Idaho Social Studies 9-12.EC.16

Social StudiesGrades 9–12Economics

The Standard

Evaluate types of investments to determine how they meet the objectives of a personal financial plan including compound interest over time.

Idaho Content Standards: K-12 Social Studies · Personal Finance

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students compare investments by potential growth, risk, fees, and when they can get their money. They calculate how interest earns more interest over time, then choose options that fit short- and long-term goals.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student calculates a CD balance using each year's new total. They can explain why a two-year CD may fit a car purchase in two years, while a stock fund may fit retirement better despite its risk of loss.
Common Misconceptions: Students may assume stocks earn a fixed interest rate or that higher returns come without risk. Some calculate interest only on the original deposit, even after interest has been added.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A $1,000 CD earns 5% interest compounded yearly. Find its balance after two years, then explain whether that CD or a stock fund better fits a car purchase in two years and retirement in 30 years.

Lesson moves

Hand pairs $1,000 in play money and risk-and-return cards for a CD and stock fund; have them fund a two-year car purchase and retirement.
Ask: Why might a two-year CD fit a car purchase better than a stock fund, even if the fund could earn more?
Run a rate race: teams calculate a $1,000 CD at 5% for three years, then check each other's balances.
Use a local bank's savings and CD rates and a stock fund's fee page to build a plan for rent and retirement.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 9-12.EC.16, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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