Financial Literacy Menu Topics

Welcome to our financial literacy curriculum

Grade 6
Month Topic Activity Materials Needed Assessment Standard
1
What is Money?
“Money Timeline” – Create a poster showing the history of currency (barter → digital).
Printed images, art supplies.
Presentation to class.
SS.68.FL.1
2
Earning Money
“Classroom Economy” – Earn “class bucks” for jobs (e.g., librarian, tech helper).
Fake currency, job charts.
Weekly “paycheck” tracking.
SS.68.FL.1
3
Needs vs. Wants
“Survival Island” – Choose 5 items to “buy” for a deserted island.
Item cards, budget sheet ($20 limit)
Group discussion on choices.
SS.68.FL.2
4
Basic Budgeting
“Allowance Planner” – Allocate $10/week to spending, saving, and giving.
Budget templates, calculators.
Submit a 4-week plan.
SS.68.FL.2
5
Introduction to Banks
“Bank Field Trip” (Virtual or In-Person) – Tour a bank; learn about ATMs, accounts.
Permission slips, bank website.
Draw a diagram of bank services.
SS.68.FL.3
6
Saving Goals
“Dream Purchase Plan” – Calculate how long to save for a bike/game (50-50-100)
Savings charts, goal trackers.
Illustrate goal progress.
SS.68.FL.3
7
Smart Shopping
“Grocery Store Math” – Compare prices of 3 cereal brands; pick the best deal.
Grocery ads, calculators.
Worksheet with calculations.
MA.912.FL.1 (Percents)
8
Charity & Giving
“Community Helpers” – Research local charities; vote on one to “donate” to.
Charity websites, voting slips.
Persuasive paragraph on their choice.
SS.68.FL.2
9
Capstone: Money Fair
“Financial Literacy Booth” – Design a Booth teaching one topic to peers; “Financial Superhero” – Create a character who solves money problems.
Posters, props, presentation guides; constume props, poster boards.
Peer feedback forms; class presentations.
All SS..68.FL
Month Topic Activity Materials Needed Assessment Standard(s)
1
Earning Income
“Job Salary Calculation” – Convert hourly wages to weekly/monthly income.
Pay stub templates, calculators.
Quiz on wage calculations.
SS.68.FL.1; MA.912.FL.1
2
Needs vs. Wants
“Survival Budget Challenge” – Allocate $500 to needs (food, rent) vs. wants.
Budget cards, scenario prompts.
Written justification of choices.
SS.68.FL.2
3
Banking Basics
“Virtual Bank Tour” – Compare savings/checking accounts; calculate fees.
Bank websites, fee charts.
Compare 2 accounts in a Venn Diagram.
SS.68.FL.3
4
Simple Interest
“Interest Scavenger Hunt” – Find real-world examples (e.g., savings accounts).
Bank brochures, online rate tables.
Worksheet calculating interest earned.
MA.912.FL.3.1
5
Introduction to Taxes
“Sales Tax Calculator” – Add 7% FL tax to purchases (e.g., $50 sneakers).
Receipts, tax rate cards.
Create a taxed shopping list.
MA.912.FL.1.1
6
Smart Shopping
“Unit Price Showdown” – Compare costs per ounce/unit at a “grocery store.”
Product labels, calculators.
Presentation on the best deals.
SS.68.FL.2
7
Saving for Goals
“Dream Vacation Plan” – Calculate savings needed for a trip in 2 years.
Travel brochures, savings tracker.
Savings timeline with milestones.
SS.68.FL.3
8
Avoiding Scams
“Scam Detective” – Analyze phishing emails/fake ads; identify red flags.
FTC scam examples, screenshots.
Design a “Scam Alert” poster.
SS.68.FL.5
9
Capstone: Financial Plan
“My Money Story” – Create a comic/poster summarizing key lessons.
Art supplies, digital tools (Canva)
Peer gallery walk + reflection
All SS..68.FL
Month Topic Activity Materials Needed Assessment Standard(s)
1
Budgeting with Percents
Calculate discounts/markups on back-to-school supplies using spreadsheets.
Store ads, Excel/Google Sheets.
Submit a spreadsheet with calculations.
MA.912.FL.1; SS.68.FL.2
2
Net Worth
Track personal “assets” (e.g., gaming console, bike) vs. “liabilities” (e.g., phone plan).
Net worth worksheets, calculators.
Create a personal net worth statement.
MA.912.FL.2
3
Compound Interest
Compare growth of $100 at 3% vs. 5% interest over 5 years using formulas.
Compound interest calculator, graph paper.
Graph results + short reflection.
MA.912.FL.3
4
Credit & APR
Simulate credit card payments (minimum vs. full) to see interest costs.
Credit card statements (sample), calculators.
Written analysis of payment strategies.
MA.912.FL.3.6; SS.68.FL.4
5
Tax Basics
Complete a simplified 1040 form using a $5,000 part-time job scenario.
IRS Form 1040 (simplified), pay stub templates.
Completed tax form + quiz on deductions.
MA.912.FL.2.6
6
Stock Market Simulation
Track 1-2 stocks for 4 weeks; calculate gains/losses.
Stock market websites, spreadsheet
Presentation on stock performance.
MA.912.FL.4.6
7
Insurance Math
Compare auto insurance deductibles ($500 vs. $1,000) and monthly costs.
Insurance quotes (sample), cost charts.
Role-play: “Convince a parent which to choose.”
MA.912.FL..4.1
8
Break-Even Analysis
Calculate how many lemonades to sell to cover costs ($2/cup, $50 startup).
Business plan templates, calculators.
Infographic showing break-even point(s).
MA.912.FL.3.12
9
Capstone Project
Design a 5-year financial plan (college, car, or career savings).
Canva/Poster board, budget templates.
Peer review + presentation.
All of MA.912.FL & SS..68.FL
Week Topic Activity Materials Needed Assessment Corresponding Standard
1
Decimals & Percentages
Calculate discounts (e.g. 30% off $50 sneakers).
Store ads, Google Sheets
Quiz: “Best Deal”
FL.1.1
2
Taxes & Tips
Simulate dining out: Calculate tip + sales tax.
Restaurant receipts
Role-play: “Ethical Tipping”
FL.1.1
3
Budgeting 101
Track weekly spending (allowance/gifts).
Google Sheets template
Journal Reflection
FL.2.5
4
Needs vs. Wants
Sort items (e.g. Netflix vs. school supplies).
Magazine cutouts
Debate
FL.2.5
5
Simple Interest
Compare savings accounts (Ally vs. Chase).
Bank websites
Infographic
FL.1.3
6
Net Worth
Calculate personal net worth (assets/liabilities).
Spreadsheet template
Net worth statement
FL.2.1
7
Digital Payments
Pros/cons of Venmo vs. cash.
FTC.gov articles
PSA video
FL.3.5
8
Project : No-Spend Week
Avoid non-essential purchases.
Reflection worksheet
Class showcase
FL.2.5
9
Part-Time Jobs
Research local teen job pay rates.
Website: Indeed.com
Resume Draft
FL.2.5
10
Paycheck Math
Decode gross vs. net pay.
Pay stub generator
Quiz
FL.2.5
11
Gig Economy
Compare DoorDash vs. babysitting earnings.
Gig calculators
Poster
FL.2.2
12
Exchange Rates
Convert $100 to EUR/GBP (fees included).
XE.com
Travel budget
FL.2.4
13
Compound Interest
“Interest Island” game (5-year savings.)
DIY game board
Worksheet
FL.3.1
14
Stock Market
Invest $1K virtual cash (MarketWatch).
MarketWatch Simulator
Portfolio report
FL.4.6
15
Avoiding Scams
Analyze TikTok scams.
FTC.gov videos
Skit
FL.3.6
16
Project: Biz Pitch
Design a teen business plan.
Canva
Shark Tank Pitch
FL.2.2
17
Credit Cards
Compare APR/rewards.
NerdWallet
Quiz
FL.3.5
18
Credit Scores
Simulate late payment impact.
CreditKarma
Graph
Fl.3.1.0
19
Loans 101
Calculate bike loan payback.
Loan calculators
Role-play
FL.3.2
20
Rent-to-Own
Compare PS5 rental vs. purchase
Rent-A-Center ads
Debate
FL.3.8
21
Car Financing
Analyze used car loans.
Bankrate.com
Brochure
FL.3.9
22
Peer Pressure Spending
Social media influence.
TikTok case studies
Diary
FL.3.5
23
Student Loans
Compare subsidized vs. unsubsidized.
StudentAid.gov
Chart
FL.3.7
24
Project: Credit Hero Comic
Navigate credit pitfalls.
Pixton.com
Gallery Walk
FL.3.1.0
25
Emergency Funds
Save for 3 months of expenses.
