Thursday, January 31, 2008
Week 4, Syllabus
Mr. Ditzenberger-Economics
Lessons: Demand Time: Week 4, Feb 4-6 Unit: How Markets Work
Objectives:
1. Students will give examples of the substitution and income effect and make a demand curve.
2. Students will demonstrate what they have learned by taking a Unit 1 test.
3. Students will explain how to calculate elasticity of demand and identify factors that affect elasticity.
Monday
1. Super bowl at Corrigan’s house.
Tuesday
1. Unit Test.
2. Poverty Report if time permits.
Wednesday
1. Turn in report for making a trade.
2. Go over quarter project.
3. The substation and income effect. Read and study these two sections. Give an example of each one.
4. Students make a demand (personal and market) curve based on a product that students choose. Show it to someone else in your group to see if it follows the same principles.
5. What factors, besides price, could change the demand curve? –read “What Causes a Shift?”
6. Read article-Shift in Demand because of Population-Korean wine consumption
Thursday
1. Chinese New Year.
Friday
1. Chinese New Year
Lessons: Demand Time: Week 4, Feb 4-6 Unit: How Markets Work
Objectives:
1. Students will give examples of the substitution and income effect and make a demand curve.
2. Students will demonstrate what they have learned by taking a Unit 1 test.
3. Students will explain how to calculate elasticity of demand and identify factors that affect elasticity.
Monday
1. Super bowl at Corrigan’s house.
Tuesday
1. Unit Test.
2. Poverty Report if time permits.
Wednesday
1. Turn in report for making a trade.
2. Go over quarter project.
3. The substation and income effect. Read and study these two sections. Give an example of each one.
4. Students make a demand (personal and market) curve based on a product that students choose. Show it to someone else in your group to see if it follows the same principles.
5. What factors, besides price, could change the demand curve? –read “What Causes a Shift?”
6. Read article-Shift in Demand because of Population-Korean wine consumption
Thursday
1. Chinese New Year.
Friday
1. Chinese New Year
Stocks Choices Assignment
Financial Research Website Evaluation for Stock Market Game
http://www.forbes.com/fdc/welcome_mjx.shtml
http://money.cnn.com/
http://www.valueline.com/
http://online.barrons.com/public/main
http://finance.yahoo.com
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
http://www.bloomberg.com/index.html?Intro=intro3
http://www.businessweek.com/
http://www.hoovers.com/free/
Each teammate needs to use at least three of these sources to evaluate three different companies. Each team member will choose one company to buy. The amount is negotiable, but buying some stock from it is not. So, since there are four people to a team, each team should purchase at least four new companies by Wednesday.
As part of the buying process, each team member should write a paragraph explaining why the company is a buy or not a buy. Teams should then compile all of the paragraphs and submit them as a team in hardcopy by Wednesday. The sources that are used to evaluate the businesses should be noted at the bottom of each paragraph. Team members will be graded individually, so make sure the paragraphs have the appropriate heading even though they will be submitted as a group.
http://www.forbes.com/fdc/welcome_mjx.shtml
http://money.cnn.com/
http://www.valueline.com/
http://online.barrons.com/public/main
http://finance.yahoo.com
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
http://www.bloomberg.com/index.html?Intro=intro3
http://www.businessweek.com/
http://www.hoovers.com/free/
Each teammate needs to use at least three of these sources to evaluate three different companies. Each team member will choose one company to buy. The amount is negotiable, but buying some stock from it is not. So, since there are four people to a team, each team should purchase at least four new companies by Wednesday.
As part of the buying process, each team member should write a paragraph explaining why the company is a buy or not a buy. Teams should then compile all of the paragraphs and submit them as a team in hardcopy by Wednesday. The sources that are used to evaluate the businesses should be noted at the bottom of each paragraph. Team members will be graded individually, so make sure the paragraphs have the appropriate heading even though they will be submitted as a group.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Bible Verses Relating to Stewardship of God's Given Resources
Bible Verses Regarding Money
1. Psalm 112:5
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
2. Psalm 37:21
The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives.
3. Proverbs 11:15
He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike
hands in pledge is safe.
4. Proverbs 24:27
Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.
5. Psalm 15:5
…who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.
6. Proverbs 22:9
He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.
7. Deuteronomy 14: 22, 23
Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year…so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always.
8. Proverbs 17:18
He who is a guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer for it, but he who hates being a guarantor is secure.
9. Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
10. Psalm 1: 1-3
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
1. Psalm 112:5
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
2. Psalm 37:21
The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives.
3. Proverbs 11:15
He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike
hands in pledge is safe.
4. Proverbs 24:27
Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.
5. Psalm 15:5
…who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.
6. Proverbs 22:9
He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.
7. Deuteronomy 14: 22, 23
Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year…so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always.
8. Proverbs 17:18
He who is a guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer for it, but he who hates being a guarantor is secure.
9. Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
10. Psalm 1: 1-3
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Unit 1 Test-Review Sheet
M/C-these are the concepts that will be covered:
shortage, guns and butter concept, production possibilities frontiers curve, examples of capital and trade-offs, incentives, thinking at the margin, entrepreneur, key economic questions, different types of economies-free market, command, traditional, economic goals, government economic policy-Social Security, etc.
Matching
efficiency, goods, trade-off, production possibilities graph, scarcity, services, shortage, opportunity cost, underutilization, labor, factors of production
Matching
production possibilities frontier, trade-offs, shortage, scarcity, growth
Matching
market failure, cash transfers, public policy, externality, welfare, public disclosure laws, business cycle, interest group, microeconomics, poverty threshold.
Short answer-interpreting a decision making grid, a circular flow diagram, and a table on federal programs
Essays-
-Explain how an economy can work efficiently in terms of its production possibilities but not be producing goods that are useful to it. 5 points
-What are some of the advantages of a mixed economy?
-Why have many of the governments of countries that had centrally planned economies begun to privatize their economies?
