Materials

• Results of research on economic indicators (Attachment C) and information on the type of government of each country researched (a current almanac will be helpful)
• The costs of running various businesses (to help students see what a business has to pay out before it can earn a profit)

Instructional Activities

1. Discuss the results of the students’ research. Ask students to report the countries that seem to have the healthiest economies and the types of governments that exist in those countries. Discuss the correlation, if any, between the type of government and the health of a country’s economy.
   
   
2. Ask students to suggest answers to the question, “Who meets the needs of consumers in the United States economy? Why would people attempt to meet the needs of consumers?” Ensure that students understand that business owners seek to meet the needs of consumers in order to earn a profit.
   
   
3. Explain that entrepreneurs contribute to the United States economy. Ask students to define the term entrepreneur and to determine what an entrepreneur does. Display the following note on the board or overhead transparency, and discuss with the students:
   Entrepreneurs take the risk of starting businesses and introducing new products as they see and try to fill an economic need. They hope to earn a profit for their efforts.
   
   
4. Discuss this note with the class and ask students to define profit. Make sure students understand that profit is the amount of money left after a business pays its operating expenses. Ask students to list the operating expenses of various businesses.
   
   
5. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity.