Economics Chapter 1 Assignments
- 1. Preview Econ 1 If you could choose between two nearly identical products—one that is free and one that you have to pay for—which would you choose? Why? If you were opening a new business, would you select a location closer to or farther away from a business that sold a similar or even identical product? Why? If you could make a small change in your daily routine that would save you time and money, would you make the change? Why or why not? Respond to each question. Provide a thorough explanation for each decision.
- 2. Acrostic Poem Follow these steps to write a nine-line acrostic poem explaining what economics is all about. Write the term ECONOMICS vertically along the left side of a notebook page. Begin each line with a word that starts with the appropriate letter. Each line must help answer the question, What is economics all about? Include the following terms somewhere in your acrostic: enigma, resource, scarce, science, normative economics, and positive economics .
- 3. Principles of Economic Thinking Create Frayer models of the seven principles of economic thinking. Be sure to include the principle, create a symbol or simple illustration that helps explain that principle and write a one-sentence summary of the principle. Scarcity forces Tradeoffs Costs versus Benefits Thinking at the Margin Incentives Matter Trade Makes People Better Off Markets Coordinate Trade Future Consequences Count
- 4. Scientific Method Flowchart Create a flowchart illustrating the steps of the scientific method. Think of a concrete example of how an economist would use this. Write an explanation of what the economist would do in each step of the process. An example is begun for you. You may use this example question or create your own.
- 5. Unemployment Graph Get a sheet of graph paper from Mrs. Pugh. Follow these steps to create a graph: Draw a coordinate system with an x- and y-axis. Examine the data to be graphed (in the table). Determine an appropriate title for each axis. Determine appropriate labels for each axis. Graph the data. Connect each point to create a curve. U.S. Unemployment Rate, 1950-2010 Year Unemployment Rate 1950 5.21% 1960 5.54% 1970 4.98% 1980 7.18% 1990 5.62% 2000 3.97% 2010 9.01%
- 6. Reading Notes 1.4 Write a short explanation of how economists use graphs. Explain the rational-behavior model. Give an example from your own life in which you have used, or applied, this model.
- 7. Why do the keypad buttons on drive up cash machines have Braille dots? Why is milk sold in rectangular containers while soda is sold in round ones? Why are DVDs sold in larger packages than CDs when the disc is the same size? Why does Apple sell its black laptops for $150 more than the identically configured white ones? Why are seat belts required in cars but not school buses? Why do most stores place men's fashion on the lower floors and women's fashions on the higher floors? Why do brides spend so much money — often thousands of dollars — on wedding dresses they will never wear again, while grooms often rent cheap tuxedos, even though they will have many future occasions that call for one? Why are people required to put children in safety seats in cars but in airplanes babies can sit on your lap? Why is it cheaper to buy round-trip airfare from Kansas City to Honolulu than from Honolulu to Kansas City? Why do female models earn more than male models? Why do last minute seats on Broadway shows go for a discount, but last-minute seats on airplanes sell for a premium? Why do 24-hour convenience stores have locks on their doors?