-What are the three main goals sought by policymakers in the economy?
- Compare. In the first paragraph, compare the advantages and disadvantages of both capitalism and socialism. In a second paragraph explain which system should be emphasized more in a nation’s economy-capitalism or socialism. Support your answer.
shortage, guns and butter concept, production possibilities frontiers curve, examples of capital and trade-offs, incentives, thinking at the margin, entrepreneur, key economic questions, different types of economies-free market, command, traditional, economic goals, government economic policy-Social Security, etc.
Matching
efficiency, goods, trade-off, production possibilities graph, scarcity, services, shortage, opportunity cost, underutilization, labor, factors of production
Matching
production possibilities frontier, trade-offs, shortage, scarcity, growth
Matching
market failure, cash transfers, public policy, externality, welfare, public disclosure laws, business cycle, interest group, microeconomics, poverty threshold.
Short answer-interpreting a decision making grid, a circular flow diagram, and a table on federal programs
Essays-
-Explain how an economy can work efficiently in terms of its production possibilities but not be producing goods that are useful to it. 5 points
-What are some of the advantages of a mixed economy?
-Why have many of the governments of countries that had centrally planned economies begun to privatize their economies?
-What are the three main goals sought by policymakers in the economy?
- Compare. In the first paragraph, compare the advantages and disadvantages of both capitalism and socialism. In a second paragraph explain which system should be emphasized more in a nation’s economy-capitalism or socialism. Support your answer.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Week 3, Syllabus
Mr. Ditzenberger-Economics
Lessons: Economic Systems Time: Week 3, January 28th–February 1st Unit: Introduction to Economics
Objectives:
1. Students will discuss free enterprise principles and apply them to a fictitious company.
2. Students will analyze the relationship between regulation and macroeconomic success.
3. Students will address economic policy questions based on realistic macroeconomic problems.
4. Students will analyze the reasons for government production of certain basic services and products.
5. Students will analyze welfare policy in the United States.
Monday
1. Winston Churchill: Capitalism is the unequal distribution of wealth. Socialism is the equal distribution of poverty. Debate-socialism-Sweden (providing health care, significant welfare for those not able to work, basic services “free”/through tax money, verses Hong Kong or the U.S.-minimal government ownership).
2. Homework: Read section 1 and define Key terms. Due tomorrow.
3. Homework-using http://rru.worldbank.org/businessplanet/, compare three countries, one from green, yellow, and red. Create a chart that compares each of the three countries given the data that is available on the website. Please email it to me by 8:00 am on Tuesday.
4. Homework-Chapter test Friday. Unit Test Tuesday.
Tuesday
1. Reports from yesterday on countries (10 minutes)
2. Read and discuss Chapter 3, section 2. (10 min)
3. Scenarios: (10 min)
a. Price of petrol goes up? What can the government do to help?
b. Unemployment increases by 50% in the past year, what can the government do?
c. Inflation increases by 5%, which is significant, in one year? How should the government respond?
d. Deflation occurs (there is a sustained drop in prices), what should the government do to help the economy?
e. The unemployment rate is dangerously low, hovering at 2%, what should the government do?
4. Macro/Micro Chart. 2 columns with different economic activity listed on either side. (10 min)
Macro Micro
1. Central bank adjusting interest rates 1. a local bank announces sales at its Boston branches to waive all lending fees on new
loans.
2. The government passes a tax relief bill. 2. a family decides to save each month for what they estimate they need to pay at tax
time.
3. Stock prices begin to recede. 3. the amount of dividend that John Dong receives declines and he decides to not by a reunion gift for his nephew.
6. Homework. Answer questions 1-8 in book on page 60. Due tomorrow.
7. Homework: LTE quiz on Friday.
Wednesday
1. Opener-what can a society not be without in a modern world? (10 min)
2. Read pg 62 as a class. The subsections, beginning with costs and benefits, should be read, understood, and presented in a creative way by each group (a skit, poem, rap, poster, etc.). 5 subsections, five groups. (20 min)
3. Quiz-mna-1037 in class. Five minutes to study.
4. Read Section 4. Quiz tomorrow. MNA-1038
Thursday
1. Quiz-MNA-1038. (10 min)
2. Read welfare and poverty article/essay. Discuss the solutions in your groups of three and arrive at your own groups’ opinion about the best solution. Remember that raising taxes (increasing a welfare budget) is not popular for various reasons. Present group results to the class in the form of a brief presentation (1 to 2 minutes). (20 minutes)
3. Time remaining-study for the test. (15 min)
Friday
1.. Chapter Test. 3. Homework: Unit test Tuesday. 2. Russian oligarch activity if time permits.
Lessons: Economic Systems Time: Week 3, January 28th–February 1st Unit: Introduction to Economics
Objectives:
1. Students will discuss free enterprise principles and apply them to a fictitious company.
2. Students will analyze the relationship between regulation and macroeconomic success.
3. Students will address economic policy questions based on realistic macroeconomic problems.
4. Students will analyze the reasons for government production of certain basic services and products.
5. Students will analyze welfare policy in the United States.
Monday
1. Winston Churchill: Capitalism is the unequal distribution of wealth. Socialism is the equal distribution of poverty. Debate-socialism-Sweden (providing health care, significant welfare for those not able to work, basic services “free”/through tax money, verses Hong Kong or the U.S.-minimal government ownership).
2. Homework: Read section 1 and define Key terms. Due tomorrow.
3. Homework-using http://rru.worldbank.org/businessplanet/, compare three countries, one from green, yellow, and red. Create a chart that compares each of the three countries given the data that is available on the website. Please email it to me by 8:00 am on Tuesday.
