Lesson
Time, Interest, and Growth
Summary
Time gives money more years to benefit from compounding. This principle is the foundation of the exponential growth curve seen in long-term savings.
Bellringer: The Magic Penny
- Pose the choice: $1 million today or a penny that doubles daily for 30 days
- Give 1-2 minutes to respond, then reveal the penny becomes $5.4 million
Instruction
- Explain how time and compounding drive exponential growth
- Define simple vs. compound interest and introduce the Rule of 72
Discussion: Barriers to Starting
- Ask what prevents students from opening a savings or investment account now
- Surface mental barriers and note custodial account options for minors
Activity: Simple vs. Compound Calculator
- Open the Simple vs. Compound Interest Calculator
- Run scenarios A-C, then compare doubling the rate vs. doubling the term
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- In your own words, explain how compound interest acts like a money snowball?
- If an account has a 6% interest rate, how many years does it take to double?
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Bellringer: The Magic Penny |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 15 min | Discussion: Barriers to Starting |
|
| 10 min | Activity: Simple vs. Compound Calculator |
|
| 5 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
What is Interest?
Interest makes a big difference between money owed and money earned. This article includes the Simple vs. Compound Interest Calculator.
Class Presentation
Includes an 18-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Financial Essentials
Credit Reports
Before there's a score, there's a report. This lesson outlines what a credit report is, where it comes from, how to read it, and how to fix it.
Time, Interest, and Growth
Time gives money more years to benefit from compounding. This principle is the foundation of the exponential growth curve seen in long-term savings.
Investing & Retirement
Time is a tool to manage investment risk and build wealth for the future. This lesson discusses risk and return, diversification, and types of investments. Students complete the pretest and start the Advanced Budgeting simulation.
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