School In-Service

Click on the grade level below to see the course offers! 

Did you know SC Economics provides FREE workshops at district and school level trainings throughout the state of SC? Our presentations are equipped with hands-on lessons AND free curriculum materials! Check out our K-12 offerings below. Contact Chandler Jordan (chandler.jordan@moore.sc.edu) or Sarah Ostergaard (sarah.ostergaard@moore.sc.edu) to bring SC Economics to your next school or district professional development day, virtually or in-person!

Below are some of our most popular K-12 offerings: 


Teaching Economics Using Children's Literature (Grade K-5)

This workshop helps K-5, and even middle level teachers, introduce children to economics and history through popular children’s books. After the workshop, teachers will be able to identify economics concepts in academic standards and integrate economic lessons into history, math, language arts and other content areas.

Learning, Earning, and Investing through the Stock Market Game (Grades 4-12)

​This workshop shows teachers how to introduce students to the world of investing by giving teams $100,000 in virtual currency to invest in the Stock Market. Students learn how to apply research, math, decision-making, and leadership skills in the classroom during the 10-week game. The FREE support center includes all levels of curriculum; from the very basics to the complex math behind the market.   

Interactive Tools to Teach Personal Finance (Grades K-12)

This hands-on workshop will help South Carolina teachers prepare students for life beyond the classroom by presenting materials based on real-world concepts in a way that reinforces learning through practice. Highlighting the new Personal Finance standards presented in the 2020 Social Studies Standards, teachers will receive the tools and resources necessary to encourage students to be proactive problem solvers and plan for their future.

Fake News, Rhetoric, or Convincing Facts? (Grades 6-12)

What truly influences the way the public thinks about key issues such as immigration, tariffs, and the national debt? In this session, teachers will learn how to use recent media coverage and primary sources to assist their students in uncovering the most reliable and unbiased information regarding these hot topic issues.

Mathematics and Economics Connections (Grade 3-5)

This workshop gives teachers thoughtful and creative ways to bring math and economics together in a dynamic way.  Mathematics and Economics contains 12 lessons plans that focus on the essential processes basic to our information society:  problem solving, reasoning, communication, connections and representation.  Teachers will cover economic concepts such as costs, benefits and resources.

Teaching Financial Responsibility in the Era of Fiscal Irresponsibility (Grades 9-12)

How can we teach our students to make responsible financial decisions when the U.S. government's debt continues to skyrocket? During this session, participants will examine the tradeoffs associated with spending at the household and national levels, learn strategies that encourage students to be proactive problem solvers, and create a blueprint to help the next generation budget and plan for the future. 

Best Practices in Teaching Economics and Personal Finance (Grades 9-12)

This workshop will address basic economic concepts and demonstrate lessons and activities to engage high school students in exploring the South Carolina Economics and Personal Finance Social Studies Standards. Teachers will we given access to thousands of lessons and documents, including Understand Fiscal Responsibility curriculum from the National Council for Economics Education and The Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

Seas, Trees, and Economies (Grades K-5)

Engaging simulations and hands-on activities from 10 innovative lessons help students understand the relation-ship between our natural environment and the economy. Lesson titles include: The Jabawa Trees of Island Breeze, Eggs -ternal Costs, and The Lorax and What the Lore Lacks. Most lessons employ simulations and hands-on activities. Participants will receive copies of the curriculum.

Personal Finance Fun and Games (Grades 8-12)

You cannot pick up a newspaper or read through your twitter feed without seeing an article or post about the importance of personal finance. Personal finance can be a standalone course or integrated in pre-existing courses, such as marketing, business, and computer science. This session will explore fun and interactive ways for teachers to engage students in personal finance. We will learn through play as we explore free resources that support teachers and meet the needs of our diverse student population.

Once Upon a Time in Economics (Grades 9-12)

Children’s literature is not just for elementary students! Learn how to engage your high school students by using children’s books to launch lessons or review important economic concepts. By exploring several classic examples, participants will have the opportunity to brainstorm ways they could bring these books into their classrooms, connecting content with students in a new way. 

Playdough Economics (Grades K-3)

Learn to teach basic economic concepts through hands-on creative play with Playdough Economics! Participants will explore how students can use play dough (or any modeling clay) to create an enjoyable and exciting learning experience. This session is activity-oriented where students will learn from examples they create and data they generate, taking ownership of their own learning.