Some more ‘creative’ economics props...

Geoff’s post about being ‘dangerously creative’ got me thinking about exactly what props I’ve got lying around my classroom, so I thought I’d share them with the rest of you…

1. Pack of playing cards: great for playing the ‘pit market’ game I remember from a tutor2u conference a few years ago

2. A bag full of mini shipping containers made using this template from the BBC (be warned- it did take one class a good 30 minutes to make enough of these a few years back, but you can use them again and again). I use these to illustrate how one ship (represented by a cardboard box) is more efficient than two separate ships as an introduction to economies of scale

3. A Zimbabwe 20 dollar note (bargain ebay purchase) to illustrate one of the disadvantages of inflation. If you’re doing this- I always keep the note folded in half in my hand and can then usually get the class to offer me at least £15 for something that’s completely worthless

4. A piece of ‘fool’s gold’ to get the class interested in discussing commodity markets- it’s always fun to see how many you can persuade to believe it’s real!

5. An old Centrica share certificate for when it comes round to discussing the concept of a stock market- helps to bring home the reality of thousands of people owning a small part of one company

6. Some out of date Morrison’s Value ‘wheat biscuits’ to illustrate different issues in agricultural markets

That’s everything I can think of now- hope it’s inspired some of you out there, and I’m looking forward to reading some other people’s suggestions.