The document outlines an assignment where students will create a 6-8 minute video explaining real world applications of economics. Students will be split into groups and take on roles such as the hidden economist narrator, script writer, video recorder, editor, and actors. The video will follow people through a typical day, demonstrating 4 economic concepts and how understanding them provides insights and helps people make better choices. Students will have a week to complete the assignment by selecting topics, writing a script, recording footage, and editing a final video. They will be assessed on explaining the concepts, providing insights, video quality, creativity, and including additional examples for extra credit.

1. Name__________________________date_____________________class_________________
“The Hidden Economist”
IN ACTION!
Essential Question(s):Where do economic concepts exist in the world? In what ways can we
explain the mysteries of society through the lens of an economist? How can we use economic
intuition to solve the problems we face?
Summative Task:The average person’s understandings of the intricacies ofeconomicsare often
lacking and inadequate. Little do they know that economics exists everywhere, and the truths of
economics constantly surround every situation.
You have been hired by NBC as an “undercover economist.” Create a 6-8 minute video that explains
at least 4 real world applications of economics in our world as you proceed through a normal day.
Your video should demonstrate to the public how understanding the intricacies of economics helps
individuals and communities in two ways--by providing answers to daily mysteries and training us to
make better choices that benefit society as a whole.
Your video must follow individuals through multiple encounters in an average day. You might take
your audience through schools, interview teachers, travel to the grocery store, travel to a restaurant,
go to the mall, etc.
Topics you might include, are (but aren’t limited to):
Specialization
Opportunity Costs
The tragedy of the commons
Perfect Information
Price Discrimination
Firm Behavior and/or the Prisoner’s Dilemma
Marginal Utility
The Law of Diminishing Returns
Process:You will have one week to complete this task during class and outside of class. Your videos
are due on Monday, May 24th. We will watch them the last days of class.
1) 5/16: Select a group of 4-5 people.
2) 5/16: Assign Roles:
a. “Hidden Economist”: Speaks in the Video to explain how the concepts are
applied and gives solutions or insights from the concepts
b. Script Writer: Writes the script for the actors in the movie
c. Video Recorder: Records and Directs the video clips
d. Video Editor: Compiles the Video and also helps stage props during recordings
e. Actors/Actresses: Memorize the scripts in the video and act as consumers,
students, etc in diff situations.
3) 5/16-5/17: Select topics your Group will focus on and where they are seen in our lives.
4) 5/17: Write the Scripts for your videos; finalize the plot of your video.
5) 5/18-5/19: Record your Video.
6) 5/20: Present 60 second “Skit” of the trailer for your segment to get more TV viewers.

2. Name__________________________date_____________________class_________________
Assessment:You will be assessed based on the following components. Groups that include more
than 4 concepts can earn up to 5 extra points on their final grade.
RUBRIC
Component Explanation Point Possible Points
Received
Economic Video clearly explains each concept and 40
Concepts in the subsequently reveals how/where it is
Real World (4) seen in the real world.
Economic Video clearly provides advice on how to 40
Insights from make better future choices based on the
the Concepts understandings gained from each
(4) concept.
Continuity and Video clearly carries the audience 10
Professionalism through multiple locations in a typical
day with high quality shots and
sophisticated editing. The video includes
an engaging introduction and conclusion
before and after the traveling adventure
through areas of choice.
Creativity Video creatively explains the concepts 10
and captures the attention of the
audience through humor, intriguing
facts, or clever insights.
Achievement Groups provide at least two additional 5
Deluxe: EXTRA examples of real world economic
CREDIT concepts in their video segment and
responses to take based on this
knowledge.
Total Grade _______________________________ 105
Teacher Insight: