Final Blog Posting

"Your past is important because it brought you to where you are,
but as important as you past is, it is not nearly as important as the wasy you see your future."
      Dr. Tony Campolo


As you look back on four years of high school education, I want you to post what is the one memory from high school that you will remember ten years from now.  Narrow it down to just one memory.

TE on the web

Here are the instructions for using Thinking Economics on the web

go to  URL: http://moodle.thinkingeconomics.com/

USER: firstinitiallastname

(for example, josborne)

PW: Password1.

(include the period at the end)
Password is case sensative

• Scorll down to the course with Mr. Ellis llisted as instructure.  Near the bottom
• Click on the the Thinking Economics Demonstration Course link
• Put in your user name and password
• Click on Curriculum under Topic Outline

Blog Posting #10 - Government Policies

Watch this video on government policies regarding spending and taxing.  Post your comments on what the governemnt should do in terms of taxing and spending.  How do we reduce the deficit?  You play president for the day.


Economicst Rapping Debate

Industry Discussion #6

Take a look at government regulation in your industry.  Find case studies and examples of taxes, government rules, regulation and policies.

Daily Plan 5/9 - 6/3

Monday 5/9 - TE 7.3 - Oligopolies
  LO - SWBAT - identify the characteristics of an Oligopoly
Tuesday - Industry Discussion
  LO - SWBAT - describe a labor issue in an assigned industry.
Wednesday - Market Structure Game
  LO - SWBAT - demonstrate selling strategies in an economy
Thursday - TE 7.4 Monopolies
  LO - SWBAT identify the various types of monopolies
Friday - Ch 7 Review
  LO - SWBAT - list the basic components of Market competition

Monday 5/16 - Test ch 7
  LO - SWBAT - demonstrate competence on Market competition
Tuesday - TE 9.1 - Government role in Economy
  LO - SWBAT - Identify and compare the powers given to Federal, State, and local governments
Wednesday - Industry Discussion
  LO - SWBAT - describe a government involvement situation in a specific industry
Thursday 9.2
  LO - SWBAT - State the characteristics of a public good
Friday - TE 9.3
  LO - SWBAT - list and describe the different types of taxes levied by governments

Monday 5/23 - TE 9.4 Income Tax
  LO - SWBAT - Explain the difference between graduated, flat and regressive taxes
Tuesday - TE 9.5
  LO - SWBAT - Explain the difference between budget deficit and national debt
Wednesday - Review ch 9
  LO - SWBAT - Explain the role of government in the US economy
Thursday - Test Ch 9
  LO - SWBAT - Demonstrate competence on the government role in the US economy
Friday - Technical skill assessment
  LO - SWBAT learn test taking skills

Monday 5/30 - No School
Tuesday - Friday Final presentations
  LO - SWBAT - explain their personal seven year plan

Blog Posting #9 - Monopolies

Has Google grown to big?  Are they considered an information  monopoly?  Watch this video and post your comments on the power of Google.

Google Monopoly video

Econ Discussion #8 - Unions

Unions have great power in our country.  Over the past three years teachers unions have been in the news.  The primary issue is are retirement plans, base salary, class size, and most recently heath care.

The concern in Wisconsin was that the government was trying to eliminate collective bargaining for teachers unions.

Read the following articles and watch the videos and post your opinions on how states should meet funding and still keep workers happy.  Secondly, put yourself in both shoes, teachers and lawmakers, what would you recommend?

