Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the historical and economic concepts behind the game MONOPOLY, including its origins, the impact of capitalism, and the role of real estate in economic systems. The student will also engage in critical thinking about wealth distribution and social responsibility.
Materials and Prep
- MONOPOLY game (any version)
- Notebook and pen for notes
- Access to the internet for research (optional)
- Preparation: Familiarize yourself with the history of MONOPOLY, including its creation by Elizabeth Magie and its evolution over time.
Activities
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Research and Presentation: Have the student research the history of MONOPOLY, focusing on its creator, Elizabeth Magie, and the original purpose of the game. The student will then prepare a short presentation to share their findings.
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Game Simulation: Play a game of MONOPOLY with the student, but with a twist: introduce rules that emphasize social responsibility, such as donating a portion of rent to a community fund. Discuss the implications of these rules on gameplay and strategy.
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Economic Analysis: After playing, have the student write a short essay analyzing the economic principles demonstrated in the game, such as supply and demand, monopolies, and market competition.
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Debate: Organize a debate on the ethics of capitalism as portrayed in MONOPOLY. Encourage the student to think critically about wealth distribution and the responsibilities of the wealthy in society.
Talking Points
- "Did you know that MONOPOLY was originally created to demonstrate the negative aspects of monopolies and capitalism? It's fascinating how it turned into a game that celebrates those very concepts!"
- "Consider how the game reflects real-world economics. What happens when one player controls too many properties? How does that relate to real-life monopolies?"
- "Think about the concept of wealth distribution. How does the game change if we introduce rules that require players to share their wealth?"
- "Discuss the role of chance and strategy in both the game and real-life economics. How much of success is due to luck versus skill?"
- "What lessons can we learn about social responsibility from MONOPOLY? How can those lessons apply to our own lives and communities?"