comprehensive and would give students who are researching national or global economics many good sources. Finally, there is analysis, set up in Q&A format that stands alone, and could be used if you don’t want to use class time to view the video episode.
In the Classroom
Although this site deals with the 2008-2009 banking crisis at a level that is probably more in-depth than most teachers have the opportunity to deal with, it would be useful for an economics class or a recent American history class. You might consider some portions of it during a discussion of the Great Depression in the 1930s, to help students connect that economic time with the present. Finally, this might be a good resource site for students who are interested or who are working on more comprehensive projects. Transform classroom technology use and have students create a multimedia presentation of demonstrating their understanding of the connection between the bank failures and the economic downturn. To show what they have learned from this site, challenge students to substitute paper posters with an online graphic to share using Web Poster Wizard, <a href="/single.cfm?id=7332">reviewed here</a>, or PicLits, <a href="/single.cfm?id=9822">reviewed here</a>. Transform technology use by using a multimedia poster maker such as Genial.ly, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17621">reviewed here</a>, where students can choose the type of interactive presentation they would like to share. Have students create (and respond) on class wikis. Not comfortable with wikis? Have no wiki worries - check out the <a href="/content/wiki/">TeachersFirst’s Wiki Walk-Through</a>.
At Home
Having a tough time explaining finances to your teen? Watch and discuss these video clips together.
Tags
financial literacy, banks, money, recession,
Subjects
Current Events, Economics, Government/Civics: U.S, Math, Social Studies, Social Studies,