The following list contains descriptions of upcoming VCEE workshops. Each workshop will provide valuable training for teachers looking to expand their economic education curriculum.

Workshops for Spring semester and Summer, 2008 will be posted soon.

If you do not see a workshop below please contact your local representative.

VCEE Workshop Schedule

Christopher Newport University
Center for Economic Education
To register or find out more information, contact:
Gemma Kotula, Director
econedu@cnu.edu • (757) 594-7404


Middle School Financial Fitness for Life
January 15th- 9am to 12pm
Newport News, Achievable Dream Academy
This is only for the Achievable Dream teachers, if your school is  interested in a similar workshop, please contact the CNU Center.

“Playing” the Stock Market Game
January 30th - 4:30-7:30pm
CNU/SunTrust Building - Corner of Warwick and Hiden Blvds. 4th floor, Room 424
For teachers new to the SMG or teachers that need a refresher course. Check out the mechanics of playing the game, and navigating the web site! Get hands on experience as we will split our time between the classroom and computer lab.
No charge, register early please.

Middle School Economics and  Financial Literacy
Wednesday, February 6th   
Location TBA
Designed for Achievable Dream teachers, Follow up to January workshop. Teaching the basic economic concepts of wants, needs, scarcity and opportunity cost.
If your school/division is interested in a similar workshop, please contact the CNU Center.

Elementary Economics
February 25
Location TBA
Designed for Newport News lead social studies teachers.Teaching the basic economic concepts of wants, needs, scarcity and opportunity cost. If your school/division is interested in a similar workshop, please contact the CNU Center.

Virtual Economics for High School Teachers
March 3, 2:45-4:15
Location TBA
Designed for Newport News lead high school social studies teachers. Using the Virtual Economics CD (provided) to access dynamic lessons for the high school classroom. If your school/division is interested in a similar workshop, please contact the CNU Center.

This workshop is made possible with support from the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation and area banks.


Trading Around the World!
March 13 - 4:30pm - 6:30pm
CNU/Sun Trust Building, Corner of Warwick and Hiden Blvds. 4th floor Room 424
Designed especially to fit the middle school curriculum. Teach economics concepts with a global emphasis. Core economic concepts of scarcity, opportunity cost and absolute as well as comparative advantage will be presented, and of course the curriculum is included.
Please register early as space is limited.

Virtual Economics for Elementary Teachers
March 18, 3:30-5:15
Location TBA
This workshop is designed for the elementary lead social studies teachers in the Hampton City School District. Using the Virtual Economics CD to find the “perfect” elementary lesson will be our uppermost priority.
If your school/division is interested in a similar workshop, please contact the CNU Center.

This workshop is made possible with support from the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation and area banks.


14 Greatest Hits for Teaching Economics
April 24, 4:30 - 6:30pm
CNU/Sun Trust Building, Corner of Warwick and Hiden Blvds. 4th floor Room 424
Find out which economics lessons really get the point across to your high school students! Curriculum included, and enthusiasm for economics awarded!
Please register early as space is limited.

Teaching the  Ethical Foundation of Economics
May 21, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
CNU/Sun Trust Building, Corner of Warwick and Hiden Blvds. 4th floor Room 424
Sponsored by the BB & T Foundation and taught by Dr. Michelle Vachris and Mrs. Gemma Kotula, this workshop will explore ethical and controversial topics through an economics “lens”.
Please register early as space is limited to 20 participants. Continental breakfast and lunch are included. Substitute reimbursement available.

George Mason University
Center for Economic Education
To register or find out more information, contact:
Rachel Powell, Program Coordinator
gmupowell@yahoo.com• (703) 945-9384

Winter/Spring 2008 Economic Shorts - Free Workshop Series
Economic Shorts are offered at the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University.  Shorts run from 4:30-6:00—unless otherwise noted--and are self-contained sessions.  All workshops feature free parking, certificate of participation that may be used for re-certification points, and a complete set of lesson plans and materials.  A fully refundable check for $20 is required in order to register for each workshop.  Checks are returned to participants at the workshop.

Stock Market Game Workshop
Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 4:00-6:00
Grades 4-12
The Stock Market Game is a 10 week, interactive simulation in which students in teams for up to four members invest an imaginary $100,000 on-line in the stock market.  This workshop will introduce teacher-facilitators to the rules of the game and the basics of investing.  You do not need to register for the game in order to Participate in the workshop.  Game dates are February 4 to April 11.

Economics and Children’s Literature: Stories of Need
Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 4:15-5:45
Grades 2-6
Poverty has been an economic reality for people throughout time and across the globe.  Stories which deal with need and scarcity present  an excellent opportunity to focus on economics, history, and geography. 

Economics and Children’s Literature: Global Markets
Tuesday, February 6, 2008, 4:15-5:45
Grades 2-6
Shopping for a fez in Morocco; spending a penny in Ireland; or tracking resources as they flow into New York City, children’s stories picture and describe markets across the globe.  Get a jump on teaching economics and learn how to use children’s stories to teach and reinforce these important concepts throughout the school year.

