Charge It!

Charge It!
Mamie Eisenhower: Economics, Discovery and Daily Life

Skill: High School/College
Time Required: One to two class periods


Introduction:

The credit card had its beginnings in the 1950s during a period of unprecedented earning and wealth in the United States.  Mamie was a careful manager who, although raised in privileged circumstances, still knew the value of a dollar and could always save money.  Perhaps she had one of the early cards.

Objectives:

The purpose of this lesson is to acquaint students with the history of credit cards, their value, and their pitfalls.   

Materials Required:

Access to the Internet.

Procedures:

1.  Ask students how many of them have a debit card; how many have a credit card. 

2.  Ask them how long credit cards have been in use by the general public.  Divide the class into two groups.  Group 1 will investigate the history of credit cards; Group 2 will explore issues of saving and investing. 

3.  When research is complete the two groups will present their findings.

Extending the Lesson:

This lesson could be extended by involving students in a business enterprise in the classroom: following the market, for example, or producing something and selling it.  Or, students could involve themselves in a debate about the age at which credit cards should be extended to invidiuals.

Sources & Resources:

Websites:

Credits:

This lesson was developed by Bette Brooks, Kent State University.
 
 

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