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"Pop" Goes the National Debt

Author

Listed:
  • Mateer, Dirk

    (University of Texas at Austin)

  • Geerling, Wayne

    (University of Texas at Austin)

  • Milovanska-Farrington, Stefani

    (The University of Tampa)

Abstract

This paper provides a novel way for instructors to teach about the perils of a large National Debt, which is currently $36 trillion. We provide a detailed lesson plan that utilizes balloons to illustrate the possible paths a society can take to address this issue. The lesson plan consists of an introduction, images and data that can be used to spur discussion and reflection, how to utilize the balloons to help students understand three different debt scenarios, and a series of follow-up questions and answers to help debrief the activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Mateer, Dirk & Geerling, Wayne & Milovanska-Farrington, Stefani, 2025. ""Pop" Goes the National Debt," IZA Discussion Papers 17640, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17640
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    budget; debt; debt-to-GDP ratio; deficits; fiscal policy; national debt; revenue; spending;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • A21 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Pre-college

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