MIT Living Wage Calculator
Quiz
FL.2.5
26
Insurance Basics
Phone vs car insurance.
PolicyGenius
Infographic
FL.4.1
27
Retirement Accounts
Compare Roth IRA vs 401(k).
Investor.gov
Meme
FL.4.3
28
Identity Theft
Spot phishing emails.
FTC Identity Theft Kit
Quiz
FL.3.11
29
Project: Auditing 101
Budget on $25K salary.
Spreadsheet
Poster
FL.2.5
30
Capstone: Money Quest
Choose-your-own-adventure-game.
Google Forms
Peer Review
FL.1-4
31
Stock Portfolio
Track gains/losses over 4 weeks.
Yahoo Finance
Report
FL.4.6
32
Global Trade
Analyze US-China trade deficit.
FRED Graphs
News segment
FL.2.3
33
Review & Catch-Up
Address gaps from assessments.
Custom worksheets
Quiz
34
Final Project Expo
Present 10-year financial plan.
Tri-fold boards
Panel Q&A
FL.1-4
35
Celebration
“Financial Literacy Fair’ with projects.
N/A
Self-evaluation
Week Topic Activity Materials Needed Assessment Corresponding Standard
1
Decimals in Money
Calculate discounts using store circulars.
Target/Walmart ads
Quiz: “Best Deal”
FL.1.1
2
Net Worth
Calculate personal net worth (assets — liabilities).
Google Sheets template
Net worth statement
FL.2.1
3
Banking Services
Compare student accounts at 3 banks.
Chase & Bank of America websites
Infographic
FL.2.5
4
Simple Interest
Compare savings account (Ally vs. Discover).
Bankrate.com
“Double Your Money” worksheet
FL.1.3
5
Paychecks
Decode Starbucks paycheck stub.
Paycheck generator
Annotation Activity
FL.2.5
6
Business Profits
Run mock coffee stand (cost/revenue)
Google Sheets
Profit/Losses statement
FL.2.2
7
Taxes & Tips
Calculate meal costs with tax/tip.
Restaurant menus
Role-play
FL.1.1
8
Needs vs. Wants
Categorize Gen Z spending habits.
TikTok spending trends
Debate
FL.2.5
9
Project: No-Spend Challenge
Track spending with reflection.
Journal app
Podcast reflection
FL.2.5
10
Part-Time Jobs
Analyze pay rates at local businesses.
Indeed.com
Resume + Cover Letter
FL.2.5
11
Gig Economy
Compare DoorDash vs. TaskRabbit earnings.
Gig economy reports
Income comparison
FL.2.2
12
Sales Tax
Calculate total costs for back-to-school shopping.
Amazon/Best Buy
Receipt Analysis
FL.1.1
13
Credit Cards
Compare student cards (APR/rewards).
NerdWallet
“Card shark” pitch
FL.3.5
14
Mortgage Loans
Compare 15yr vs. 30yr mortgages.
Zillow + mortgage calculator
Cost analysis
FL.3.9
15
Car Costs
Analyze used car loans (48 vs. 60 months).
CarGurus
Loan comparison
FL.3.8
16
Scams
Investigate phishing emails.
FTC scam alerts
Create warning poster
FL.3.6
17
Charity
Research local charity impact.
CharityNavigator
Donation proposal
FL.2.5
18
Project: Biz Pitch
Develop teen business plan.
Canva
Shark Tank presentation
FL.2.2
19
Stock Market
$10K virtual portfolio challenge.
MarketWatch
Quarterly report
FL.4.6
20
Compound Interest
“Interest Island” game (now with continuous compounding).
DIY game board
Growth chart
FL.3.1
21
Portfolio Diversification
Build 60/40 stock/bond portfolio
Yahoo Finance
Risk Analysis
FL.4.5
22
Insurance
Compare phone vs. car insurance.
PolicyGenius
Cost-benefit chart
FL.4.1
23
Identity Theft
Freeze “credit reports” (simulated).
Experian demo
Step-by-step guide
FL.3.11
24
Global Money
Convert USD to EUR/JPY/GBP.
XE.com
Travel budget
FL.2.4
25
Crypto Basics
Track Bitcoin volatility.
CoinMarketCap
Risk memo
FL.4.6
26
Trade Deficit
Analyze US-China trade data.
FRED Graphs
News segment
FL.2.3
27
Project: Import Biz
Source Alibaba product with fees.
Alibaba
Profit/Losses Statement
FL.2.2
28
Rent vs. Buy
5-year cost comparison.
