Katherine Reis (’16) checks her stock market portfolio in her economics class. Photo by Viet Vuby Stacey Hall, Staff Photographer
Over the past week, students in Sarah McCance’s Economics and AP Economics classes have been competing in the Wall Street Survivor stock market challenge. The game, which mimics the dynamics of trading in the real-life stock market, teaches students about the inner workings of Wall Street.
Students can work independently or in teams of up to four people. Upon signing up and joining the FVHS Economics 2015-15 league on the Wall Street Survivor website, students receive $100,000 of fake money to invest into companies of their choosing.
The website’s trading algorithm reflects real-time values of real companies, so students can invest in businesses that interest them personally, such as Apple, Exxon, or even Chipotle.
“It’s neat that we’re able to invest in real companies without spending our own money. It makes the whole thing feel more real,” said Isabel Kim (’16), a student in McCance’s class.
With its guided tutorials and simple layout, Wall Street Survivor provides students with a hands-on opportunity to experiment with investing in a safe, educational environment. The skills students learn through this activity will prepare them for the financial decisions they’ll have to make as adults.
“They’re participating [in Wall Street Survivor] to learn about real time-stock market investments. It’s not real money, but they can see what investing can do for them and make smart decisions,” said McCance.