Financial Fitness for Life
Saturday, February 9, 2008 (Snow Date—March 1), 9:30-3:30
Grades K-5
The Financial Fitness for Life curriculum is full of enjoyable, playful lessons designed to engage young learners in economic activities.  Participants receive a copy of book and more.

This workshop is made possible with support from the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation and area banks.


Economic Education and Financial Literacy In Service for Fairfax County Lead Teachers
February 2008

Economics of Children's Literature: Next Steps
February 11, 2008, 4:30-8:30pm
Spotsylvania County

FCPS Academy Class:  Global Economics
Tuesdays, February 13-March 12 from 4:30-7:30
Grades 7-12
Oakview Elementary School, Fairfax
Registration for this class is through FCPS Staff Development
Globalization describes and defines the rapid movement of resources and ideas from nation to nation and the resultant interdependency.  This course is designed to deconstruct the complexity of globalization and provide teachers with knowledge and classroom-ready materials necessary to prepare students for life in this big world.

Game Time I: File Folder Economics
Tuesday, April 8, 2008   
Game Time II: File Folder Economics
Tuesday, April 22, 2008, 4:15-5:45
Grade Levels: 2-6
Plan to attend either or both of these fun workshops. We’ll play a number of economic file folder games. Participants will receive copies of game materials and instructions for creating their own classroom set.

Economics and Children’s Literature:  Baseball Economics
Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 4:15-5:45
Grades 2-8
Baseball and economics—it’s a natural fit.  Come explore some great baseball stories and a classroom game and learn how to use America’s pastime to teach economics.

Mini-Economy: Creating a Classroom Economic System
June 23-26, 2008, 9:30-12:20
Grades 4-8
We will create a classroom economic system designed to teach the SOL economic concepts.  Participants receive a copy of the curriculum and additional lesson plans.  Join us for a truly enjoyable week of learning and play!

James Madison University
Center for Economic Education
To register or find out more information, contact:
Lynne F. Stover, Associate Director of Program
stoverlf@jmu.edu• (540) 568-3248

The SMG – Learning from the Market: Integrating the Stock Market Game across the Curriculum
January 23, 2008  3:45-5:45
Grade Levels: 4-12
Turner Ashby High School Computer Lab (RCPS)
This workshop features Learning from the Market from the National Council on Economic Education with activities that connect subject areas as diverse as Math, Social Studies and Language Arts.  New “hot of the presses” interactive lessons will also be introduced.

Economics Lessons in Jamestown
January 30, 2008 3:45-5:45
Grade Levels: 4-7
Pleasant Valley Elementary School Library (RCPS)
Historic Jamestown provides the backdrop for using Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone and Shadows in the Glasshouse by Megan McDonald to teach economic concepts and the story of our nation’s first permanent English settlement.

Chocolate Economics
February 7, 2008 3:45-5:45
Grade Levels: K-7
John Wayland Elementary School (RCPS)
The Standards of Learning come to life when they are illustrated with the world’s most popular candy.  Participates receive Chocolate Economics: A Tasty Curriculum Unit for Grades K-5 and free samples.

Teaching Economic Concepts Using VIP’s
February 23, 2008
Grade Levels: K-4
Waterman Elementary School Library  (HCPS)
The elementary SOLs include a number of Very Important Persons.  These historical figures and their times become real to the students through interactive, hands-on activities.  Some of the featured VIPs include Pocahontas, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson and Maggie Walker.

Learning, Earning and Investing
February 28, 2008 3:45-5:45
Grade Levels: 6-12
Thomas Harrison Middle School Library– (HCPS)
This workshop shows how personal financial decision-making can be taught to secondary students with SOL-coordinated activities form the National Council on Economic Education.  Each participate receives a grade-appropriate book.

Mali at the Museum
March 12, 2008  3:45-5:45
Grade Levels: K-3
Madison Art Museum at The Festival Center- James Madison University
Third Grade teachers are always on the lookout for materials to teach the SOL on the African civilization of Mali. This workshop provides great source material and activities demonstrations.  Participants will receive a copy of either Sundiata: Lion King of Mali by Davis Wisniewski or Mansa Musa: Ruler of Ancient Mali by Peggy Pancella.

Traveling Down the Silk Road: the People, Places and Products
April 16, 2008 3:45-5:45
Grade Levels: K-3
Madison Art Museum at The Festival Center- James Madison University
Geography, history and economics come together as these materials and activities show how the Silk Road facilitated trade and contact between China and other cultures. Participants will receive a copy of We’re Riding on a Caravan: An Adventure on the Silk Road by Laurie Krebs.

Mathematics and Economics: Connections for Life
April 17, 2008 3:45-5:45
Grade Levels: K-5
JMU Center for Economic Education, 1598 S. Main St., Harrisonburg
This workshop explores connections between mathematics and economics.  Each participant receives a grade-appropriate book.

