"And the sign said...": Teaching Economics Concepts with Music (Repost)

'Tis the season for 8th grade economics in Virgina! Besides offering all kinds of opportunities to connect civics concepts to economics concepts (make it more real for students), I love using strategies that really make students recognize application of econ concepts. Even the most basic economics terms are often difficult for many students to fully understand and apply to real life situations. Music is a great way to either introduce economic concepts (and get students' attention) or to review economic concepts. As review I use several songs, via YouTube, that students enjoy and actually engage with. I also provide printed lyrics and some discussion questions.

Concepts: unemployment, push and pull factors, and recession

Song: "Ghost of Tom Joad" by Bruce Springsteen

Concept: scarcity

Song: "I Want it All" by Queen

Concept: opportunity cost

Song: "Big Yellow Taxi" by Counting Crows (cover)