4. Homework-Chapter test Friday. Unit Test Tuesday.
Tuesday
1. Reports from yesterday on countries (10 minutes)
2. Read and discuss Chapter 3, section 2. (10 min)
3. Scenarios: (10 min)
a. Price of petrol goes up? What can the government do to help?
b. Unemployment increases by 50% in the past year, what can the government do?
c. Inflation increases by 5%, which is significant, in one year? How should the government respond?
d. Deflation occurs (there is a sustained drop in prices), what should the government do to help the economy?
e. The unemployment rate is dangerously low, hovering at 2%, what should the government do?
4. Macro/Micro Chart. 2 columns with different economic activity listed on either side. (10 min)
Macro Micro
1. Central bank adjusting interest rates 1. a local bank announces sales at its Boston branches to waive all lending fees on new
loans.
2. The government passes a tax relief bill. 2. a family decides to save each month for what they estimate they need to pay at tax
time.
3. Stock prices begin to recede. 3. the amount of dividend that John Dong receives declines and he decides to not by a reunion gift for his nephew.
6. Homework. Answer questions 1-8 in book on page 60. Due tomorrow.
7. Homework: LTE quiz on Friday.
Wednesday
1. Opener-what can a society not be without in a modern world? (10 min)
2. Read pg 62 as a class. The subsections, beginning with costs and benefits, should be read, understood, and presented in a creative way by each group (a skit, poem, rap, poster, etc.). 5 subsections, five groups. (20 min)
3. Quiz-mna-1037 in class. Five minutes to study.
4. Read Section 4. Quiz tomorrow. MNA-1038
Thursday
1. Quiz-MNA-1038. (10 min)
2. Read welfare and poverty article/essay. Discuss the solutions in your groups of three and arrive at your own groups’ opinion about the best solution. Remember that raising taxes (increasing a welfare budget) is not popular for various reasons. Present group results to the class in the form of a brief presentation (1 to 2 minutes). (20 minutes)
3. Time remaining-study for the test. (15 min)
Friday
1.. Chapter Test. 3. Homework: Unit test Tuesday. 2. Russian oligarch activity if time permits.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Syllabus, Week 2
Mr. Ditzenberger-Economics
Lessons: Comparing Economic Systems
Time: Week 2, January 21st-25th
Unit: Introduction to Economics
Objectives:
1. Students will discuss, define, and create sentences regarding key concepts of economics.
2. Students will analyze production possibility curves and evaluate efficiencies in economies.
3. Students will examine how countries and economic systems therein answer the basic economic questions.
4. Students will simulate the command and market economies.
5. Students will learn, through examples, the drawbacks of a command economy and the challenges of transition to a market economy.
6. Students will debate the socialistic and capitalistic economic model.
Monday
1. Turn in Bible paragraphs.
2. Take rules quiz.
3. Quiz on section 2-mna-1016
4. In groups, students make a list of ways economies can increase their efficiency.
5. Discuss production possibility curves
6. Read and discuss pages 23 and 24.
7. Comparison Chart: United States, China, North Korea-how would these three countries answer the 3 questions?
8. Economic Goals-25-27. Which of the five goals on page 25 is most important?
9. Homework-read section 2 for Wednesday.
10. Homework: LTE : Read 21-39. Quiz on Thursday.
11. Homework: Test tomorrow on Chapter 1-mna-1011
Tuesday
1. Chapter 1 test-mna-1011
2. Command and Market Economies simulation
Wednesday
1. Quiz-mnd-1026 from page 32. (5 min)
2. If you were a factory worker and you were paid as long as you produced your quota and were guaranteed job, how would this effect your motivation, productivity, and innovation? (5 min)
3. Read 34-35. Discuss. (5 min)
4. Read Socialism and Communism, page 35. Before reading, ask them to explain the difference between the two after they are done. (5 min)
5. The Former Soviet Union-Who was the most evil dictator ever? Read, “The Former Soviet Union”. (10 min)
PowerPoint Slide on dictator deaths in the 20th C. (5 min)
6. Story of light bulbs:
From the Soviet Union, there are many examples of distortions and inefficiencies from its long history of price controls, but here is a real classic.Light bulbs, like most other basic goods and staples in the Soviet Union, were often in short supply because the official price was below the market price, resulting in excess demand and prolonged shortages. As a result of the chronic light bulb shortage, an informal, black market developed in the USSR for used, burned-out light bulbs. That is, Soviet citizens would actually pay a positive price for a light bulb that didn’t work.How would it be possible for a burned-out light bulb to have a positive price, when it would normally just be thrown out? Of what use could anybody have for a used light bulb? Think about it first, and read the answer here:
7. Skit. Students are consultants to a command economy that needs help. They are free-market gurus who are asked to advice the struggling country on transitioning to a free market. They should come up with 10 questions that they would anticipate that are asked of the leaders of the country and answers that are based on their capitalistic expertise. (15 min)
Thursday
1. 21-39 Quiz.
2. Russian Oligarchs
3. Homework: Read Section 4. Quiz tomorrow
4. Homework: Prepare for Debate: http://www.idebate.org/debatabase/topic_details.php?topicID=400
Read both sides and study at least two of the links (useful sites) to be prepared for tomorrow.
Friday
1. Quiz, mna-1028.
2. Winston Churchill: Capitalism is the unequal distribution of wealth. Socialism is the equal distribution of poverty. Debate-socialism-Sweden (providing health care, significant welfare for those not able to work, basic services “free”/through tax money, verses Hong Kong or the U.S.-minimal government ownership).
Homework-chapter 2 test on Monday-mna-1021
Lessons: Comparing Economic Systems
Time: Week 2, January 21st-25th
Unit: Introduction to Economics
Objectives:
1. Students will discuss, define, and create sentences regarding key concepts of economics.
2. Students will analyze production possibility curves and evaluate efficiencies in economies.
3. Students will examine how countries and economic systems therein answer the basic economic questions.
4. Students will simulate the command and market economies.
5. Students will learn, through examples, the drawbacks of a command economy and the challenges of transition to a market economy.
