Start a Mini Civilization/Mini Society co-op class

[cintinative]

Someone on here mentioned they had done this. I am contemplating it, but our co-op has a 28 week year and I just can't imagine doing this for 28 weeks. I can't seem to find any easy resources on this either--it seems I would be creating it.  Can someone point me in the right direction and comment on the length of the class and age group? We don't do many semester classes, but it's possible that I could pitch it that way.  Even then I would need 14 weeks of material. TIA!!!

 

Edited December 6, 2016 by cintinative

[....]

I don't have any ideas, but that would be an incredible class!   :lurk5:

[cintinative]

Bump. I know someone posted about this!

[cintinative]

FYI for PP. I had found these links last year:

 

ted.coe.wayne.edu/sse/wq/nick/mini_society.htm

 

 

https://www.clemson.edu/fyd/mini_society.htm  oops: link does not work anymore.  =(

 

http://ecedweb.unomaha.edu/lessons/popcorn.htm

http://www.unm.edu/~jbrink/365/Documents/ClassroomEconomyBooklet.pdf

 

 

After school program - Mini Society:
Eighteen students between 4th and 5th grade attended Mini Society. The
curriculum was developed by Marilyn L. Kourilsky and the Center for
Entrepreneurial Leadership Inc. for youth empowerment and self
sufficiency. Students learned business development, management,
competition, supply/demand, checking account operation, scarcity, and
advertising, as well as running town council meetings. Students created
their own flag and currency. They developed an agenda, held meetings,
used parliamentary procedure, managed payroll, and handled their own
adversities with little direction from adults. Students used critical
thinking to solve problems. Students discussed and worked through
running out of money and treasurer absenteeism. Over the course of ten
weeks, students grew in their understanding of business practices and
business management. Students began to show an increase in
understanding of basic meeting principles. Students worked through cash
flow problems, partnerships, niche marketing, and competition.

 

 

Edited to note broken link and add discussion of 4-H program.

Edited December 6, 2016 by cintinative

[historically accurate]

This book was the basis for a class at our co-op. I think it was only 10 or 15 weeks though. 

 

http://www.prufrock.com/Assets/ClientPages/ecopolis.aspx

[cintinative]

I think this is the 4-H book referenced:  https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Society-Experiencing-Economics-Elementary-Classroom/dp/0201200341

 

This is another book that Amazon indicated was similar:  https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Society-Workbook-Everything-Create-Classroom/dp/1563083477/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FVV1K9X6N729CF5NTX64

[cintinative]

This book was the basis for a class at our co-op. I think it was only 10 or 15 weeks though. 

 

http://www.prufrock.com/Assets/ClientPages/ecopolis.aspx

 

 

What ages and was it a successful class? Thank you!

[historically accurate]

What ages and was it a successful class? Thank you!

 

It worked better at the upper ages of the range (I think it was grades 5-9th), I'd say most successful with the 7th -9th graders.

 

It was a good class as long as everyone did their job; the teacher had trouble with a couple of kids who were elected and then never did their part - I think she ended up appointing "Jr. Treasurers" in order to insure that part got completed. It did fall apart a couple of weeks when the flu went through and it was hard to cover for multiple absences.  

[cintinative]

I am reviving this old thread because it looks like I am teaching this as a one semester class next year and I am looking for input. Class range will be 7th-9th. I want it to be mini-civ versus mini-society. In other words, I would like to progress through bartering and trade to the development of businesses/industry to the development of cities.  I would like for me to be able to throw in challenges/obstacles that might be experienced by new settlers in an unsettled area like weather, disease, etc. 

 

I am looking for any and all input on how I could keep this interesting!  I have requested some of the books up thread from the library. They tend to be more focused on a developed economy. I would like the students to walk through what is necessary to get to a developed economy.  In 14 weeks. I know--I need prayer.

[cintinative]

I found this and it's great!  https://prezi.com/2ll6ht_mhrgk/pbl-create-your-own-ancient-empire/?webgl=0

 

Would still love any other input!