Zillow/Apartments.com
TikTok video
FL.3.9
29
Credit Scores
Simulate score impact of late payments.
CreditKarma
Timeline graph
FL.3.1.0
30
Taxes
File mock 1099 return.
TurboTax Free Edition
Completed return
FL.2.6
31
Student Loans
Compare subsidized vs. unsubsidized.
StudentAid.gov
Loan chart
FL.3.7
32
Wedding Budget
Plan $5k vs. $30k wedding.
WeddingWire
Budget Comparison
FL.2.5
33
Side Hustles
Model Etsy vs. YouTube income.
Creator earnings reports
Income projection
FL.2.2
34
Capstone: Financial Escape Room
Solve tax/budget puzzles.
Google Forms
Time trial
FL.1-4
35
Final Project: 5-year Plan
Present financial roadmap.
Notion template
Expo presentation
FL.1-4
Week Topic Activity Materials Needed Assessment Corresponding Standard
1
Career ROI
Compare salaries vs. education costs.
BLS.gov data
Infographic
FL.2.2
2
Net Worth
Calculate startup business net worth.
Google Sheets template
Balance sheet
FL.2.1
3
FAFSA Scavenger Hunt
Find obscure scholarships.
FastWeb.com
Checklist
FL.3.7
4
Student Loans
Compare loan types.
StudentAid.gov
Loan chart
FL.3.7
5
Loan Repayment
Model 10-year payoff plan.
LoanSimulator.org
Payment plan
FL.3.2
6
Gig Taxes
Complete mock 1099 return.
TurboTax.com
Tax filing
FL.2.6
7
Paycheck Analysis
Decode $15/hr paycheck.
PaycheckCity.com
Annotation
FL.2.5
8
Salary Negotiation
Role-play job offers.
Glassdoor.com data
Video
FL.2.5
9
Project: Debt-free Degree
4-year funding plan.
Canva
Presentation
FL.3.7
10
Enhanced: Compound Interest
Compare continuous vs. quarterly compounding.
Investor.gov calculator
Growth Chart
FL.3.1
11
Stock Market
$10K virtual portfolio
MarketWatch
Report
FL.4.6
12
Index Funds
S&P 500 vs. individual stocks.
Morningstar
Comparison
FL.4.6
13
Retirement Accounts
401(k) growth modeling
Investor.gov
Graph
FL.4.3
14
Crypto
Track Bitcoin volatility.
CoinMarketCap
Risk memo
FL.4.6
15
Diversification
Build 60/40 stock/bond portfolio.
Yahoo Finance
Allocation plan
FL.4.5
16
REITs
Analyze vs. physical property.
Fundrise
Pros/Cons chart
FL.4.6
17
Project: FIRE Movement
Early retirement plan
FireCalc.com
Blog
FL.4.3
18
Scams
Investigate Ponzi schemes.
SEC.gov
Warning poster
FL.3.6
19
Credit Scores
Simulate late payments.
CreditKarma
Timeline
FL.3.10
20
Auto Loans
48 vs. 60-months loans
Bankrate.com
Cost analysis
FL.3.8
21
Rent vs. Buy
5-year cost comparison
NYT Calculator
Debate
FL.3.9
22
Insurance
Compare HMO/PPO plans.
Healthcare.gov
Plan selection
FL.4.1
23
W-4 Optimization
Maximize take-home pay.
PaycheckCity
Paycheck.com
FL.2.6
24
Side Hustles
Model Etsy vs. tutoring.
Income Reports
Profit calculator
FL.2.2
25
Tax Credits
Research EITC/AOTC
IRS.gov
Eligibility quiz
FL.2.6
26
Trade Deficit
Analyze US-China trade data.
FRED Graphs
News segment
FL.2.3
27
Project: Financial Escape Room
Solve tax/budget puzzles.
Google Forms
Time trial
FL.1-4
28
Wedding Budget
Plan $5k vs. $30k plans.
WeddingWire
Budget Comparison
FL.2.5
29
Prenups
Analyze financial clauses.
LegalTemplates
Doc review
FL.3.10
30
Social Security
Estimate benefits.
SSA.gov
Statement
FL.4.3
31
Estate Planning
Create simple will.
FreeWill.com
Document
FL..4.1
32
Warranties
Compare electronics protection plans.
