Making Sense of Economics

Current Events Assignment

Economics: The social science concerned with the way society chooses to employ its limited resources,
which have alternative uses, to produce goods and services, for present and future consumption.
Now that weve defined the term, it is important to begin to explore how economics can help us better understand what is
happening in the world. Everything from what we see in Portland, and Oregon to the United States and across the globe.
Each day the news is full of stories that can be studied through the lense of economics. Examining news stories gives us a
chance to practice and develop our understanding of the basic principles of economics. Also, by learning how to use the
science of economics to better understand these stories, we can develop a deeper understanding of how our society works
and become better prepared for life post-high school.
In this assignment, you must select news stories and identify how the story can be examined through economics.
Then you must show how the new ideas, concepts, and terms youve learned in economics help you better
understand the news story or topic youve selected. Over the course of the semester you must complete eight
current events analyses.
Each current event assignment must contain the following parts:
1. Title of Article, author, and date published
2. Source (Where did you find this article? Be specific, please include internet URL or newspaper page number.)
3. Economic topic
4. Economics graphic organizer
5. Summary of the article
6. How does this article connect with what youve learned in class? Be specific and use key terms, concepts, and ideas.
7. Why should we examine this article through the lens of economics? What did you learn by examining this current
event as an economic issue?
Assignment Due Dates:
#1 - Tuesday, September 27th

#2 - Thursday, October 13th

#3 - Friday, October 28th

#4 - Thursday, November 17th

#5 - Tuesday, December 6th

#6 - Friday, January 6th

#7 - Thursday, January 19th

#8 - TBD

This assignment will help you meet the following semester learning targets:
Critical Thinking LT 3: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
To be successful in this assignment I will be supported with (resources that you will use to find current events)
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SS.HS.CO.ALT.01: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

4: Highly Proficient
I present ideas in an articulate
and sophisticated sequence.
I demonstrate skillful use of
language and style that is
compelling and appropriate.
I use the conventions of writing
accurately and effectively.

3: Proficient

2: Nearly Proficient

I organize ideas in a logically

sequenced manner that is
appropriate to the content.

I have attempted to organize the

ideas, but the sequence may be
illogical or hard to follow.

I use appropriate language and

style for the content.

I use language and style that may

not always be appropriate to the
task.

I use the conventions of writing

accurately and effectively, with
few errors.

I have frequent errors in writing

conventions.

1: Developing
I have not organized the ideas in
any logical manner.
I use language and style that is
not appropriate to the task.
I have frequent errors in
conventions which impede
understanding.

SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
4: Highly Proficient
I clearly explain numerous
practical applications of ideas.
I clearly explain a range of
relevant solutions using
background information to
support my ideas.
I offer thorough and detailed
evaluations of solutions, clearly
addressing their consequences.

3: Proficient

2: Nearly Proficient

I take theoretical ideas and

explain practical applications of
them.

I explain ideas and concepts with

insufficient detail, or I need to
apply them practically.

I propose solutions to a problem

based on background
information and research.

I may not explain solutions

clearly or they may not be based
on information or research.

I evaluate solutions for their

potential consequences.

I propose solutions but may not

evaluate them logically or
sufficiently.

1: Developing
I explain ideas and concepts with
little detail or application.
My solutions have little to no
informational basis.
My solutions are not evaluated.