6. Students will debate the socialistic and capitalistic economic model.
Monday
1. Turn in Bible paragraphs.
2. Take rules quiz.
3. Quiz on section 2-mna-1016
4. In groups, students make a list of ways economies can increase their efficiency.
5. Discuss production possibility curves
6. Read and discuss pages 23 and 24.
7. Comparison Chart: United States, China, North Korea-how would these three countries answer the 3 questions?
8. Economic Goals-25-27. Which of the five goals on page 25 is most important?
9. Homework-read section 2 for Wednesday.
10. Homework: LTE : Read 21-39. Quiz on Thursday.
11. Homework: Test tomorrow on Chapter 1-mna-1011
Tuesday
1. Chapter 1 test-mna-1011
2. Command and Market Economies simulation
Wednesday
1. Quiz-mnd-1026 from page 32. (5 min)
2. If you were a factory worker and you were paid as long as you produced your quota and were guaranteed job, how would this effect your motivation, productivity, and innovation? (5 min)
3. Read 34-35. Discuss. (5 min)
4. Read Socialism and Communism, page 35. Before reading, ask them to explain the difference between the two after they are done. (5 min)
5. The Former Soviet Union-Who was the most evil dictator ever? Read, “The Former Soviet Union”. (10 min)
PowerPoint Slide on dictator deaths in the 20th C. (5 min)
6. Story of light bulbs:
From the Soviet Union, there are many examples of distortions and inefficiencies from its long history of price controls, but here is a real classic.Light bulbs, like most other basic goods and staples in the Soviet Union, were often in short supply because the official price was below the market price, resulting in excess demand and prolonged shortages. As a result of the chronic light bulb shortage, an informal, black market developed in the USSR for used, burned-out light bulbs. That is, Soviet citizens would actually pay a positive price for a light bulb that didn’t work.How would it be possible for a burned-out light bulb to have a positive price, when it would normally just be thrown out? Of what use could anybody have for a used light bulb? Think about it first, and read the answer here:
7. Skit. Students are consultants to a command economy that needs help. They are free-market gurus who are asked to advice the struggling country on transitioning to a free market. They should come up with 10 questions that they would anticipate that are asked of the leaders of the country and answers that are based on their capitalistic expertise. (15 min)
Thursday
1. 21-39 Quiz.
2. Russian Oligarchs
3. Homework: Read Section 4. Quiz tomorrow
4. Homework: Prepare for Debate: http://www.idebate.org/debatabase/topic_details.php?topicID=400
Read both sides and study at least two of the links (useful sites) to be prepared for tomorrow.
Friday
1. Quiz, mna-1028.
2. Winston Churchill: Capitalism is the unequal distribution of wealth. Socialism is the equal distribution of poverty. Debate-socialism-Sweden (providing health care, significant welfare for those not able to work, basic services “free”/through tax money, verses Hong Kong or the U.S.-minimal government ownership).
Homework-chapter 2 test on Monday-mna-1021
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Enter a Stock-Instructions
I copied and pasted the help instructions, but the formatting does not show up well in the blog. So, if you want that help, when you are on the "Enter a Trade" screen/page, simply click on the yellow "help" icon that is in the form of a question mark to access the page. Sorry! I hope this helps!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Rules of the Stock Market Game
Rules of The Stock Market Game Program
1. Each team begins the simulation with $100,000 in cash and may borrow additional funds. How much you may borrow is dependent upon the equity in your account. Interest is charged weekly on negative cash balances at an annual rate of 7.00%, and credited weekly on positive cash balances at an annual rate of 5.00%. Interest is calculated daily, then summed for the week (Saturday through Friday) and posted on the following Tuesday. The daily rate is based upon a 365 day year. Daily Interest = Cash * Appropriate Interest Rate(as a decimal) / 365.
2. You may trade only stocks and mutual funds listed on the American Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Stock Market and the New York Stock Exchange that have traded within the last 7 days. Canadian stocks traded on these exchanges will be priced within these markets but the current value is calculated using Canadian exchange prices adjusted using the current exchange rate for the American dollar equivalent.
3. End of Day Game transactions are priced at market daily closing prices. These prices can be found in the next day's newspaper or by using the price quote facilities of SMG. Real Time Game transactions are priced at the market price at the time of entry.
All Mutual Fund transactions are treated as real time transactions and priced at the previous day's closing price. This applies to both End of Day and Real Time games.
Transactions entered with a limit price will not be held past the initial attempt to price the transaction. This applies to both the End of Day or Real Time Games.
4. All buy orders must be a minimum of 100 shares. Sell orders for less than 100 shares will be permitted.
5. SMG does not permit buying stocks or mutual funds that trade below $5 per share. Such orders will be rejected. Sell transactions for existing long positions where transactions are executed at closing or real time prices will be accepted, even if the price is less than $5.00 per share. (There are a number of reasons for this rule. Low priced stocks, known as penny stocks, are very risky and volatile investments. Accordingly, brokers will not permit their customers to trade such securities on margin, just as SMG does not. Also, penny stocks tend to have very shallow markets and their prices move sharply with large orders, unlike SMG where transactions are executed at closing or real time prices regardless of order size).
6. Trades can only be processed in whole and will be rejected if sufficient buying power does not exist to execute the entire order.
7. A 2% broker's fee is charged for all transactions. For example, if you buy 100 shares of a stock at $10 per share, you must pay the 2% of $1000 or $20. On Sell or Shortsell transactions an SEC fee of $15.30 per million gross rounded to the nearest penny is also charged.
8. The Game is run Monday through Friday. Teams may trade on any day the participating stock markets are open. Orders may be entered 7 days a week 24 hours a day.
9. Trades entered after close of market (4:00 PM ET) will be priced at next day's closing price for the End of Day Game and at opening price for the Real Time Game. Mutual Funds are always treated as real time trades but priced at the last closing price.
10. Teams do not have to liquidate their portfolios at the end of The Game. Winners will be determined on the basis of either equity or the % return above/below S&P 500 Growth. (Some states may use additional criteria to determine winners).
