Scioto Ridge 5th graders took part in a fun challenge to learn all about economics thanks to a grant from the Olentangy Education Foundation. Using the funds, teacher Lynn Shirk brought in Challenge Island, an award-winning STEAM program, to lead two engaging, on-site field trip experiences.

In May, her students split into small groups that became countries exporting a product – slime! They named their country, delegated jobs, and collected resources and capital goods through barter, buy, and trade. During the challenge, the “countries” experienced surplus and scarcity to help them understand how the value of items can change quickly.

Countries with extra capital could enhance their slime with things like glitter, beads, and Styrofoam balls, helping them learn an enhanced product could be sold at a higher price and bring in more profits.

“Every student loves this challenge,” said Shirk. “They talk about it for days comparing their countries and products and if they had profits or ended up in bankruptcy.”

The challenge was an incredible way for the class to meet the 5th grade social studies standards of economics; decisions based on the economy, scarcity, production, consumption, markets and financial literacy.

Thank you to DelCo Water Company for sponsoring this grant!