Resource

Economic Cycles

Economics frames many of the day-to-day decisions we have to make. Be it about work, leisure, saving or spending, all aspects of our lives are impacted by the economy.

 

Photo Credit: Anna Dziubinska / Unsplash

Overview

This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives.

Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will:

  • Understand the basic concept of economic cycles and key terms such as GDP, recovery, growth and recession
  • Have explored a range of key indicators that demonstrate a growing or shrinking economy
  • Have critically examined the impact the different stages of economic cycles can have on individuals in a range of circumstances.

Acknowledgements:

This classroom resource was developed in partnership with global business advisory firm FTI Consulting. Their support enabled this specialist resource to be distributed to schools for free.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Why Do We Wash Our Hands?

In this lesson pupils will learn that washing their hands can help to prevent the spread of germs which cause illnesses. Pupils will experiment with hand washing techniques before being…

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

COP: Climate Action

In November 2021, COP26 took place in Glasgow. It was the most pivotal climate summit of all time. This resources will explore what COP is and what COP26 aimed to…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS5 (ages 16-18)

The Government and the Economy

By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...

More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Create a Local Council Budget

Students critically consider the needs of a fictitious town and how to spend it’s £250 million budget wisely. Working...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

The Economy Quiz

In this short, 15 minute activity students use all they have learnt from earlier lessons to complete a quiz...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Be Your Own Councillor

Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Who’s to Blame? (SmartLaw Subscription)

This activity is based on the case of R v. Dudley and Stephens (1884) – two sailors accused of murdering cabin boy Richard Parker, after being cast adrift on the…

Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Voting and the General Election

This resource pack is the second of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Sentencing Myths (SmartLaw Subscription)

This short activity challenges young people’s perceptions of current sentencing guidelines. It can be run as a standalone activity or as an extension activity as part of a mock trial…

More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Who’s to Blame? (SmartLaw Subscription)

This activity is based on the case of R v. Dudley and Stephens (1884) – two sailors accused of...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

You Decide! (KS4)

This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Climate Action: Circular Economies

During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...