Union Issues
Multiple Points of view
Union President Opinion - watch starting at 3:30
Pro less government video
Pro Less Government control

Industry Analysis Part #5 - Labor and your industry

The labor market is important to all industries.  Your task is to analyze the labor market in your industry.  Look for information on the following topics

• name of union if one, union dues cost
• average employee salary
• future outlook of work in the industry
• level of training required for the industry - skill level
• specific examples of worker issues during the past 10 years
• Current demand for jobs
• Current supply for jobs

Weekly Plan 4/18 - 5/6

Monday - TE ch 5.3
   LO - SWBAT - discuss the cost and benefits of minimum wage laws
Tuesday - Ch 5 discussion
  LO - SWBAT - list specific elements of labor and increasing their human capital
Wednesday - Ch 5 Discussion - labor unions
   LO - SWBAT - describe the requirements to start a union
Thursday - TE ch 5.4
  LO -  SWBAT - list the advantages and disadvantages of joining a union
Friday - Industry  Assignment #5 - labor unions
LO - SWBAT -  site union impact in their specific industries

Monday - TE 5.5
  LO - SWBAT list two effects of wages increase on the labor market
Tuesday - Review ch 5, practice test
  LO - SWBAT write short summaries on ch 5 topics
Wednesday - labor Union Discusson - Croxford
  LO - SWBAT demonstrate labor market knowledge on an exam
Thursday - Investing Guest speaker - Mike Nichols
  LO SWBAT write checks, post to a bank register
Friday - Test Ch 5
  LO SWBAT explain one investments risk factor

Monday-Intoduction to bank account - Ellis gone all day
  LO - SWBAT reconcile a bank account with five transactions
Tuesday- Reconcie Bank Accounts-  Ellis gone all day
  LO - SWBAT explain the three different types of insurance
Wednesday- Industry Research day- Ellis gone all day
  LO - SWBAT describe specific advantages and disadvantages of three different investments
Thursday - Ch 7 overview
  LO - SWBAT describe basic components to market competition
Friday- TE ch 7.1 Market structure
  LO - SWBAT identify four market structures

Econ Discussion #7 - labor equality

Recently a Wal-mart lawsuit that women employees at Wal-Mart earned less than male employees hit the supreme court.  In a speedy historic decision, the supremen court did not rule in favor of women.

Here is the discussion. 

1. Have you ever been discriminated - age, gender, religion, ethnic?
2. What should the U.S. do to eliminate discrimination?
3. Are we doing enough?
4. What is your opinion of the supreme court decison?
5. Do you fear discrimination in your next 15 year future?

Background article

Supreme Court Decision

Interview with woman who originated lawsuit

Weekly Plan 4/4 - 4/15

Monday - TE Session 3.10 Price effect vs Quantity effects
   LO  - SWBAT understand the difference between elasticity of price and quantities
Tuesday - TE Session 3.11 Price ceilings and price floors
  LO - SWBAT explain how price floors and ceilings disturb market equilibrium
Wednesday - Review in class
Thursday - Test 3.7 - 3.11
Friday - End 3rd Quarter

Monday - Introduction to labor markets
  LO - SWBAT explain the key points in labor negotiations
Tuesday -   (Ellis gone all day)  TE 5.1 Labor in the Economy
  LO - SWBAT explain how incentives effect labor markets
Wednesday -   (Ellis gone all day) TE 5.2  Changes in Labor Supply & Demand
  LO - SWBAT list and describe three determinants for Demand and two for supply
Thursday -  1/2 Day parent Conferences  (Ellis Gone all Day)  TE 5.3 Government effect on labor
  LO - SWBAT discuss the cost and benefits of minimum wage laws
Friday - No School

Econ Discussion #6 - New Markets

With the NFL players and owners locked out, what will the U.S. do this fall?  Will new markets open up?  Will fans watch games with replacement players?  What will advertisers do? Will companies promote on other shows? or will they stop promotion?  What will the networks do?

Read the following article

NFL advertisers

Post your opinion on what the possible loss of a NFL season will mean to the U.S. Economy

Econ Discussion #5 - Japan recovery

As one of the largest natural disastors hits Japan, the economic impact will be signigicat.  Find information on your own that details the economic impact.  Look at your industry and try to determine the impact to your industry.  Post comments about economic impact to Japan and any foreign markets.  See if you can find something on Klamath County impact.

The links below are a good start.  The first link is just video footage of the actual earthquake.  The second link is a website that has several articles on economic impact.  Most numbers will change drastically over the next few weeks.


