Classroom Resource

The Economic Impact of a Changing Middle Class

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

Students analyze economic data to better understand America’s middle class, its role in the economy, and its impact on economic growth. In this interactive lesson, students use media produced for How the Deck Is Stacked, and tables and graphs created from Pew Research Center and government data to examine household income and spending trends and the widening wealth gap between the upper and lower-income tiers. Interim assessments evaluate students’ ability to interpret data, make inferences, and justify conclusions. At the end of the lesson, students write an evidence-based essay on why a shrinking middle-class matters to the U.S. economy.

Content Standards

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Algebra II with Statistics

MA19.A2.26
Describe the purposes of and differences among sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies; explain how randomization relates to each.

Unpacked Content

Vocabulary

Sample surveys
Experiments
Observational studies
Randomization

Knowledge

Students know:

Key components of sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies.
Procedures for selecting random samples.

Skills

Students are able to:

Use key characteristics of sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies to select the appropriate technique for a particular statistical investigation.

Understanding

Students understand that:

Sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies may be used to make inferences made about the population.
Randomization is used to reduce bias in statistical procedures.

Interdisciplinary Connection(s)

Link to Resource

https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ilwgbh17-soc-deck-ilmiddle/the-econo…

Content Type / Source

CR Resource Type

Interactive/Game

Resource Provider

PBS

Accessibility

License

License Type

CUSTOM

Custom License Type (URL)

https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/help/terms-of-use/#.YD-bCNhKiUk

Comments or Notes

This mathematics lesson also corresponds to the following ELA Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1 Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7 Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.

Approved Date

2021-03-08

Curated by

Learning Resource Type