There are so many ways to use a potato: bake it, fry it, or barter it. The lesson explains the concepts of bartering, money, and goods and services with a story that takes place during the Great Depression. Academics complete group discussions, worksheets, and games to understand what bartering is and how people use money to buy goods and services. 

Concepts

economics, the great depression, bartering, trade, money, money supply, income

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Lead a group discussion on ways for learners to barter with each other
• Have pupils draw pictures that explain how money is used 

Classroom Considerations

• Students may be unfamiliar with terms such as bartering 
• Requires a copy of the book Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression by Kate Lied to complete the lesson and activities 

Pros

• The lesson covers social studies topics, as well as mathematics and economic concepts
• Multiple activities enhance students' engagement and learning 

Cons

• None