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Topic 3.1 Lesson Plan
DISCUSSION:
In 2019, the U.S. government spent $4.45 Trillion. Below are five of the areas the U.S. spent tax money on. Estimate the order in which the government spent tax dollars; from highest amount to lowest amount.
Healthcare
Education
Military
Benefits for Retired People
Science Research
1 5 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Identify which level(s) of government typically receive(s) the tax revenue
2 ARTICLE:
Why Do We Pay Taxes?
In this lesson, we will explore why we pay taxes & how our money is used. The federal, state, & local governments enact tax laws that provide for a variety of government services, but what are the differences? Read the first article & the second article just through the second section titled “Understanding Local Tax”. Then, answer the questions in the Google Form.
1. Name 3 ways the state government uses tax dollars.
2. Name 3 ways the local government uses tax dollars.
2 12 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Identify which level(s) of government typically receive(s) the tax revenue
Click icon for article
VIDEO:
If Paychecks Could Talk
Now that you’ve learned about how tax money is used at the federal, state, and local levels, let’s take a deeper dive specifically into our federal tax dollars. Watch this video to learn where federal tax revenue comes from and what exactly the federal government is spending that money on. Then answer the questions in the Google Form (multiple choice options available in the Form)
1. What does FICA consist of?
2. What is an example of discretionary spending? (select two correct answers)
3. The following options are benefits we receive as a result of government spending EXCEPT…
3 10 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Investigate the federal & state tax rates applicable to different sources of income
Click icon for interactive
INTERACTIVE:
Payroll Tax [vs. Income Tax]
In the previous resource, you learned that you pay Payroll, or FICA taxes, and Income taxes. Let’s take a deeper look at the differences between these two important taxes! Work with your team to fill in this chart:
4 10 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Investigate the federal & state tax rates applicable to different sources of income
Click icon for Activity
MOVE & PLAY:
Your Tax Dollar in Action
After you’ve built a better understanding of what our federal government does with our tax money, you will explore how the federal government breaks down an individual’s tax dollar in this activity which will require you to get out of your seat & MOVE! Follow directions in the Google Form to complete this activity.
5 45 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Investigate how your taxes are spent
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