Short sell/short cover rules
11. All short sell orders must be for a minimum of 100 shares. Short cover orders for less than 100 shares will be permitted. Open ended mutual funds can not be short sold.
12. SMG does not permit short sells on stocks or mutual funds that trade below $5.00 per share. Such orders will be rejected. Short cover transactions for existing short positions will be accepted, even if the price is less than $5.00 per share. (See Rule #5 for an explanation).
Portfolios
13. A record of a team's portfolio and transactions will be available daily. A team will not receive a portfolio nor be listed in regional rankings until its initial transaction is entered successfully. A student can only be assigned to ONE portfolio per game period.
14. No back posting of trades will be done for trades of securities not contained within the SMG Security Table. Once the missing security has been added to the Security Table the security can then be traded. The same rule applies to trades rejected if they are incorrectly pricing below $5. Once the pricing has been corrected the security can be traded.
15. Stock and cash dividends and stock splits are automatically computed into portfolios. Every effort is made to simulate as closely to real life as possible a variety of other corporate actions (mergers, acquisitions, spinoffs, etc.), which may include the standard three-day settlement period. In this case, it may be necessary to suspend trading of a given security until the action can be completed. Canadian stocks trading on US exchanges cannot be traded between a split's record date and its payout date. It is the responsibility of teams to check their portfolios for accuracy and notify their Coordinator by email of any problems that are encountered.
16. Participants of the end of day pricing game may delete pending transactions prior to market close except in the case of Mutual Funds which are processed as real time orders.
Additional rules
17. Any violation of the rules of the SMG may result in the invalidation of a transaction. Repeated violation of the rules may result in the disqualification of a team.
18. Additional rules have been developed in some states and, if applicable, have been included in your Coordinator's Information Page. It is the responsibility of your team to learn and abide by all rules.
19. You must maintain a total equity position that is greater than or equal to 30% of the current value of your current holdings. If you don't you will receive a margin call.
Code of participation
1. SMG advisors must be responsible adults 18 years of age or older. In no case may they be a matriculated student in grades K-12.
2. SMG advisors will ensure that every participant on their team(s) has read and understands the SMG Rules and the Code of Participation.
3. Teams that do not comply with the SMG Code of Participation will be removed from the portfolio rankings.
4. The authority to remove a team from the rankings lies solely with the team's SMG coordinator organization.
5. Each team is responsible for any opening or closing transactions entered into its portfolio.
6. Teams may not enter transactions into portfolios other than their own. (Please note that when a team asserts that a transaction was entered by a non-member of that team, the team will nevertheless be ranked based on their portfolio's total equity, which will include the challenged transaction.)
7. Only transactions stored on the SMG database will be recognized for purposes of evaluating portfolio total equity.
8. FIE will be responsible for the accuracy of the market data. It is the responsibility of teams to report any major price discrepancies found in their portfolios. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from the competition. In extreme cases of continued disregard for this rule, FIE reserves the right to delete teams from the game. If a team believes a stock price or other information is incorrect, the team advisor shall notify their Coordinator by email.
9. In the event of an error on the part of FIE and/or coordinator organization(s), their liability to a participant shall be limited to the refund of registration or other fees paid.
Local Rules
Teams may not invest more than 30% of their total equity multiplied by 2 in any one company. If a stock in a team portfolio increases in value and places the investment beyond 30% of their total equity multiplied by 2, they will be able to retain their shares but unable to purchase additional shares of that stock. This rule is the Maximum Equity Rule. The Stock Market Game system will automatically enforce this rule to encourage diversity in a team portfolio.
Teams are ranked according to the percentage return above/below the current S&P 500 Index. At the beginning of the current trading session the value of the S&P 500 will be noted on the upper right-hand side of the Account Summary page of the team portfolio. Teams registered after the start of the current trading session receive the value of the S&P on the day their portfolios are created. The S&P value noted in Account Summary will not change through the course of the trading session and will be used to determine the percentage return above/below the current S&P 500 Index.
The last day for making transactions in team portfolios is the day before the end of the session. For example: If the session ends April 12th, the last day for entering transactions is April 11th.
Advisors with outstanding invoices will have their teams disqualified from any contests or competitions associated with The Stock Market Game.
1. Each team begins the simulation with $100,000 in cash and may borrow additional funds. How much you may borrow is dependent upon the equity in your account. Interest is charged weekly on negative cash balances at an annual rate of 7.00%, and credited weekly on positive cash balances at an annual rate of 5.00%. Interest is calculated daily, then summed for the week (Saturday through Friday) and posted on the following Tuesday. The daily rate is based upon a 365 day year. Daily Interest = Cash * Appropriate Interest Rate(as a decimal) / 365.
2. You may trade only stocks and mutual funds listed on the American Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Stock Market and the New York Stock Exchange that have traded within the last 7 days. Canadian stocks traded on these exchanges will be priced within these markets but the current value is calculated using Canadian exchange prices adjusted using the current exchange rate for the American dollar equivalent.
3. End of Day Game transactions are priced at market daily closing prices. These prices can be found in the next day's newspaper or by using the price quote facilities of SMG. Real Time Game transactions are priced at the market price at the time of entry.
All Mutual Fund transactions are treated as real time transactions and priced at the previous day's closing price. This applies to both End of Day and Real Time games.
Transactions entered with a limit price will not be held past the initial attempt to price the transaction. This applies to both the End of Day or Real Time Games.
4. All buy orders must be a minimum of 100 shares. Sell orders for less than 100 shares will be permitted.
5. SMG does not permit buying stocks or mutual funds that trade below $5 per share. Such orders will be rejected. Sell transactions for existing long positions where transactions are executed at closing or real time prices will be accepted, even if the price is less than $5.00 per share. (There are a number of reasons for this rule. Low priced stocks, known as penny stocks, are very risky and volatile investments. Accordingly, brokers will not permit their customers to trade such securities on margin, just as SMG does not. Also, penny stocks tend to have very shallow markets and their prices move sharply with large orders, unlike SMG where transactions are executed at closing or real time prices regardless of order size).