Consumer reports
Cost-benefit
FL.4.2
33
Recession Prep
6-month emergency fund
Budget tools
Savings plan
FL.2.5
34
Capstone: 10-Year Plan
Present financial roadmap
Notion
Expo
FL.1-4
35
Final: Adulting License
Demonstrate competency.
DIY certificate
Panel Q&A
FL.1-4
Week Topic Activity Materials Needed Assessment Corresponding Standard
1
Mortgage Basics
Compare 15yr vs. 30yr loans + points.
Bankrate.com, Zillow listings
Infographic
FL.3.9
2
Down Payments
FHA vs. conventional with PMI simulation
NerdWallet, FHA.gov
Podcast episode
FL.3.9
3
Property Taxes
Calculate homestead exemptions.
SmartAsset, county tax records
Debate
FL.1.1
4
Home Warranties
Compare appliance vs. structural coverage.
ConsumerAffairs.com
Cost-benefit chart
FL.4.2
5
House Flipping
Budget renovation + calculate break-even.
HomeAdvisor, Excel
Pitch presentation
FL.4.2
6
Credit Scores
Simulate mortgage shopping impact.
CreditKarma, FICO simulator
Line graph
FL.3.10
7
Closing Costs
Lender credits vs rate buy-downs.
Realtor.com, closing cost calculator
Fee audit
FL.3.9
8
Rent vs. Buy
10-year cost projection
NYT Calculator, Zillow
TikTok video
FL.3.9
9
Tiny Homes
Equity growth analysis
HGTV clips, RV loan terms
Comparative essay
FL.3.9
10
Stock Portfolios
Build 60/30/10 portfolio
Morningstar, MarketWatch
Quarterly report
FL.4.5 – FL.4.6
11
Retirement Plans
Compare 401(k)/pensions/IRAs.
Investor.gov, pension calculators
Comparison table
FL.4.3
12
Crypto Investing
Analyze BTC/ETH/stables.
CoinMarketCap, Coinbase
Risk matrix
FL.4.6
13
Forex Trading
Identify hidden conversion fees.
XE.com, Wise.com
Fee audit
FL.2.4
14
Import Business
Calculate tariffs + shipping.
Alibaba, USITC tariff tool
Profit/Loss chart
FL.2.2
15
Trade Deficits
Sector impact analysis
FRED Graphs, Census.gov
News segment
FL.2.3
16
Commodities
Gold vs. oil as inflation hedges
MarketWatch, Kitco
Price timeline
FL.4.6
17
REITs
Tax implications simulation
Fundrise, IRS Pub 530
Pros/Cons chart
FL.4.6
18
Market Crashes
2008 scenario reenactment
Historical S&P charts
Reflection
FL.4.6
19
W-4 Optimization
Multi-dependent scenarios
PaycheckCity.com
Paycheck audit
FL.2.6
20
Tax Credits
CTC vs. AOTC comparison
IRS.gov, TaxSlayer demo
Eligibility chart
FL.2.6
21
Gig Taxes
Complete Schedule C + SE tax.
TurboTax Self-Employed
Filed return
FL.2.6
22
Health Insurance
HSA vs. PPO cost analysis
Healthcare.gov plans
Plan selection
FL.4.1
23
Car Insurance
Rideshare endorsement costs
Progressive, Allstate quotes
Cost chart
FL.4.1
24
Life Insurance
Term conversion analysis
Policygenius, NerdWallet
Debate
FL.4.1
25
Identity Theft
Credit freeze/unfreeze
Experian demo kit
Step-by-step guide
FL.3.11
26
IRS Escape Room
Tax bracket puzzles
Google Forms, IRS Forms
Time trial
FL.2.6
27
Financial Scams
Deepfake check fraud
FTC.gov videos
PSA video
FL.3.6
28
Wedding Budget
Prenup cost analysis
WeddingWire, LegalZoom
Comparison
FL.2.5
29
Prenups
Business protection clauses
RocketLawyer templates
Doc review
FL.3.10
30
Social Security
Spousal benefit strategies
SSA.gov calculator
Benefit statement
FL.4.3
31
Estate Planning
POD/TOD accounts
FreeWill.com
Will draft
FL..4.1
32
Side Hustles
LLC vs. sole proprietorship
SCORE.org templates
Biz structure
FL.2.2
33
Recession Prep
Layoff survival budget
MIT Living Wage Calculator
6-month plan
FL.2.5
34
10-Year Plan
Net worth projection
Notion template
Expo presentation
FL.1-4
35
Adulting License
Credit repair simulation
CreditKarma
Panel Q&A
FL.1-4
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