This May, 5th grade students at Norway Intermediate were able to showcase their knowledge of financial literacy at a simulation called Biztown! Benton uses Junior Achievement curriculum to teach students financial knowledge, such as budgeting, saving, and even writing checks!
In 5th grade, students spend significant time focusing on the inner workings of starting a business and keeping it running. After lots of classroom discussion and research, students are able to show what they know by running a business of their own! To get started, students completed a resume to acquire a job of their own. Then, they arrive at the simulation prepared to do their job, spend some money, and ideally keep their businesses running by paying off loans!
Every student is essential to keep these simulated businesses afloat. All students showed dedication by working hard on their shifts, then going and shopping “locally” at other businesses. Even a non-profit organization was established, where businesses practiced their philanthropic duty of donating profits to this pet rescue business! Almost every aspect of a town is involved in this simulation. In turn, this opens students’ eyes to the complex, fascinating perspectives of how a connection of businesses in a town work together to create a booming economy!