Explore what drives the stock market up and down. After a Free Fall in a Wary Market. This lesson assumes that students know basic information on the function and operations of the stock market. Discuss answers as a class, and clarify any misunderstandings that exist about these markets. Record responses to the final journal question.
Some strategists say that hidden in the precipitous drop is some good news.
Cite two examples from the story that point to a silver lining in the furious plunge. Divide students into an even number of small groups. Assign half of the groups to assume the role of portfolio managers, and the other half to assume the role of investors, who have 40 percent of their portfolio invested in the Nasdaq. Through reading the featured article, both portfolio managers and investors examine the significance of the drop and conclude what they want to do with Nasdaq holdings. Both groups should write action plans based on the drop and focus on how they are now going to invest in the future.