JMU Stock Market Game Reception
May 15, 2008, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
JMU's Zane Showker Hall
The James Madison University Center for Economic Education will hold The Stock Market Game Winners’ Reception on Thursday, May 15, 2008 from 5:00p.m. -7:00p.m. in Zane Showker Hall.  The three highest ranked teams for both the fall and spring games in the elementary, middle and high school levels will be honored at this time.

The GEM Fair
May 29, 2008  9a.m.-1 p.m.
JMU Convocation Center
The Global Entrepreneurship Marketplace is an “international” event designed for Mini-Society® teachers and their students.  Details may be found at http://cob.jmu.econed/gemfair

Mini-Society® Training
August 4-6, 2008
 The JMU Center for Economic Education is offering its popular three-day training session on the Mini-Society program August 4-6, 2008. The program involves students forming their own classroom societies, each classroom having its own currency, flag, government and economy. Trained teachers will receive a stipend for full attendance and an agreement to conduct a Mini-Society in the next school year. Trained teachers also become eligible for the GEM Fair (Global Entrepreneurship Marketplace Fair), a simulated international marketplace for all area Mini-Society students held each May. The 2008 GEM Fair is set for May 29. Check for details and registration at http://cob.jmu.edu/econed/minisoc.

Longwood University
Center for Economic Education
To register or find out more information, contact:
Diana Shores, Program Manager
shoresdc@longwood.edu • (434) 395-2461
Or visit our website www.longwood.edu/lcee

Focus: Globalization and the World Around You
January 22 8:30am-3:30pm
Longwood University
Mention the word "globalization" and it's sure to stir deep passions today... especially when media sound bites and public misconceptions define the issue. But, in Virginia, where there are over 700 international firms located, it is critical that students understand the global economy in which they live. So how does a time-starved teacher give this important topic its rightful place in the high school classroom? Now high school teachers can harness the power of 12 mind-expanding lesson plans to frame the globalization debate in terms any student can understand. With hands-on activities that cover the key concepts from trade to the environment to outsourcing, you'll have a balanced set of tools that give your students the skills to understand the global economy. Loaded with thought-provoking activities, each lesson plan includes handouts, visuals, background readings and step-by-step procedures so you can deliver a flawless lesson every time.
Cost to attend is $20.00. The price includes meals  and parking.

The Marketplace: Ethics, Economics and Government
February 12, 2008
8:30am-3:30pm
Longwood University
This unit contains 10 lessons that incorporate an ethical dimension to economics in the
tradition of Adam Smith, who believed ethical considerations were central to life. Utilizing
these innovative instructional materials your students will learn about the important role ethics and character play in a market economy and how, in turn, markets influence ethical behavior. The activities involve the students in simulations, group decision making, problem solving, classroom demonstrations and role playing. The lessons encourage students to think critically about ethical dilemmas.
Cost to attend is $20.00. The price includes meals  and parking.

The Buck Starts Here: Fun with Math & Money
March 6, 2008 8:30am-3:30pm
Grade Levels: K-5
Longwood University, Nance Room
Are you a “moocher” like Matilda, or are you credit worthy? Can your students identify money and safe places to store it or would they keep it in a pouch like Beatrice? If you wanted to buy pepperoni in France, what would it cost? Follow the money through this exciting award winning curriculum produced by the authors of Chocolate Economics and Around the World the Econ Way. This unit will teach the importance of money and its history, the importance of saving, ways to be a smart spender, opportunities created by trade and investing. This unit integrates math and money skills allowing you to teach multiple concepts in one lesson. Children’s literature books are also incorporated.
Cost to attend is $20.00. The price includes meals  and parking.

Problem Solving, Decision Making and the Story of the Little Red Hen
April 8 4pm-7:30pm
Longwood University
Find out about the cat, the dog, and how the little red hen’s “very good cakes” can be used to teach economic concepts. Your students are naturally curious about the world around them. With the 14 hands-on activities this program offers, you'll keep your students actively involved with your lesson plans. You'll use simulations, games, stories and role-playing activities that illustrate economics in a way every elementary student will enjoy. This thorough curriculum uses communications and thinking skills to introduce core economics concepts.
Cost to attend is $10. All participants receive meal, curriculum, and parking

Dragon’s Decide: Fun with Dragons
April 15 4pm-7:30pm
Longwood University
“Dilroy and Diana were Dragons. They lived in a nice little castle at the top of a hill. For many years they worked hard to buy things they needed. Even dragons have needs…..” This fiery dragon drama covers many of the Virginia Standards of Learning. Lesson content includes art, reading, writing, and analytical thinking activities. The workshop will train teachers on how to deliver the lessons associated with the story. Library Media Specialists will love these lessons! Participants receive a teaching guide and a complete classroom set of copies of the Dragon’s Decide story and coloring book.
Cost to attend is $10. All participants receive meal, curriculum, and parking.

Jail Educators Annual Conference
April 25th 8am-3:30pm
Kroger Center in Richmond
The Longwood University and Lynchburg College Centers for Economic Education will be co-teaching with an instructor from the Virginia Credit Union. The lessons presented will be about goal setting as it pertains to financial literacy and there will be an overview of lending sources.  Fun games and door prizes will be awarded.

