Economics is, in a nutshell, the study of how we use limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants and needs. The problem of scarcity, then, is not only an Economic one, but a world one. Economics Matters! *While Economics is not a core requirement for High School graduation, it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.

This course introduces Cadets to the basic Economic concepts in both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. These topics are split into 5 units –

Unit 1 – Economic Beginnings, Basics, and Scarcity
Unit 2 – Consumer Economics / Supply and Demand
Unit 3 – Business, Labor, and Market Structure*
Unit 4 – The Governments Role in Economics
Unit 5 – Macroeconomics and the World Economy

* In lieu of a test, Unit 3 will culminate in “UMA Shark Tank” in which Cadets will, in groups, present a business proposal in front of a panel of “sharks.” This is a MANDATORY attendance activity for the course, and missing is equivocal to skipping a test.

A few key reminders:

• CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM LINK FOR LIVE-STREAM CLASSES
• The beginning of each class (with daily objectives and journal question) will be recorded for EACH DAY (and uploaded to the calendars). PAST DATES WILL SHOW UP AS LINKS, WHICH WILL GIVE YOU THOSE VIDEOS
• For lecture days, the entire lecture will also be recorded and uploaded, for Cadets who prefer that to reading the PDF or print-outs themselves.
• Your grade will be shown and accurate on Aspire, NOT Canvas! (Canvas and my website are mirrored schedule and links for assignments and notes)
• Direct any questions to MAJ Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org

ECONOMICS – A Day Schedule – Spring 2026*

Wednesday, Jan 7 – Classroom Orientation / Disclosure (DUE Jan 12)

Friday, Jan 9 – NOTES – Day 1 – Introduction to Economics

Monday, Jan 12 – Island Survivor Activity

Wednesday, Jan 14 – NOTES – Day 2 – Scarcity, Wants, and Needs

Wednesday, Jan 21 – QUIZ – Economic Basics / Scarcity (DUE Jan 26)

Friday, Jan 23 – NOTES – Day 3 – Economic Systems

Monday, Jan 26 – STUDY GUIDE – Economic Basics (DUE Feb 2)

Wednesday, Jan 28 – JEOPARDY / Finish Study Guide / Prepare for Test

Monday, Feb 2 – TEST – Economic Basics (DUE by Feb 6) / Extra Credit Article

Wednesday, Feb 4 – NOTES – Day 1 – Price, Cost, and Money

Friday, Feb 6 – Cookie Value Activity (DUE Feb 11)

Monday, Feb 9 – NOTES – Day 2 – Supply and Demand

Wednesday, Feb 11 – Supply and Demand Worksheet (DUE Feb 25)

Wednesday, Feb 18 – Quiz – Price, Cost, Supply, Demand (DUE by Feb 25)

Monday, Feb 23 – NOTES – Day 3 – Determinants of Supply and Demand

Wednesday, Feb 25 – Study Guide – Supply and Demand (DUE Mar 4)

Friday, Feb 27 – Shark Tank Intro (Watching and Evaluation Episode)

Monday, Mar 2 – Jeopardy / Review for Test

Wednesday, Mar 4 – TEST – Supply and Demand (DUE by Mar 16) / Extra Credit Article

Monday, Mar 9 – NOTES – (For Shark Tank) Business Motivation

Wednesday, Mar 11 – Shark Tank Group and Idea Forming / Work

End Term 3 (21 Days)

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Monday, Mar 16 – Shark Tank Work (Handouts DUE Mar 23)

Wednesday, Mar 18 – Shark Tank Work (DUE Apr 6)

Friday, Mar 20 – Shark Tank Work (DUE Apr 6)

Monday, Mar 23 – Shark Tank Focus Group

Wednesday, Mar 25 – Focus Group AAR / Shark Tank Work

Spring Break Mar 30 – Apr 3

Monday, Apr 6 – UMA SHARK TANK

Wednesday, Apr 8 – UMA SHARK TANK

Friday, Apr 10 – SHARK TANK AAR – Self Reflection / Group Evaluation (DUE Apr 15)

Monday, Apr 13 – NOTES – Day 1 – Government Interventions

Wednesday, Apr 15 – NOTES – Day 2 – Debt and Deficit

Monday, Apr 20 – Quiz – Gov’t and Debt (DUE by Apr 22)

Wednesday, Apr 22 – NOTES – Day 3 – Failures – Market and Government

Friday, Apr 24 – Study Guide – Gov’t and Econ (DUE Apr 29)

Monday, Apr 27 – Jeopardy / Review For Test

Wednesday, Apr 29 – TEST – Government and Economics (DUE by May 6) / Extra Credit Article

Monday, May 4 – NOTES – Day 1 – Macroeconomics

Wednesday, May 6 – NOTES – Day 2 – GDP

Friday, May 8 – QUIZ – Macroeconomics and GDP (DUE by May 13)

Monday, May 11 – NOTES – Day 3 – Labor Force

Wednesday, May 13 – TEST – Macroeconomics (OPEN NOTE) (DUE by May 18) / Extra Credit Article

Monday, May 18 – Ten Rules for Life (Final Lesson)

Wednesday, May 20 (Graduation) – TBD (Class Party?)

Thursday, May 21 – Last Day of School

End Term 4 / Semester 2 (22 Days)

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*SUBJECT TO CHANGE (Changes will be updated weekly on class website and Canvas)

Direct any questions to MAJ Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org