Posted: 3/19/03

FL students learn by doing via The Stock Market Game

Jessica Foster
Staff Writer

With the sluggish economy and the threat of war, the stock market can be a challenge for even the professionals to fenagle a profit.

Still, students at Forest Lake High School are taking a dip in the financial pool in The Stock Market Game.

The Stock Market Game program features about 1000 teams state wide, all seeking to win the most virtual money while learning math, social studies, business and economics along the way.

Forest Lake High School teachers Sara Cameron and Bill McElrath are leading Forest Lake teams in the 11 week program which culminates April 17.

Each team of 3-5 students had 100,000 virtual dollars with which to invest in common stocks.

Daily, the teams receive portfolio updates on holdings, brokerage fees, interest and rankings.

McElrath, a 32-year teacher here, has been using the Stock Market Game as a teaching tool for 11 years.

He said students here traditionally have done well, racking up first place wins from time to time.

With the uncertain economic times, the game is more challenging, he said.

ìIt will be very difficult for kids to find winners,î he said. ìThis is a very challenging spring game.î

No matter the virtual gain or loss, McElrath said students benefit from the program.

ìTheyíre learning how to work together in groups and be decision makers, theyíre learning how the news affects stocks, theyíre learning a wide variety of consumer strategies,î he said.

While this is a game, it also is a part of the curriculum in McElrathís economics classes. Students are not graded on whether they win or lose, rather how they play the game, their analysis and investment strategies.

Working in the math computer lab, students work independently and rely on McElrath for support.

Nick Hafele, a junior at FLHS and a student in McElrathís class, said he likes the Stock Market Game.

ìI think itís a good experience,î he said. ìI learned a ton of stuff about the stock market that I didnít know before.î

Hafele is virtually investing in energy stocks such as GE and XCEL Energy as well as companies heís hoping would not be adversely affected by an impending war, Calloway Golf.

ìItís interesting,î Hafele said, while checking his numbers on line. ìIt keeps us on our feet, itís kinda fun.î

Team members Lea Ruka and Stacy Bohnen have been investing in military stocks and consumer services.

They too said they have benefitted from the game. Though they are behind $300, they hope to get back in black.

ìItís fun, and itís really informative,î Bohnen said.

The Stock Market Game is administered locally by BestPrep and nationally by SIA. About 200 Minnesota schools take part in the program.

McElrath and Cameron are sure winners, as all teachers get a pair of tickets to a Twins game. First place teams in each grade level will be rewarded with a VIP tour of the Metrodome and get tickets to the game.

Top of Page