6. Trades can only be processed in whole and will be rejected if sufficient buying power does not exist to execute the entire order.
7. A 2% broker's fee is charged for all transactions. For example, if you buy 100 shares of a stock at $10 per share, you must pay the 2% of $1000 or $20. On Sell or Shortsell transactions an SEC fee of $15.30 per million gross rounded to the nearest penny is also charged.
8. The Game is run Monday through Friday. Teams may trade on any day the participating stock markets are open. Orders may be entered 7 days a week 24 hours a day.
9. Trades entered after close of market (4:00 PM ET) will be priced at next day's closing price for the End of Day Game and at opening price for the Real Time Game. Mutual Funds are always treated as real time trades but priced at the last closing price.
10. Teams do not have to liquidate their portfolios at the end of The Game. Winners will be determined on the basis of either equity or the % return above/below S&P 500 Growth. (Some states may use additional criteria to determine winners).
Short sell/short cover rules
11. All short sell orders must be for a minimum of 100 shares. Short cover orders for less than 100 shares will be permitted. Open ended mutual funds can not be short sold.
12. SMG does not permit short sells on stocks or mutual funds that trade below $5.00 per share. Such orders will be rejected. Short cover transactions for existing short positions will be accepted, even if the price is less than $5.00 per share. (See Rule #5 for an explanation).
Portfolios
13. A record of a team's portfolio and transactions will be available daily. A team will not receive a portfolio nor be listed in regional rankings until its initial transaction is entered successfully. A student can only be assigned to ONE portfolio per game period.
14. No back posting of trades will be done for trades of securities not contained within the SMG Security Table. Once the missing security has been added to the Security Table the security can then be traded. The same rule applies to trades rejected if they are incorrectly pricing below $5. Once the pricing has been corrected the security can be traded.
15. Stock and cash dividends and stock splits are automatically computed into portfolios. Every effort is made to simulate as closely to real life as possible a variety of other corporate actions (mergers, acquisitions, spinoffs, etc.), which may include the standard three-day settlement period. In this case, it may be necessary to suspend trading of a given security until the action can be completed. Canadian stocks trading on US exchanges cannot be traded between a split's record date and its payout date. It is the responsibility of teams to check their portfolios for accuracy and notify their Coordinator by email of any problems that are encountered.
16. Participants of the end of day pricing game may delete pending transactions prior to market close except in the case of Mutual Funds which are processed as real time orders.
Additional rules
17. Any violation of the rules of the SMG may result in the invalidation of a transaction. Repeated violation of the rules may result in the disqualification of a team.
18. Additional rules have been developed in some states and, if applicable, have been included in your Coordinator's Information Page. It is the responsibility of your team to learn and abide by all rules.
19. You must maintain a total equity position that is greater than or equal to 30% of the current value of your current holdings. If you don't you will receive a margin call.
Code of participation
1. SMG advisors must be responsible adults 18 years of age or older. In no case may they be a matriculated student in grades K-12.
2. SMG advisors will ensure that every participant on their team(s) has read and understands the SMG Rules and the Code of Participation.
3. Teams that do not comply with the SMG Code of Participation will be removed from the portfolio rankings.
4. The authority to remove a team from the rankings lies solely with the team's SMG coordinator organization.
5. Each team is responsible for any opening or closing transactions entered into its portfolio.
6. Teams may not enter transactions into portfolios other than their own. (Please note that when a team asserts that a transaction was entered by a non-member of that team, the team will nevertheless be ranked based on their portfolio's total equity, which will include the challenged transaction.)
7. Only transactions stored on the SMG database will be recognized for purposes of evaluating portfolio total equity.
8. FIE will be responsible for the accuracy of the market data. It is the responsibility of teams to report any major price discrepancies found in their portfolios. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from the competition. In extreme cases of continued disregard for this rule, FIE reserves the right to delete teams from the game. If a team believes a stock price or other information is incorrect, the team advisor shall notify their Coordinator by email.
9. In the event of an error on the part of FIE and/or coordinator organization(s), their liability to a participant shall be limited to the refund of registration or other fees paid.
Local Rules
Teams may not invest more than 30% of their total equity multiplied by 2 in any one company. If a stock in a team portfolio increases in value and places the investment beyond 30% of their total equity multiplied by 2, they will be able to retain their shares but unable to purchase additional shares of that stock. This rule is the Maximum Equity Rule. The Stock Market Game system will automatically enforce this rule to encourage diversity in a team portfolio.
Teams are ranked according to the percentage return above/below the current S&P 500 Index. At the beginning of the current trading session the value of the S&P 500 will be noted on the upper right-hand side of the Account Summary page of the team portfolio. Teams registered after the start of the current trading session receive the value of the S&P on the day their portfolios are created. The S&P value noted in Account Summary will not change through the course of the trading session and will be used to determine the percentage return above/below the current S&P 500 Index.
The last day for making transactions in team portfolios is the day before the end of the session. For example: If the session ends April 12th, the last day for entering transactions is April 11th.
Advisors with outstanding invoices will have their teams disqualified from any contests or competitions associated with The Stock Market Game.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Syllabus, Week 1
Mr. Ditzenberger-Economics
Lessons: Introduction to the Course; Basic Concepts and Terms in Economics Time: Week 1, January 14th-18th Unit: Introduction to Economics
Objectives:
1. Students will take a pre-test that will cover the entire course and will enable the instructor to determine their pre-knowledge of the concepts at the beginning of class.