Virtual Economics Training
May 20, 9-4pm
Location: Longwood University, College of Business and Economics
Workshop for Jail Educators & Department of Correctional Education educators (materials will be focused on incarcerated youth). Don’t be the only one to miss this training. Each participant will receive a copy of the Virtual Economics CD-Rom. All materials covered will pertain to personal finance. Lunch and refreshments provided.

This workshop is made possible with support from the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation and area banks, The Virginia Council on Economic Education, Longwood University Center for Economic Education, & Lynchburg College Center for Economic Education.


Saving Our Rivers and Bays with Dollars and Sense
July 14-18, 2007 (residential program)
Location: Classroom instruction at the VA Bankers Association in Richmond, VA
All program participants will be lodged at the Homewood Suites by Hilton (Innsbrook) in Richmond, VA
Searching for a fun and innovative class for graduate credit or relicensure points? If so, it’s your turn for a field trip and to gain great classroom ready materials!  Come to this exciting class that explores environmental issues concerning our environment, the Chesapeake Bay, and other Virginia waterways through the lens of economics.
The class will explore questions such as: Why we should care about our water resources, how they impact our economy, why Virginia's water resources are being damaged, and how economics can assist us in good resource stewardship.  The class incorporates instruction on "Water 101" by Clean VA Waterways and an ecotour of the James River with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 
Material will be delivered using an educator-friendly, hands-on approach that incorporates many classroom activities and children's literature selections. The course materials are easily adaptable and integrate with K-12 learning objectives across the curriculum.  
Available for relicensure points or graduate credit. Fifteen scholarships toward graduate credit will be awarded (total price for the 3 graduate credits from Longwood University with scholarship will be $273.91). You may opt to take this course as a workshop for a non-refundable fee of $75.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and 4 days of lodging are provided with enrollment for graduate credit or as a workshop. To register or to receive more information contact Diana Shores 434.395.2461 or shoresdc@longwood.edu. More information will be posted at www.longwood.edu/LCE

Generously sponsored by the Virginia Environmental Endowment, The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, The Powell Center for Economic Literacy, The VA Bankers Association, the Virginia Council on Economic Education, and the Longwood University Center for Economic Education

In-Services
In-service for Amelia County Schools: “Math and Economics ”
April 4th, 8:30-12
Amelia County High School

In-service for Department of Correction Education Teachers: “NEFE High School Financial Planning”
April 10th 9:00-3:30
VCU

Center for Economic Education
at Lynchburg College
To register or find out more information, contact:
Cheryl Ayers, Director
ayers.c@lynchburg.edu• (434) 544-8791

SESSION 1:  Stock Market Game™
Grades:  4-12
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Lynchburg College, Schewel Hall (formerly Centennial Hall), Trading Lab 134
3:00 – 7:30 p.m. (dinner included)
SNOWDATE:  January 31 from 3:00 – 5:00 (same location)
In addition to being a true-to-life playing field for buying/selling stocks and teaching about the U.S. economy, the Stock Market Game™ (SMG) is correlated to the SOL in math, business/marketing, language arts, social studies, and technology.  Teachers do NOT need any prior knowledge of the stock market to attend this workshop or play the game!  Teachers begin the workshop by learning (or reviewing) basic investment terms and strategies for personal and classroom use.  These terms and strategies have been turned into classroom lessons, equipping workshop participants with everything they need to successfully implement the game in the classroom.  After observing the SMG website navigation, participants practice navigating the website on their own using a self-guided tour.  Game participants gain access to a wealth of online curriculum materials designed to make playing the game almost effortless, as well as a free copy of McGraw-Hill’s latest publication entitled, Math Behind the Market.  Winning teachers and students will be recognized at the annual Economics Education Awards Reception on May 27, 2008.  

SESSION 2:  Values in the Marketplace:  How Your Character Affects the Economy
Grades: 6-12
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Lynchburg College, Schewel Hall, Room 208
4:00 – 7:30 p.m. (dinner included)
What do ethics and character have to do with a thriving market economy?  Everything!  Challenge your students to think critically about ethical dilemmas and explore their responses to a variety of real-world, thought-provoking scenarios.  Because scandals in business, government, and nonprofit sectors capture the headlines today, students need guidelines for evaluating these headlines to formulate rational opinions and make informed choices.  Critically important topics include:

• What is the difference between self-interest and greed?
• Do markets need ethical standards?
• What do we do about sweatshops?
• Should we allow a market for transplant organs?
• Do businesses have a social responsibility?

Your students will gain an appreciation of the moral code that every citizen should uphold in the economy as an employee, business owner, and consumer.  Curriculum includes 10 lessons, valuable background information, test bank, and glossary.

