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    Needs or wants? That is the question!

    Do you need it, or do you want it? That’s an important question to ask before buying anything. This activity is designed to teach kids how to prioritize their needs and wants, and how to make informed choices when shopping.

    Price check: Inflation in Canada

    All about inflation: what it is, what it means and how it's measured. Students will learn how the consumer price index is calculated and create their own student price index to measure the prices that matter most to them.

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Inflation Busters

Develop a budget and navigate the economy in a time of high inflation in this game-based program that's offered onsite.

Students will see first-hand how difficult it is to plan when inflation rises. As goods become more expensive, students will look for ways to afford what they need. A great game to build financial skills while learning about the Bank’s critical role in keeping inflation low and stable.

Grades

Grades 9 to 12; Secondary Cycle Two and CEGEP

Big idea

Low and stable inflation allows everyone to plan for the future.

Learning objectives

Students will:

  • compare the life of a consumer in times of both high inflation and low, stable inflation
  • recognize the role of the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy in the financial choices and lives of consumers
  • evaluate the importance of the economy and inflation in their lives

Curriculum links

Ontario

  • Economics
    • Grade 11: The individual and the economy
      • Political and economic systems
      • Financial planning
      • Government intervention
    • Grade 12: Analysing current economic issues
      • The role of government in redressing imbalance
      • Monetary policy
    • Grade 12: Making personal economic choices
      • Financial goals and financial planning
      • Understanding the canadian economy
  • Business Studies
    • Grade 9 or 10: Introduction to business
      • Economic basics

Quebec

  • Secondary V: Financial Education
    • Elements in drawing up a budget
    • Why consumer habits may change
    • Reasons for saving money
    • The government and the economy

Duration

This onsite program runs for approximately 120 minutes. You’re welcome to book a 30 minute self-guided visit following your program.

Availability

This onsite program is offered Thursdays and Fridays. The last booking is at 15:00.

Cost

All school programs are offered free of charge.

Class size

20 to 50 students per program.

Teenagers, one seated at a table while others standing and holding clip boards consult with him.

Students are given a different role and asked to create a specialized budget for a person or a business.

A teenager holding a clipboard in her lap filling in a form.

The game requires some simple math calculations to achieve a balanced budget.

Two people with clipboards turning a colourful, roulette-style wheel.

Beyond rising inflation each round, students spin the wheel to see what other events might impact their finances and wellbeing.

Book your visit

or call 613‑782‑8914 to book a visit. Please include the following information in your request:

  • date and time of arrival
  • number of students and teachers
  • program or tour of your choice
  • preferred official language
  • any accessibility or special needs

We will confirm your booking within five to seven business days.

Before your visit

Try out the following activities:

  • Delve deeper into the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and create a personalized CPI with the lesson plan Price Check: Inflation in Canada.
  • Have a class discussion on inflation in Canada over time with the video Inflation Over Time.
Content type(s): School programs
Subject(s): Economy
Grade level(s): Grade 09 / Secondary 3, Grade 10 / Secondary 4, Grades 11 and 12 / Secondary 5 and CEGEP

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30 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G9, CANADA
613‑782‑8914

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