The purpose of this activity is for you to identify current news stories that involve economic terms and indicators and to then apply how the news could possible impact economic decisions that you will be faced with. Economic indicators are characteristics of an economy that economists use to determine the health of the economy. This activity allows you to explore the many indicators our government follows in order to measure regional and national economic activity.

Activity 1.5 is an assignment that will require you to keep abreast of economics news. There is no expectation for you to complete this activity in one evening, however, you are expected to submit all three articles at one time.

• A brief summary of the economic topic with which the article deals.
• Identify the specific economic vocabulary that is used in the article.
• For each economic vocabulary word you identify, write the definition of that word. There should be a minimum of 3 vocabulary words per article summary.
  
• Explain how the news being presented could impact an economic decision that you may have to make.
• Provide a properly written citation of where you found the article.
• A total of 3 news articles is required.

You may use newspapers, magazines, or television reports to obtain your news stories.
Online newspapers and magazines are certainly appropriate and even preferred.

Don't forget to include a citation with your evaluation. If the article comes from an online resource, include the URL (website address).

See an example of a properly written summary

What economic vocabulary terms should I be looking for?

There are a number of economic terms and indicators that are acceptable for this assignment. Your instructor strongly suggests the following resources to help you identify appropriate economic vocabulary words.

Here is a short list of suggested article subjects and key terms to look for:
Interest rates, employment/unemployment, downsizing, labor unions, profits, losses, investments, mutual funds, money market funds, brokers, financial advisors, bankruptcies, real estate markets, stock markets, stocks, bonds and corporate profits, saving and investment.

1. CNN Financial's website has a glossary of business terms:
http://money.cnn.com/services/glossary/a.html.

2. The Washington Post also has a complete glossary of economic terms:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/longterm/glossary/glossary.htm

3. U.S. Census Bureau (click on 'Economic Indicators' next to "Newsroom") has different economic indicators listed.
http://www.census.gov/

Grading rubric for this activity

Activity 1.5 requires that you submit a total of three economics news summaries throughout your time in the course. Each summary will be worth 33% and will be graded on the following criteria:

• 8 points for a well stated summary.
• 10 points for identifying and defining the economic terms found in the article. You should have a minimum of three to five Economic vocabulary terms per each article summary.
• 5 points for the statement on how the information in the article applies to your everyday life.
• 5 points for a properly written citation.
• 5 points for using proper spelling, grammar, and organization.

Remember... there is no expectation for you to complete this activity in one evening, however, you are expected to submit all three articles at one time.

Don't forget to keep a copy of your work.

Activity 1.5 Economics in the News
100 Points Total (Each article is worth 33 points.)

Go to the Assignment Area to submit this assignment.

1. Read the above Requirements and Example Assignment

2. Review the above Grading Rubric.

3. Submit your three Economic News Summaries.