Each time our class store is open, a selected student economist will study consumer behavior and economic trends based on his or her knowledge of previously taught economic principles. The student wears a special visor labeled "Economist." For more information, read the complete "The Student Economist" lesson plan.

While students are shopping, the economist observes consumer behavior and keeps track of what she notices on the "Economist Report" sheet.

The student economist enters the amount of money each student spends each month into an Excel spreadsheet. Once the information is entered in the spreadsheet, we can easily create graphs to show the class spending trends.

The student economist uses the information he or she collected while observing consumers at the store to give an oral report to the class on the "state of the economy." This monthly economics report ensures that students are continuing to use economic terms and that the store continues to be a means of ongoing economic education throughout the year.