For the game, students make hypothetical investments totaling $100,000 in real stocks over a 10-week period. Successful teams must work together to make financial decisions, learn how to read and interpret statistics, and monitor the performance of their portfolios. The top three money-making teams are awarded medals.
Elmwood Franklin sixth graders Ian, Petros, and Bryan placed second, finishing with a final equity of $116,567.29, and Katherine and Ella placed third, finishing with a final equity of $115,794.89—both teams outperforming the S&P! Our students also placed sixth, seventh, and eighth out of 152 teams in their division.
Ian, Petros, and Bryan noted that one of the best experiences of playing the game was researching stocks and identifying trends. The students took a big chance investing in Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD). They said they had a hunch it was going to grow, and it did! By the time they were ready to sell, BWLD increased from $104 to $150 a share and their investment paid off! In the end, the students earned $16,567 dollars in a little over two months. Although, Ian reflected on their experience, “[I would] probably not be as successful with real money, because I would be too nervous!”
“The Stock Market Game helps my students build a fundamental understanding of investing through real-world math and economics,” shared Mrs. Barry. “Students need to work together to build and manage a hypothetical investment portfolio based on actual, dynamic markets. They analyze and make decisions, explore the consequences of their choices, and seek new ways to strategize for success. It is an engaging way to develop critical problem-solving and money-management skills that will benefit them now and in the future—and they have so much fun playing!”