Lesson
Investment Types
Summary
Owning a company and lending to one aren't the same financial bet—and that distinction shapes every dollar on Wall Street. This lesson unpacks stocks, bonds, index funds, ETFs, and the active-vs-passive debate that decides who actually keeps the gains.
Bellringer: Lawn Mower or Lender?
- Pose the $100 lawn mower scenario — debt vs. equity
- Have students vote A or B and defend their pick
Instruction
- Walk asset classes, risk-return, equity vs. debt, index funds, ETFs
- Contrast active vs. passive investing and expense ratios
Discussion: Buffet Diversification
- Use buffet analogy to surface diversification logic
- Push students to defend pure stock-picking vs. index investing
Activity: Stock Market Showdown
- Finish playing Stock Market Showdown
- Complete the vocabulary practice and posttest
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- What is the difference between equity and debt?
- What is an index fund?
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Bellringer: Lawn Mower or Lender? |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 8 min | Discussion: Buffet Diversification |
|
| 20 min | Activity: Stock Market Showdown |
|
| 5 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
Stock Market Showdown
Students compete in a stock market simulation managing portfolio risk.
Stock Market Showdown Vocab
Review the vocab terms from Stock Market Showdown.
Stock Market Showdown Posttest
Assess student learning after completing Stock Market Showdown.
Class Presentation
Includes a 21-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Unit 7: Investing Basics
The Case for Investing
Buying a company's product doesn't make you an owner — owning a slice of it does. This lesson introduces stocks, shares, and how supply and demand drive prices on Wall Street.
Investment Types
Owning a company and lending to one aren't the same financial bet—and that distinction shapes every dollar on Wall Street. This lesson unpacks stocks, bonds, index funds, ETFs, and the active-vs-passive debate that decides who actually keeps the gains.
Wealth Accelerators
Time is the fastest path to wealth, not total compensation. This lesson explores the mechanics that quietly turn small, boring deposits into a nest egg, covering the cost of waiting, dividends, and dollar-cost averaging.
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