 Today that will take part in a simulation that will require them to assume the roles to merchants and traders.  Half of the group will become traders, and begin with ten goods (represented with a token) each. You will be able to move about the classroom. The other half of the group will become merchants and begin with ten units of money (represented with a token) each. You will be seated at a desk for the duration of the game. There should be extra goods and money available that will come into play when supply cards are pulled.

 There are two steps to each turn. First, the teacher will pull a supply card and read it aloud.  If the card increases supply, the teacher will pay students with the extra goods or money.  If the card decreases supply, students pay the teacher immediately.  If anyone cannot pay, they go bankrupt and have to leave the game.  Make sure you pay attention to what happens after supply cards are put into effect.

 Next, begin trading. Traders can visit as many merchants as they want, but may only trade once per turn.  When you finish a deal, they must return to the teacher to await the next turn.  When all trades are finished (you may want to set a timer for two minutes), the next turn begins.  Repeat the process by pulling a new supply card, and then trading again.  Everyone counts up to see which merchant and trader did the best!

 What strategy did you have for buying and selling? Did this change during the game?  What happened to the price of commodities when the money or commodity supply was increased or decreased?  Did prices increase or decrease at the end? Why or why not?

 Who was your best customer and why?  How did you decide whether or not to make a deal?  Did it help to be able to visit different merchants before deciding which deal to take? Was it hard to stay in one place and wait for traders to visit you?