Consumer Awareness Module

Unit 1: What does it mean to be an aware consumer?

Lesson 2: Consumer Education and Saving Money


Materials Needed:

  • Flipchart paper/newsprint or large board and markers
  • Computers with Internet access
  • Handout 1
  • Website: www.ftc.gov

Word Bank:
trade
consumer
education
financing
comparison shopping
price quote
obligated
bluebook price (average retail price)
tuned
inflated
certified
get rid of
generic
major appliances

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Introductory Activity: Starting to Save

Whole group discussion

  • When you or your family want or need to buy something, how do you begin to save for the item?
  • How do you learn the best ways to save when you purchase the item? Where do you find helpful information?

 Activity 1: Advice from the FTC

NotesYou may want to structure this activity as a jigsaw exercise with sections of the reading assigned to different groups.

  •  You will be using the Federal Trade Commission's website for this activity. What do you think the FTC does?
  • Using Handout 1, access the Federal Trade Commission's website.
  • Answer the questions and follow the directions on the worksheet.

  • Gather information and be prepared to discuss it with the large group.

    Debrief Activity 1

  • Let's review the questions. What words are new for you?
  • What are the things that you learned in this exercise?
  • Write a list of the 5 most important things you learned on the website.

AHS Activity 2: Locating other sources of help and education.

If students have difficulty coming up with ideas, you may want to give suggestions like the Yellow Pages, Internet, public library and useful key words for using these resources.

Other possible web sites include:
www.pueblo.gsa.gov
www.consumersunion.org
http://www.ext.vt.edu/ (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.  Click on "Educational Programs and Resources,"  then "Financial Management."

  • Let's identify other sources of consumer education. What do we mean by "consumer education"?
  • Why is it important to be an "educated consumer"?
  • Do we have to be in a classroom to learn more about consumer issues? Brainstorm other places or people who may be able to help you with consumer problems or to gain more information in the banking or credit area. In groups of 3 or 4, make a list on a piece of flip chart paper. List appropriate web sites, their web addresses, and phone numbers you find.
  • Have one student present your list to the class.

    Debrief of Activity 2:
  • Which of these sources might you use in the future? Which ones wouldn't you use? Why or why not?

Writing Expansion

Have students make a brochure of consumer education resources or a list of tips that they learned from the FTC website to hand out to other classes.
 

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