Earthquake footage 

Collection of Economic impact articles

Weekly Plan 3/14 - 3/18 3/28-4/1

Monday - TE Session 3.6
   LO - learning about difference between Qty Supplied and Supply
Tuesday - Review Session 3.1-3.6
  LO - learning key points covering 3.1 - 3.6
Wednesday Test Session 3.1 3.5
  LO - applying learned knowledge in exam
Thursday - Industry Research - Elasticity
  LO  - learning how price affects Demand
Friday - Stock Market simulation
  LO  - learning how to purchae and research stocks as investments

Monday - TE lesson 3.7 - magic of markets
  LO - learning how markets affect each other
Tuesday - TE lesson 3.8 Change in S/D market analysis
  LO leaning how supply and dmeand affect each other
Wednesday - Supply and Demand analaysis discussion
  LO - learing throgh graphing how supply and demand interact
Thursday - Industry discussion - elasticity of demand
  LO - learning current examples of elasticity in various markets
Friday - TE lesson 3.9 Changes in S/D market analysis
  LO - learning how to intrepret changes in markets

Stock Market Simulation

This game is for fun.  No grades attached, but a good leanring tool for investing.

go to

Stock market simulation website

• Create an account
• Search for KUECON group
• Join group
• Begin investing

Industry Analysis Part #4 - Elasticity of Demand

Research the impact of price on demand for your product.  Price Elasticity determines the slope of a demand curve.  Find out in your industry how the consumer reacts to price changes.  Does the consumer want more or less?  or does the consumer  demand not change much.?

Have a one page written response due 3/17 and class discussion on 3/17

Econ Discussion #4 March Madness

As CBS and Turner sign a 10 billion 14 year TV deal for March Madness, lets look at the new format.  Read the following articles and watch the videos and post comments based on the ideas below.


Advertising Age - March Madness viewpoint
Detailed benefits to the new contract
Economic Impact - Short video
Overview of Contract

• What part of viewership will change, overall viewership, specific game viewership or both?
• Who does the new contract benefit, the consumer or the producer?
• Why did CBS want to change the deal?
• Will this impact your March Madness experience?

Weekly Plan 1/31 - 2/11

Monday - Back to school DVD - Bill Gates & Warren Buffett
  LO - learning specific skills for life success
Tuesday - Back to school DVD - Bill Gates & Warren Buffett
 LO - learning specific skills for life success
Wednesday - Back to school DVD - Bill Gates & Warren Buffett
  LO - learning specific skills for life success
Thursday - Ch 1.1 - Opportunity cost
  LO - learning about Economics basics, scarcity, opportunity cost
Friday - Ch 1.2 basic economic question
  LO -  learning about Who, What, How products are produced

Monday - Ch 1.3 - Economics Systems
  LO - Learning about three economics systems, traditional, command, market
Tuesday - Ch 2.1 -  elements of market economy
  LO - learning about market competition, price system and entrepreneurship
Wednesday - Ch 2.2
  LO - learning about economic growth
Thursday - Ch 2.3
  LO - learning about production possibility frontier
Friday - Ch 1 & 2 discussion
  LO - discussing elements of economic systems and economic growth

Industry Analaysis Part #3 - Supply Shifters

Research the affects of supply to your industry.  Look specifically for the following Supply shifters.

• Technology advancements in your industry
• Number of suppliers on the market
• Change in price of a raw material

You must find two examples in two of the three categories.

