A "Capital" Idea

When teaching about the Industrial Revolution in American or World History or Economics, I have developed a lesson that allows my students to interact with capital in a real world scenario. Not only does this let them learn about the movement of capital but it also encourages the entrepreneurial spirit that is such an obvious part of the Industrial Revolution. I can also emphasize and illustrate the Core Democratic Value of Common Good. Initially, students sell pencils in order to generate capital ($25 dollar minimum). Then we use Kiva to make a business loan to an entity in a third world country. Students then monitor the investment via reports sent to us from Kiva until the loan is repaid. We continue to loan our capital until the year is done. From year to year, your capital will grow and so will the interest of your students.

This lesson comes with step-by-step directions to handout, a section to record data, and a sign.