Lesson Plan: "From Poverty to Purpose: Why Economics & Skills Matter – The Dr. Ben Carson Example"

The Chairman
Aug 17
2 min read

🎓 Lesson Plan: Economics, Skills & The Power of Learning a Trade

Grade Level: 9–12 Subject: Financial Literacy / Economics / Career Readiness Time: 90 minutes (adaptable to 45 minutes)

📘 Lesson Title

"From Poverty to Purpose: Why Economics & Skills Matter – The Dr. Ben Carson Example"

🎯 Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Understand basic economic principles and how they affect personal financial choices.
Identify the benefits of learning a trade or skill in achieving financial independence.
Analyze Dr. Ben Carson's life as a case study in overcoming poverty through education and skill development.
Create a personal plan that outlines an economic goal tied to a skill or trade.

📜 Florida Sunshine State Standards

SS.912.FL.1.1 – Explain how personal financial decisions are influenced by individual choice and economic conditions.
SS.912.FL.2.1 – Describe the benefits of developing educational and career goals.
SS.912.FL.4.1 – Explain how education, training, and skills affect future earning potential.
SS.912.FL.6.2 – Evaluate how economic conditions and factors influence job opportunities.

🔍 Materials Needed

Projector or smartboard
YouTube video clip on Dr. Ben Carson (e.g., “The Story of Dr. Ben Carson”)
Student notebooks or journals
Handout: “Trade Skills vs. College Degrees: What's Right for You?”

🧠 Introduction (15 minutes)

Begin with a short video clip introducing Dr. Ben Carson’s early life.
Facilitate a class discussion: “What challenges did Dr. Carson face growing up, and how did learning a skill change his life?”
Transition: “Let’s explore how economic understanding and learning a trade or skill can impact your life too.”

📊 Direct Instruction (20 minutes)

Mini-Lecture Topics:
- What is economics and why it matters in real life.
- The difference between wants vs. needs, scarcity, and opportunity cost.
- How skilled trades (plumbing, electrical, coding, auto repair, etc.) offer high-paying opportunities.
- Dr. Carson’s journey from struggling student to world-renowned neurosurgeon through focus, discipline, and skill development.

🛠️ Activity – Build Your Economic Plan (30 minutes)

Instructions:

Students will complete a worksheet where they:
- Choose one trade or skill they'd be interested in learning (or already have).
- Research the average salary and training required.
- Write a short 1-paragraph plan on how they would use that skill to achieve a financial goal (ex: buying a car, helping their family, traveling, etc.).
Share ideas with a partner or the class.

💬 Discussion (15 minutes)

“Why do you think more people don’t pursue trades or learn specific skills?”
“How does understanding economics give you more control over your future?”
Reinforce the concept that skill development = personal empowerment.

📝 Exit Ticket (5–10 minutes)

Prompt: “What is one economic truth and one skill you plan to master that will help you succeed financially?” Students write a short response to turn in before leaving.

🧩 Extension / Homework

Research a local trade school or apprenticeship program and write a paragraph on what it offers and whether it aligns with your goals.
Interview a parent, neighbor, or community member about the skill or trade they use to earn a living.