The benefits of an economic system are many. Students learn personal finances. Math computations become integral to all activities.
Students understand that there is a cost to all solutions.
And students must conserve materials - very important in a project based class. Scientists receive a paycheck every two weeks. Unpaid rents are garnished from the scientist's paycheck. All financial transactions in S.T.A.R. Lab are done by check or debit card. The debit card is used to pay for small purchases, fines, new password, lost badge, etc.