2. Students will become familiar with their book, expectations, and procedures for the semester.
3. Students will choose biblical concepts that they believe are most important regarding money.
4. Students will discuss, define, and create sentences regarding key concepts of economics.
5. Students will analyze production possibility curves and evaluate efficiencies in economies.
Monday
1. Definition of Economics-he study of what constitutes rational human behavior in the endeavor to fulfill needs and wants. (5 min)
2. Pretest that covers the main topics of the entire class and focuses on specifics from unit 1. (40 min)
3. Homework: Find a current event article on “economic efficiency.” Not an article that just mentions the words, but that is about economic efficiency. I found 118 hits on Dec 26th on this search!
Tuesday
1. Overview of book-chapter, quizzes, and tests. (10 minutes)
2. Over of Unit 1-What is Economics, Economic Systems, and American Free Enterprise System. (5 min)
3. In five groups of three students, they examine the verses found on the following website. Each group will have about four categories. Each group writes a paragraph that summarizes the biblical message or teaching. Each group chooses the verse that they believe is most significant from any of their four categories. Students will need to memorize these verses (they can choose four out of the five. These verses will be on the unit and final test. http://christianpf.com/scriptures/money.html
Wednesday
1. No Apologies
Thursday
1. Key Terms of Section 1. Discuss what the terms (top of pg 3) mean to students before reading the book (10 min). Define the words in your vocabulary notebook. Write a sentence using each term in a separate sentence (20 minutes).
2. Discuss key terms on page 8. (5 min)
China
India
U.S.
Russia
Pakistan
Turkey
Israel
S. Arabia
3. Divide class into four groups. Each group gets one of the terms on page 8. The group creates three different scenarios using their term and also using three classmates (from another group). They read those scenarios to the class. (15 min)
4. Take section quiz, mna-1016, page 11 as a class. (10 min)
Friday
1. “Economic Efficiency” article due. In groups, each person summarizes for 30 seconds. Others only listen. One question can be asked after the summary.
2. Discuss Production Possibility Curves
3. In groups, students make a list of ways economies can increase their efficiency.
Lessons: Introduction to the Course; Basic Concepts and Terms in Economics Time: Week 1, January 14th-18th Unit: Introduction to Economics
Objectives:
1. Students will take a pre-test that will cover the entire course and will enable the instructor to determine their pre-knowledge of the concepts at the beginning of class.
2. Students will become familiar with their book, expectations, and procedures for the semester.
3. Students will choose biblical concepts that they believe are most important regarding money.
4. Students will discuss, define, and create sentences regarding key concepts of economics.
5. Students will analyze production possibility curves and evaluate efficiencies in economies.
Monday
1. Definition of Economics-he study of what constitutes rational human behavior in the endeavor to fulfill needs and wants. (5 min)
2. Pretest that covers the main topics of the entire class and focuses on specifics from unit 1. (40 min)
3. Homework: Find a current event article on “economic efficiency.” Not an article that just mentions the words, but that is about economic efficiency. I found 118 hits on Dec 26th on this search!
Tuesday
1. Overview of book-chapter, quizzes, and tests. (10 minutes)
2. Over of Unit 1-What is Economics, Economic Systems, and American Free Enterprise System. (5 min)
3. In five groups of three students, they examine the verses found on the following website. Each group will have about four categories. Each group writes a paragraph that summarizes the biblical message or teaching. Each group chooses the verse that they believe is most significant from any of their four categories. Students will need to memorize these verses (they can choose four out of the five. These verses will be on the unit and final test. http://christianpf.com/scriptures/money.html
Wednesday
1. No Apologies
Thursday
1. Key Terms of Section 1. Discuss what the terms (top of pg 3) mean to students before reading the book (10 min). Define the words in your vocabulary notebook. Write a sentence using each term in a separate sentence (20 minutes).
2. Discuss key terms on page 8. (5 min)
China
India
U.S.
Russia
Pakistan
Turkey
Israel
S. Arabia
3. Divide class into four groups. Each group gets one of the terms on page 8. The group creates three different scenarios using their term and also using three classmates (from another group). They read those scenarios to the class. (15 min)
4. Take section quiz, mna-1016, page 11 as a class. (10 min)
Friday
1. “Economic Efficiency” article due. In groups, each person summarizes for 30 seconds. Others only listen. One question can be asked after the summary.
2. Discuss Production Possibility Curves
3. In groups, students make a list of ways economies can increase their efficiency.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Classroom Policies
Economics-Classroom Policies
Welcome
Congratulations, one semester to go! 19 weeks (depends how you count), 89 days, some hard work, learning some important concepts relating to Economics, and lots and lots of fun (we hope).
Structure of the Class
You know how things work from my American Government class. Basically, do you homework, study for tests using the review, participate in class, turn in your quarterly project (to be announced) and all will be well with your grade. This class is different from AG in that we will take fewer notes and have fewer lectures, but we will be in the textbook more frequently. However, homework from the textbook should not be much more frequent than the AG class (maybe less). You will, however, have more quizzes from readings, including readings from a supplementary book, Learning to Earn. This will be passed out today.
Syllabus
A syllabus will be provided on my blog and next to my door each week that will give a plan (plans can and often change) of what will be covered. I will try to write homework on the board, but the syllabus can also be used to ensure that you have the homework assignment. The syllabus should be posted outside of my room so that you can have access to it even when the door is locked or another class is in session. I will also try to use my social studies blog to post the syllabus so that you can access information wherever you have an internet connection. The blog’s address is http://ditzenberger.blogspot.com/index.html. Important for Parents: grades will also be periodically posted on this blog.
Assignments
All assignments are to be done independently unless otherwise noted. Independently means that you do not have help on the assignment. When you submit an assignment to me, I am evaluating what your understanding of the material is, not what someone else has contributed. I am concerned with my ability and competency to teach you and your effectiveness to learn. Independent work helps me to assess both of these elements. There will be plenty of chances for group work-both inside and outside of the class.
Assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class unless otherwise directed by me. If you are absent, please mark absent on the assignment so I know that the work should not be counted late. It is the student’s responsibility to get updates on what has been missed.
