What does GDP stand for? Who wrote The Wealth of Nations?
What are economies of scale?

If your students can answer these questions, they?re on their way to preparing for the 2010 SC EconomicsChallenge, sponsored by the SC Council on Economic Education.

What Is the EconomicsChallenge?
The Council for Economic Education National Economics Challenge is a nationwide competition for high school students designed to increase their understanding of and interest in economics and finance. In a series of three competitions, teams of students answer rigorous questions on microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics and current events. The students are competing for a chance to win a trip to New York City and prizes at the national finals.

SC EconomicsChallenge State Competition
Teams of three to four South Carolina students will gather Saturday, April 17 at the Moore School of Business on the campus of the University of South Carolina in Columbia. The teams will take a series of written tests to determine the top three finalists. In the afternoon, the first and second place teams will compete in a quiz bowl to determine which team wins the state championship.

The first place team wins digital cameras; the second place team, Ipod shuffles; and third place, $25 gift certificates. The team coaches also win the same prizes as their students.

The National Semifinals
On April 26 the South Carolina state championship team along with other state winners will compete online at their individual schools in the National Semifinals. The six top scoring teams from around the country will advance and travel to New York City, where they will compete for the National Championship title.

The National Finals
The national finals will take place May 22-24 in New York City. The best of the best will wear the national crown and serve as models to raise the bar for excellence in economics.

Each member of the winning team and their teacher will receive a $1,500 cash prize, as well as medals and a championship trophy. The runner-up teams and their teachers will also receive cash prizes and medals.

What Are the Costs?
There are no fees to enter either the state or national competitions. However, the teams and their coaches are responsible for transportation to and from the state competition in Columbia. Most travel expenses for the national competition will be paid by the Council for Economic Education.

How Do Teams Sign Up?
To sign up two teams from your school, contact Constance Dyson at cdyson@moore.sc.edu.

How Do I prepare my teams?
If you want to get a head start preparing your team, click here.