SESSION 3:  Globalization - Critical Knowledge & Skills for Middle and High School Students
Grades: 6-12 (2 separate publications for middle and high school)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Lynchburg College, Brewer Townhouse, Large Meeting Room
8:30 – 3:30 p.m. (breakfast and dinner included)
Your students have no choice:  they will enter a globalized economy.  How can you make sure your students not only survive, but thrive?  The first step is to frame globalization issues in terms any middle or high school student can understand.  This workshop will demonstrate mind-expanding lessons that explore key issues from trade to protectionism to outsourcing, allowing you to pass onto your students a firm understanding of how they can think and choose responsibly as consumers, employees, and citizens in a global economy.  Links to supplemental materials and resources help you extend the activities and get more from each lesson.  Plus, all lessons include key data (current statistics) and information sources, so you can cover this important topic quickly and efficiently. 

Lynchburg College faculty in the School of Business & Economics will be invited to share their expertise on hot topics pertaining to globalization.  Workshop participants will receive one of two featured publications according to the grades taught.  Middle school teachers will receive World Wide Trade, and high school teacher will receive Focus: Globalization.

Workshop is made possible with support from the National Council on Economic Education through funding from the United States Department of Education Office of Innovation and Improvement.

SESSION 4:  Brand New Economics Lessons for Grades K-3
Grades: K-3
Thursday, May 8
Lynchburg College, Schewel Hall, Room 209
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Finally!  New activities for the K-3 SOL.  This brand new publication includes 10 lessons that are innovatively refreshing and essential in helping young students understand fundamental economic concepts.  Puzzle relay races, mystery bags of wants, charades, paper doll streamers, tic-tac-toe, and a board game are just several examples of the unique and highly graphic activities used to make abstract economic concepts come alive.  These activity-based lessons give you a seamless way to infuse economics throughout your curriculum.  You will keep your students actively engaged and also cover language arts, math, and reading at the same time.

SESSION 5:  Mini-Society®:  Simulating Real-World Economics, Entrepreneurship, & Citizenship
Grades:  2-7
June 18 – 20, 2008
Lynchburg College, Hobbs Hall, Room 406
8:30 – 5:00 p.m. (breakfast and lunch included)
Mini-Society® is an experience-based curriculum targeted primarily for teaching entrepreneurship, economics, and citizenship concepts to students in grades 2-7.  Mini-Society® has been implemented in all fifty states and has been shown to be effective across socioeconomic boundaries and adaptable to a variety of student learning styles. 

In the Mini-Society®, students develop a self-organizing economic society with the consultative guidance of the teacher, driven by the need to resolve a classroom situation involving the fundamental economic problem of scarcity and its alternative solutions.  The children begin to identify opportunities in their environment and initiate entrepreneurship ventures to provide goods and services to their fellow citizens.  Because students bear the consequences of each of their decisions, Mini-Society® becomes the real-world to the participants, not just a simulation.  The Mini-Society® program is highly motivating and encourages independent, creative, and self-directed inquiry learning by students.  Research has shown measurable increases in concept acquisition, positive attitudes toward school and learning, leadership skills, and internal locus of control.  The knowledge and skills acquired through Mini-Society® also incorporate and enhance other thematic curricula and pedagogues including language arts, math, government, law, ethics, and cooperative learning.

Workshop participants will play the role of their students by creating their own society, currency, civil servant jobs, and entrepreneurship ventures while learning relevant economic concepts fundamental to any economy.  Participants are eligible to apply for paid positions as camp facilitators during  summer 2008 where the Mini-Society curriculum is used for week-long camps at Lynchburg College. 

Workshop made possible by the National Council on Economic Education through funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and will be facilitated by the Centers for Economic Education at Lynchburg College, James Madison University, and Radford University.

IN-SERVICES

DOE Request:  VA Jail Educators
January 23
NEFE High School Financial Planning Program
Petersburg School Board Office, Petersburg, VA
9:00 – 3:30

DOE Request:  VA Jail Educators
January 25
NEFE High School Financial Planning Program
Lynchburg College, Schewel Hall – Room 109, Lynchburg, VA
9:00 – 3:30

DOE Request:  VA Jail Educators
February 8
NEFE High School Financial Planning Program
James City/Williamsburg Community Center, Conference Room C, Tidewater, VA
9:00 – 3:30

DOE Request:  VA Jail Educators
February 19
NEFE High School Financial Planning Program
Northern VA (location TBA)
9:00 – 3:30

Lynchburg City Schools
March 14
Focus:  K-2
Location & Time – TBA

Lynchburg City Schools
March 14
Globalization
Location & Time – TBA

DOE Request:  VA Jail Educators
April 25
Personal Finance
Location & Time – TBA

DOE Request:  VA Jail Educators
May 20
Virtual Economics
Longwood University, Farmville, VA
8:30 – 3:30

This workshop is made possible with support from the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation and area banks.