Be able to turn in a written response and contribute to class discussion on 3/9
Please document your sources

Weekly Plan 2/28 - 3/11

Monday - Session 3.2
  LO - learning determinants of demand
Tuesday - Industry research
  LO - learning demand changes in specific industry
Wednesday - Session 3.3 discussion
  LO - learning price impact on demand
Thursday - Industry discussion, written due
  LO - learning various examples of changes in industry demand
Friday - Session 3.4 - 3.6 review, Blog posting #4
  LO - learning Supply basics and determinants of supply

Monday - Session 3.3 - analysing Market demand - Ellis gone all day
  LO - learning changes in quantity demanded
Tuesday -  Industry research topic #3 - supply - Ellis gone all day
  LO - learning industry changes in supply
Wednesday Session 3.4  - Supply -Ellis gone all day
   LO - learning determinants of supply
Thursday - Session 3.5 Supply changes
  LO - learning determinants of supply
Friday - Industry discussion - supply, written due
  LO - learning specific industry examples of changes in supply

Econ Discussion #3 - Oil Supply

Turmoil in the middle East is causing US oil prices to soar.  Read the following article and watch the following video

The Economist - Oil pressure rising

CBS news summary of Oil issues

Please post comments addressing the following discussion points

• What is the OPEC Barrels per day compared to the US?
• Is there a US solution to reduce the dependency on OPEC oil?
• Why is there a panic price increase. How can the market control panic price increases?
• What is your opinion on the US role in the middle east dealing with oil production?

Econ discussion #2 - The demand for products

Groupon is a web based coupon system that allows companies to offer special deals for a limited time.  Over the course of two years the companies if worth over a billion dollars.  Here is the discussion for comments

Read this article     Is groupon the next google?
Read this article to learn more about the industry  article that explains Groupon's Market

Watch this interview to learn about Groupon's birth.  Short Interview with Groupon CEO

Post comments based on the following two questions.

• Why do you think Groupon will survive or die over the next five years.  Base your decision using the determinants of demand.
• Look at the four potential new markets and decide which will have the best chance of success.  Explain your answer.

Weekly Plan 2/21-2/25

Monday - No School
Tuesday - Industry Presentation
  LO - learning specific facts about industries
Wednesday - Complete Industry Presentation
  LO - learning specific facts about industries
Thursday - Demand Ch 3.1, 3.2
  LO - learning about demand and demand curves
Friday - Ch 3.1 and 3.2 discussion, freakeconomics #1
  LO - learning about demand and demand determinants

Industry Analaysis Part #2 - Demand Shifters

This week research your industry to learn about the demand of your product.  See if you can find some of the following information
.

• How the change in the price of a compliment of substitute good effected your industry
• How the change in consumer information effected your industry

Be able to

• Turn in at least two examples of each Demand changes in your industry typed, double spaced, Thursday 3/1
• Present your finding by Thursday 3/2

Production Possibility Curve

This short video clip explain Production Possibility curves very well.  Please watch and see what another AP Econ student created.  This is not required for posting, but it is a very well done  and will help you understand the PP Curve.

Production Possibility Curve Explanation on Youtube

Interesting Product

Some of you might want this app for studying.  Take a look at this link.  If someone purchases this app, let me know what you think.

Phone App for Economics Exams

Weekly Plan 2/14-2/18

Monday -Review Ch 1 & 2
  LO - learning elements to study for ch 1 & 2 exam
Tuesday - Industry Research
  LO - learning background information about specific industry
Wednesday - Industry Discussion (Sub Teacher)
  LO - learning specific facts about industries
Thursday -  Test Ch 1 & 2 - case study, workbook due (Sub Teacher)
  LO - showing learned knowledge of Ch 1 & 2 content
Friday - Industry Discussion
  LO - learning specific facts about industries

Industry Analaysis Part #1

Your first task is to research your specific industry.  This is a start at becoming an expert in your field.  You will be expected to provide a 2-3 minute presentation in class covering the following topics.

• Defination of industry
• Market share leaders in industry
• Big players in industry. 
• Size of industry in U.S. Dollars
• Start of industry
• Changes in industry over time

Opportunity Cost

Watch this video about a homeless couple that wins a pair of super bowl tickets.  Post a comment on your opinion if they should keep the tickets or sell them.

Click to watch video clip

Session #1

Listen to the following Michael Savage interviews with Donald Trump. Post a comment on Trump's campaign platform and your opinion on his proposals.

Interview #1

Interview #2

Welcome to Honors Economics at KU

I plan to post articles and media files for you to review and comment on.