Unit 1: Introduction to economics

Links to pages with lesson plans for unit 1

This is the link page to sub-pages, containing lesson plans and learning activities for the first unit of the IB economics course.  Under the new syllabus there is now a specific section entitled 'introduction to the economics course'.  I find that the following activities provide an effective introduction to the course.  Typically each lesson plan includes resources to use on an interactive whiteboard and worksheets to print. The pages have full student access to give maximum flexibility to the teacher and the student. There are theoretical notes for extended reading and teacher notes at the top that provide timing information lesson objectives and activity instructions.  This unit has been created for the new syllabus, although it contains many of the existing concepts e.g. circular flow of income which were previously taught in the macroeconomics unit. 

Unit 1: Introduction to economics

This section includes the following sections and syllabus areas:

This section should take 3 weeks to complete.

Assessment map

This page provides a map of the various assessments included in the unit, including short answers responses, essays and areas for discussion. I have included a section A and section B blank essay template...

Introductory activity

This lesson is designed as an introduction to economics exercise. It is the lesson that I provide to my classes, on day one of the course. Many of your students will be taking the course for the first...

Economics as a social science

This lesson is the beginning of the the IB economics course and addresses the beginning concepts of the course. It is important for your students to understand the difference between statements which...

Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost

This page looks further at the question of what is economics and given that we do not live in a perfect world, we are forced to make choices in terms of how we spend our scarce financial resources as...

Economic systems

This lesson focuses on different types of economic systems and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of system. I have included the introductory exercise in editable form so that you can add...

Circular flow of national income

This lesson starts the macroeconomics course. I have started this section of the course with the circular flow diagram which is an explanation of how a simple economy works. Your classes need to understand...

Unit 1: Review terms

I have included this page, which contains a PDF handout as a simple revision exercise. I find that many IB students get a degree of comfort from these short summary handouts.Available as a PDF file at:...

Unit 1: Multiple choice quiz

Available as a PDF file at: Introduction to economics

If as you work through the site you think of something that is missing that you would like to see added, please always feel free to email me at markiejohns30@gmail.com - and I will try to get something on the site as soon as possible. 

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