Participation points will be given at different times throughout the semester. Students can participate by listening in class, asking questions, discussing when appropriate, affirming other students, working hard in a small group/cooperative learning setting, etc. You’ll get full credit for participation points if you arrive to class everyday and are engaged. If you have more than two excused absences a week, you will not receive a grade at all (different than a zero) and your absence will not be counted against you.
Expect one significant assignment a quarter. This may be a project, a paper, a group assignment that involves multiple steps, or a presentation. The point of these more significant assignments is for you to pursue learning at a deeper level while integrating a variety of skills (i.e., research, writing, public speaking, etc.) into the learning process.
Please submit all assignments or tests with your given and family name on the first line, followed by the course title on the second line, and the date on the third line.
Name Jeff Corson
Class Economics
Date in Proper Form 14/1/2008 or 14-1-08
General Rules-beyond the rules stated in the handbook
-Water is allowed in the class as long as it is in a closed water bottle. No other drinks are permitted.
-Respecting others demonstrates that we are made in God’s image and therefore are valuable to God. Disrespecting others demeans them and does not honor God’s image that he has given them. Debate and discussion are an essential part in learning the material for this class, but interaction with ideas and the people who hold them should always be done respectfully. Let’s create a accepting, affirming atmosphere in which we can all (including me) can learn.
-Leaving the class to use the restroom is acceptable, but you need to ask just so that you can leave at a good time. Often there may be a good time in the coming few minutes. If I expect students are leaving the room for other reasons, I will change this rule to fit the class.
-Extra credit is not generally offered. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, I may allow students to complete additional assignments as a substitute for learning that was missed when the situation is extreme and beyond the student’s control.
ICS’s Grading Scale:
A+ 98-100% , A 94-97% , A- 92-93%, B+ 88-91% , B 84-87% , B- 82-83% , C+ 78-81%, C 74-77% , C- 72-73% , D 65-71% , F Below 65%.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns: kditzenberger@ics.edu.sg
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please return this within the first week of class for 5 points credit.
I have read and understood the Classroom policies of Mr. Ditzenberger’s Economics class.
_______________________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian _______________Date
_______________________________________ Signature of Student _______________Date
Welcome
Congratulations, one semester to go! 19 weeks (depends how you count), 89 days, some hard work, learning some important concepts relating to Economics, and lots and lots of fun (we hope).
Structure of the Class
You know how things work from my American Government class. Basically, do you homework, study for tests using the review, participate in class, turn in your quarterly project (to be announced) and all will be well with your grade. This class is different from AG in that we will take fewer notes and have fewer lectures, but we will be in the textbook more frequently. However, homework from the textbook should not be much more frequent than the AG class (maybe less). You will, however, have more quizzes from readings, including readings from a supplementary book, Learning to Earn. This will be passed out today.
Syllabus
A syllabus will be provided on my blog and next to my door each week that will give a plan (plans can and often change) of what will be covered. I will try to write homework on the board, but the syllabus can also be used to ensure that you have the homework assignment. The syllabus should be posted outside of my room so that you can have access to it even when the door is locked or another class is in session. I will also try to use my social studies blog to post the syllabus so that you can access information wherever you have an internet connection. The blog’s address is http://ditzenberger.blogspot.com/index.html. Important for Parents: grades will also be periodically posted on this blog.
Assignments
All assignments are to be done independently unless otherwise noted. Independently means that you do not have help on the assignment. When you submit an assignment to me, I am evaluating what your understanding of the material is, not what someone else has contributed. I am concerned with my ability and competency to teach you and your effectiveness to learn. Independent work helps me to assess both of these elements. There will be plenty of chances for group work-both inside and outside of the class.
Assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class unless otherwise directed by me. If you are absent, please mark absent on the assignment so I know that the work should not be counted late. It is the student’s responsibility to get updates on what has been missed.
Participation points will be given at different times throughout the semester. Students can participate by listening in class, asking questions, discussing when appropriate, affirming other students, working hard in a small group/cooperative learning setting, etc. You’ll get full credit for participation points if you arrive to class everyday and are engaged. If you have more than two excused absences a week, you will not receive a grade at all (different than a zero) and your absence will not be counted against you.
Expect one significant assignment a quarter. This may be a project, a paper, a group assignment that involves multiple steps, or a presentation. The point of these more significant assignments is for you to pursue learning at a deeper level while integrating a variety of skills (i.e., research, writing, public speaking, etc.) into the learning process.
Please submit all assignments or tests with your given and family name on the first line, followed by the course title on the second line, and the date on the third line.
Name Jeff Corson
Class Economics
Date in Proper Form 14/1/2008 or 14-1-08
General Rules-beyond the rules stated in the handbook
-Water is allowed in the class as long as it is in a closed water bottle. No other drinks are permitted.
-Respecting others demonstrates that we are made in God’s image and therefore are valuable to God. Disrespecting others demeans them and does not honor God’s image that he has given them. Debate and discussion are an essential part in learning the material for this class, but interaction with ideas and the people who hold them should always be done respectfully. Let’s create a accepting, affirming atmosphere in which we can all (including me) can learn.
-Leaving the class to use the restroom is acceptable, but you need to ask just so that you can leave at a good time. Often there may be a good time in the coming few minutes. If I expect students are leaving the room for other reasons, I will change this rule to fit the class.
-Extra credit is not generally offered. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, I may allow students to complete additional assignments as a substitute for learning that was missed when the situation is extreme and beyond the student’s control.
ICS’s Grading Scale:
A+ 98-100% , A 94-97% , A- 92-93%, B+ 88-91% , B 84-87% , B- 82-83% , C+ 78-81%, C 74-77% , C- 72-73% , D 65-71% , F Below 65%.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns: kditzenberger@ics.edu.sg
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please return this within the first week of class for 5 points credit.
I have read and understood the Classroom policies of Mr. Ditzenberger’s Economics class.
_______________________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian _______________Date
_______________________________________ Signature of Student _______________Date
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