Using art to teach economics… who would have thought?
A few years ago, I worked with the Mississippi Council on Economic Education and the Mississippi Museum of Art to create a curriculum that incorporated economic concepts into art. This was, by far, the biggest challenge I had ever faced. I worked with the education specialist at the museum to create lessons that would help teachers use art not only in their classrooms but also to teach economic concepts through art. To be honest, I had no clue how to even begin developing this curriculum.
With any idea, you need an inspiration. For me, that inspiration came in the form of a National Geographic magazine I came across at Goodwill (below). The article in the magazine discussed Jamestown’s economy. Perfect!
I have been fascinated with Jamestown ever since the family and I visited in 2015 (below).
So now that I had a starting point, I began to visit Jamestown’s website to identify various artifacts that I could use to introduce the types of questions one should ask while reflecting on art (this is where the museum’s education specialist helped me). From this, I created the following lesson that consists of two components – analysis of Jamestown artifacts (making inferences) and the study of Jamestown economy. Each lesson can be completed separately if time is an issue. By the way, most of the artifacts chosen somewhat represent a way of living (economy).
When you download the lesson, you will see the student handout is divided into four sections – see, wonder, think, prediction. This type of worksheet can be used with any study of art. The class will complete each section together so we all finish together. Once everyone has completed the worksheet for their assigned artifact, I get each group to discuss what they observed and what they predict the object is (I project the artifact so everyone can see it). After the prediction, I tell them what the artifact actually is (many will predict incorrectly). Part 2 of the lesson comes next – the study of Jamestown economy, using reading handouts that incorporate the characteristics of the free enterprise system. If time is an issue, you can take this information and create a PowerPoint.
Many believe it should be left up to the Economics teacher to use this method; however, economics can be taught at any grade level and in any course. Art is part of every subject! When you think about it, too, you really can’t truly comprehend historical events unless you analyze the economics behind it. This page will give you different ideas you can use to teach economic concepts through art. For each lesson, you have a different student engagement activity. I am hoping that if you can’t use the particular lesson that you will at least get an idea of how to use art to teach economics. The Jamestown lesson is just one of four created for this curriculum. I hope you enjoy them and see ways to change and enliven your classes.
A big thank you to Mississippi Council on Economic Education for writing the grant to have this curriculum written. If you use any lesson for use outside of your classroom, please give proper credit. These lessons cannot be claimed nor sold on any site.
Google Drive (click for access to files)