Old Dominion University
Center for Economic Education
To register or find out more information, contact:
Ruth Cookson, Program Manager
rcookson@odu.edu• (757) 683-5570


Play the Stock Market Game: Grades 4-12
Wednesday, January 31, 2008 4:30 – 6:30pm
Location: TBA
Always wanted to have your students play the Stock Market Game but not sure how to get started?   Has it been a while since you played and you need a refresher?  Then this is the workshop for you!  This Spring’s SMG runs from February 4 - April 11, 2008.  Lesson plans and materials provided to help you get started TODAY.  To register please provide your name, school, grade you teach, and phone number to Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570). Free

Focus on Economics for Grades K-3
Thursday, February 21, 2008 4:30 – 7:30pm
Location: TBA
This roadmap for teaching economics to young students gives you easy-to-use lesson plans, teaching tips and fun activities. You'll keep your students actively engaged, and also cover language arts, math and reading content at the same time.  Lessons include:  The ABCs of Goods and Services, We Specialize – We Are Interdependent, A Mystery Bag of Wants, Consumers Make Choices, plus many others. SOL K.6, 7  SOL 1.7,8,9;  SOL 2.7,8,9;  SOL 3.7,8,9  To register please provide your name, school, grade you teach, and phone number to Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570). Free

TV Economics: Short Clips for Short Attention Spans – Government and International Trade for Grades 6-12
Thursday, February 28, 2008  4:30 p.m. -  7:30 p.m.
Location: TBA
Have John Stossel from ABC’s 20/20 explain economics concepts to your students using 3-5 minutes clips designed especially for classroom use.  Included on the DVD is a comprehensive instructor's manual outlining each segment, discussion and analysis questions and an extension activity.  Topics include:  supply and demand, private property rights, competition, foreign trade, entrepreneurship, poverty, child labor laws, and wage discrimination.  Each participant will receive a copy of the DVD, a $29.95 value. CE.9, CE.10, CE.11, WG.2, WG.4, WG.6, WG.7, WG.11, WG.12, GOVT.14, GOVT.15, GOVT.16  To register please provide your name, school, grade you teach, and phone number to Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570).  This FREE workshop is limited to15 participants.

Teaching About the Great Depression for Grades 9-12
Tuesday, March 4, 2008  4:30 – 7:30pm
Location: TBA
History holds many economic lessons.  The Great Depression, in particular, is an event that provides the opportunity to teach and learn a great deal about economics— whether you’re studying the economic reasons that the Depression took place, the factors that helped it come to an end or the impact on Americans who lived through it.  This new curriculum, produced by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, is designed to provide teachers with economic lessons that they can share with their students to help them understand this significant experience in U.S. history. To register please provide your name, school, grade you teach, and phone number to Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570). Free

Economics in Ancient Civilizations for Grades 2-3
Wednesday, March 12, 2008  4:30 – 6:30pm
Location: TBA
Need help finding quality, interactive lesson plans on Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, China, and Mali? This workshop combines hands-on activities and children's literature to help your students master these interesting yet difficult SOL concepts.  Each participant will receive classroom materials and lesson plans. SOL 2.1, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.1, 3.2, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9.  To register please provide your name, school, grade you teach, and phone number to Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570).  Free.

Risky Business: What Every Teenager Needs to Know About Living Smart  for Grades: 6-12
Tuesday, April 8, 2008  4:30 p.m. -  7:30 p.m.
Location: TBA

Are your students equipped to make life-altering decisions about:

• Higher education?
• Healthy lifestyles?
• Credit?
• Insurance?

These are tough choices – even for adults. So, how do you make sure your students have the practical knowledge and critical life skills to tackle these challenging choices?
Risky Business shows your students how sound economic decision-making can empower teenagers to enter their adult years with skills to be healthy, wealthy, and secure. This complete DVD teaching resource contains four 15-20 minute video segments that are complemented by 12 lessons and activities (3 for each video). Workshop participants receive the DVD (a $99 value) which is also a wonderful resource for meeting several of the newly mandated Economic Education & Personal Finance Literacy Objectives. To register please provide your name, school, grade you teach, and phone number to Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570).

Workshop is made possible with support from the National Council on Economic Education through funding from the United States Department of Education Office of Innovation and Improvement.

Money, Money, Money!  Coins in the Classroom for Grades K-12
Fri. and Sat., April 11th and 12th, 2008    9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Virginia Beach Higher Education Center
Everybody Loves Money!   They love to talk about it, complain about it, spend it, and save it! Use all that enthusiasm as a tool to enhance already existing lessons in mathematics, social studies, business, and economics.  Coins in the Classroom is a benchmark program from the American Numismatic Association with fun and interactive materials specifically designed for teachers.  Leave with hands-on materials, actual coins and paper money, plus a wealth of supplies to use in your classroom! This nationally recognized seminar has been conducted all over the country but this is the only time it will be offered in Virginia this year.  Lessons correlate to the Virginia SOLs and EEFLs.  For more information and to register go to www.money.org and click on “teacher tools” at the top of the page then click on “Coins in the Classroom”.   Questions? Contact Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570).

