The Economic Impact of a Changing Middle Class

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

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.

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.

UP:MA19.A2.26

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.

CR Resource Type

Interactive/Game

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

CUSTOM
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