PBS Frontline: A Secret History of the Credit Card

Frontline and the New York Time dig into the credit card industry to reveal its history and methodology.  While its regulation remains a political hot point, there is no doubt that credit cards can often lead to financial ruin when not used responsibly.

The Frontline website provides teacher resources, a discussion forum, and the full documentary.  Click here to access it.

Reuters: Times of Change

Following the ongoing theme of the CCEE San Diego Featured Resource, this month's resource also surrounds the economic crisis.  Reuters established and continues to update an interactive timeline of the financial crisis.  Teachers and students can trace the developments of the past year and use that information to stay informed and develop predictions, solutions, etc.

Click here to visit the Reuters: Times of Change Interactive Timeline.

PBS / American Experiene - the 1930's

As the United States continues to face the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, PBS and American Experience explore the 1930's in a series of five documentaries: The Crash of 1929, the Civilian Conservation Corps, Hoover Dam, Seabiscuit, and Surviving the Dust Bowl.

All five hour-long films are currently streaming for free from the PBS / American Experience website.  Additionally, lesson plans developed specifically for each video AND a set of general lessons for the 1930's are available on the website.

Click here to visit the PBS /  American Experience 1930's Website.

Free Economics Podcasts

In response to the ongoing economic crisis faced by the United States and the world, iTunes has compiled a list of podcasts that provide regular updates to general and specif topics related to the economy.  Perspectives cross the economic and political spectrums.  They also include mainstream media outlets, such as Bloomberg, NPR, the WSJ, and Business Week.

These would work great for individual teachers hoping to stay on top of economic developments OR for students to follow current events.

Click here to access the iTunes Podcasts (This link will open your iTunes application - you must have iTunes installed).