World Geography and Economics: The Key to Understanding Our World for Grades 6-12
Tuesday, April 16, 2008   4:30 – 7:30pm
Location: TBA
Provide opportunities for critical thinking about real-world problems using these 9 integrated lessons that emphasize content in economics and geography while providing opportunities for critical thinking about real-world problems.  Each participant will receive the National Council on Economic Education curriculum “World Geography: Focus on Economics” (a $29.95 value) complete with lessons on population pyramids, GDP, resources, international trade, interdependence, and economic development.  This FREE workshop is limited to 15 participants. WG.2, WG.5, WG.6, Wg.7, WG.8, WG.9  To register please provide your name, school, grade you teach, and phone number to Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570). 


Katrina’s Classroom: Financial Lessons from a Hurricane
Tuesday, May 6, 2008   4:30 – 6:30pm
Location: TBA
Meet Nick, Jacquelyn, and Jamie. Through these teenagers' stories about their lives before and after Hurricane Katrina, middle and high school students learn the importance of being financially prepared.
Katrina's Classroom: Financial Lessons from a Hurricane is a four-chapter, DVD-based curriculum that teaches students about financial responsibilities such as budgeting, banking, savings, and wise use of credit. The curriculum includes lesson plans and student activities tied to each five-minute video segment. To register please provide your name, school, grade you teach, and phone number to Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570). Free

This workshop is made possible with support from the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation and area banks.


Virtual Economics for Grades K-12
Friday, June 20, 2008 9am – 3:00pm
Location: Virginia Beach Higher Education Center
A $100 value, this CD-ROM contains more than 1,200 lessons which can be searched by key words, publications, grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) and Virginia SOL. An active, hands-on lesson can be printed for almost every K-12 economics SOL. Also featured is a “Browse Economics Concepts” menu option which allows teachers and students to brush up or learn for the first time about 51 economic terms by viewing an overview, multimedia presentation, teaching tips, and lesson suggestions. This CD-ROM is a “must have” for every teacher who is required to teach any strand of economics and neatly condenses 79 publications into one small space. Workshop participants will be taught the basic, absolutely essential economics foundation on which to build all required economics SOL instruction. They will also have plenty of time to explore the CD-ROM and discover ready-to-use lessons appropriate for their grade levels. To register please provide your name, school, grade you teach, and phone number to Ruth Cookson by email (rcookson@odu.edu) or by phone (683-5570). Free

Radford University
Center for Economic Education
To register or find out more information, contact:
Barbara Taylor, Program Coordinator
btaylor2@radford.edu• (540) 831-5887

The Stock Market Game
Grade Levels: 4-12
Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 4-6:30pm
Radford University
This workshop is timed to allow you to take advantage of the free teachers-only game that runs from 1/14 to 2/1, so you can try it out before introducing it to your class. One free team to each new teacher who registers two teams (a $15 value). Participants receive an Investment Guide and other valuable materials, including a new mathematics curriculum, The Math Behind the Market.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday December 18, 2007

The Classroom Mini-Economy
Grade Levels: 3-7
Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 4-6:30pm
Radford University
Start a mini-economy in your classroom!  Teachers who implement the program will receive a $35 stipend.  Motivate students to learn about our economic system by experiencing it (which can help with behavior too!) Training includes the curriculum and any follow-up consultation you need.

Economics in Ancient Civilizations
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grade Levels: 2-6
Gilbert Linkous Elementary School, Blacksburg, VA
Integrate economics with the history of Mali, Greece, Rome, China, and Egypt to help your students meet those world history, geography and economics SOLs. We will explore the topic through a combination of children’s literature and hands-on activities, for a fun and informative workshop.
Contact Barbara Taylor.

Back to School with the Fed
Tuesday, February 12, 2008, 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Radford University
Members of the Virginia Bankers’ Association will be trained in using the cd-rom, Virtual Economics, and will learn how to partner with the Federal Reserve on financial literacy programs.

Economics and Children’s Literature
Tuesday, February 19, 2008, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Check Elementary School, Check, VA
Grades: K-7
Children’s literature will be utilized to address economic concepts required by the Standards of Learning.  Active, hands-on lessons will be taken from six different curricula, and participants will have the opportunity to select one curriculum from those used.

Economics and Children’s Literature
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Grade Levels: K-6
Auburn Elementary School, Riner, VA
Learn how to draw out the economics lessons from many of the books you may be already using in your classroom.  Lessons also address basic math and money skills, with lots of experiential activities to help your students no matter what their learning styles. 

Virtual Economics 3.0
Wednesday, March 5, 2008, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Radford University
Grades K-12
Learn how to use this new cd  that includes over 1200 proven lesson plans, searchable by Virginia SOL, grade level, or keyword.  This must-have tool also includes Multimedia Concept Demonstrations that can be used in the classroom via LCD projector.  Participants receive the cd – a $100 value. 

This workshop is made possible with support from the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation and area banks.

