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
Market Mechanics
The stock market isn't a casino—it's a giant auction where millions of buyers and sellers set prices in real time. This lesson unpacks how exchanges, brokers, orders, and regulators work together so students can read the market before they ever buy a share.
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.
Investor Mindset
Most people see a $50 bill as a video game; investors see $500 in future growth. This lesson distinguishes long-term investing from speculation and closes out the unit with a vocab assessment.
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