A giant tortoise learns that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Whitey and Cahoots, two sharks, convince giant tortoise Arlene to invest in their sure-fire, money-making scheme. Arlene takes the bait. So do all her friends, and they discover the hard way what a Ponzi scheme is.

In this lesson, students decide which business ideas from the book sound like a good investment and that they will have the opportunity to determine which idea they would consider investing in.

Students explore the physical and psychological effect of stress and tension on human beings. Concepts of stress and stress management are introduced. Students discover how perception serves to fuel a huge industry dedicated to minimizing risk and relieving stress. Students complete a writing activity focused on developing critical thinking skills. Note: The literacy activities for the Mechanics unit are based on physical themes that have broad application to our experience in the world concepts of rhythm, balance, spin, gravity, levity, inertia, momentum, friction, stress and tension.

In this lesson, students will interact with the ways that people encounter the Great Lakes through travel and leisure activities.

This lesson plan is geared toward beginning economics concepts. "In this lesson you are going to learn more about how you and others are consumers and producers."

Students will compare and contrast different methods of attaining the everyday items they need. Using the Akan people of Africa as an example of bartering, students will understand three different ways of paying for goods. Discussion questions and an activity are included.