Teaching Economics Through Children’s Literature
Thursday, March 13, 2008, 4:30 –7:00 p.m.
Ukrop’s at Ivy Market, Franklin Rd., Roanoke
Grade Levels: K-7

      “The economics lessons that young students learn in their early
    education form the building blocks toward achieving a solid  
    understanding of             economics at higher levels of educational attainment.”
                                    --Rodgers, Y.V., S. Hawthorne & R. C. Wheeler,
                                “Teaching Economics Through Children’s Literature in
                                the Primary Grades”,  The Reading Teacher 61(1),
                                Sept. 2007

Mini Economy Sampler
April 22, 2008 10:00-1:00
VCU Siegel Center
Harrison and Broad, Richmond, VA
Teachers in grades 3-5 are invited to come see what a powerful learning experience Mini Economy is.  Be part of the simulation in action.  Stay to learn how the program works and hear about upcoming training opportunities.
Lunch and parking are provided.  There is no charge, but, registration is required.

Stock Market Game Award Program
May 15, 2008 4:00-6:00
VCU School of Business/ Snead Hall
Celebration recognizing winners from the fall and spring rounds of the Stock Market Game.  1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place teams in each of these categories-- elementary, middle and high school—will receive awards. Parents and classmates are invited to attend.

Understanding Economics in US History
June 17 and 18, 12:00-4:00
To be announced
High school US History teachers are invited to engage in hands-on lessons from the Revolution to the Great Depression to Immigration.  Each participant will receive a copy of Focus: Understanding Economics in US History (National Council on Economic Education)
Registration fee: $25

Hands-on Lessons for Virginia Studies
June 23 and 24, 1:00-4:30
To be announced
Fourth grade teachers will engage in hands-on lessons written specifically for Virginia Studies.  Each participant will take home a copy of the curriculum guide.
Registration fee: $25.

Hands-on Lessons for US I---American Revolution to 1877
June 25-26, 1:00-4:30
To be announced
Fifth grade teachers will engage in hands-on lessons written specifically for USI.  Each participant will take home a copy of the curriculum guide.
Registration fee: $25.

Benny’s Pennies and Other Fun Books for Teaching the K-3 Economics SOLs
July 1 and 2—1:00-4:00
To be announced
K-3 teachers will find that teaching economics can be fun—especially when you do it with children’s books.  Come engage in classroom ready lessons and take home a copy of the curriculum guide “Spotting Economics: From Africa to Ice Cream.”  
Registration fee: $25

How to Give Your Students the Mini Society Experience!
July 15, 16, 17, 8:30-3:30
Virginia Housing Center, Innsbrook
4224 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA

The Mini-Society® curriculum
is an experience-based approach to teaching concepts of economics and entrepreneurship, designed for students in grades 3-6. In this program students design and develop their own classroom society, creating a name, flag, and currency. Then they establish their own businesses to provide goods and services to their fellow citizens in classroom markets. Finally, teachers interact with the students through debriefings to discuss the concepts underlying their experiences.

This type of learning is real learning.
It is internalized by students because they have an experiential context in which to relate it. The economics and entrepreneurship skills and knowledge learned through Mini-Society® incorporate and complement other thematic curricula such as language arts, social studies, math, science, critical thinking, problem solving, practical arts and cooperative learning. This program has proven to be successful in implementing the Virginia Standards of Learning in grades 3-8.

All curriculum materials, lunch, parking, $50 seed money when they start their classroom economies.

This workshop is provided through the joint participation of the VCU School of Business Center for Economic Education,  the Virginia Council on Economic Education, the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation, the Virginia Housing Development Authority,  the National Council on Economic Education and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

 Mini-Society® is a registered trademark and service mark of Marilyn Kourilsky

Understanding Economics in US History (8 hours)
June 17 and 18 - 12:00-4:00pm
Deep Run High School, 4801 Twin Hickory Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059 (near Short Pump Town Center)
High school US History teachers are invited to engage in hands-on lessons from the Revolution to the Great Depression to Immigration.  Each participant will receive a copy of Focus: Understanding Economics in US History (National Council on Economic Education)
Registration fee: $25

Hands-on Lessons for Virginia Studies
June 23 and 24, 1:00-4:30
Gayton Elementary 12481 Church Rd
Richmond, VA 23233 (near Short Pump Mall)
Fourth grade teachers will engage in hands-on lessons written specifically for Virginia Studies.  Each participant will take home a copy of the curriculum guide.
Registration fee: $25.

Hands-on Lessons for US I---American Revolution to 1877
June 25-26, 1:00-4:30
Gayton Elementary 12481 Church Rd
Richmond, VA 23233 (near Short Pump Mall)
Fifth grade teachers will engage in hands-on lessons written specifically for USI.  Each participant will take home a copy of the curriculum guide.
Registration fee: $25.

Benny’s Pennies and Other Fun Books for Teaching the K-3 Economics SOLs
July 1 and 2—1:00-4:00
Gayton Elementary 12481 Church Rd
Richmond, VA 23233 (near Short Pump Mall)
K-3 teachers will find that teaching economics can be fun—especially when you do it with children’s books.  Come engage in classroom ready lessons and take home a copy of the curriculum guide “Spotting Economics: From Africa to Ice Cream.”  
Registration fee: $25

For more information about how to register for these workshops, contact Anna Jones at (804) 828-8831.