How can a federal debt accumulate over time? The Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) dashboard allows scholars to actively research each aspect of the federal budget. In pairs, they analyze economic data to determine the best way to balance the federal budget. Active discussion and group activities help make a confusing concept clear to young economists.

Concepts

budget deficits, budgeting, the federal budget, surplus, the business cycle

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Go through one activity on the graph worksheet as a class to answer any issues that may arise 
• Assign each pair one topic in the data field to present to the class (public debt, gross federal debt, etc.) 

Classroom Considerations

• Activity works best with groups in pairs
• One installment of a larger series covering Economic Data
  

Pros

• Assessment answer key as well as step-by-step instructions for navigating the web materials are available
  
• Contains worksheets and materials for classroom use 

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.3 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.3