Are your students talking about high gas prices? This series is designed to bring a variety of shorter, readily available podcasts to introduce the topic from recent headlines and spark discussion.
Gas prices hit record highs in March — breaking previous records set in 2008. This increase in gas prices is taking its toll on household budgets and on several sectors of the economy that are heavily dependent on energy.
Here are some 2-4 minute Marketplace podcasts that discuss these headlines.
3/28 Marketplace Inflation drives state tax to be suspended on gasoline 3/23 Marketplace High gasoline prices take a toll on drivers in gig economy 3/15 Marketplace High gasoline prices have not led to a spike in EV sales. By the way, there is still a shortage of electric vehicles 3/15 Marketplace Why you should pay attention to diesel prices
Here are some relevant Marketplace Minute podcasts.
4/1 Morning Briefing Other countries consider joining US in releasing strategic oil reserves. 3/31 Afternoon High February PCE reflects higher energy prices. 3/28 Morning Briefing US to release more strategic oil reserves, pushing gas prices from high 3/28 Afternoon UAE backs continuation of its oil alliance with Russia of fuel efficiency targets. 3/24 Afternoon The US and its allies consider releasing strategic oil reserves to stabilize rising oil prices. 3/22 Afternoon Chevron’s refinery workers go on strike in California, but Chevron keeps the refinery running to prevent gas prices from rising. 3/21 Morning Oil prices are rising again as European countries discuss an oil embargo.
Assignment:
Decide how much time you want to spend on this activity and select podcasts to give students background information.
Then have students address these discussion questions. This can be done individually, in groups or as a class.
How are different sectors of the economy affected by higher gas prices? Who is most affected by the increase in the price of petrol? Who is most affected by the rise in diesel prices? How do you think consumer behavior will change as a result of higher gas prices? Given the price per gallon, do you think temporarily abolishing or lowering the gas tax will have a significant impact? Do you think the demand for EVs could increase after this experience? Has your family changed your behavior as a result of the increased petrol price? How? Do you think the industry will respond by accelerating the adoption of alternative fuels, or by accelerating the development/delivery of alternative fuel vehicles and equipment?
About the Authors
Ren Makino
Ren has been working part-time at NGPF since 2014, where he did an internship through high school and college. With his knowledge growing alongside NGPF, he joined the team after graduating in 2020 to work full-time with a focus on teacher onboarding. He is also the editor of the NGPF podcast and makes it accessible to educators on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play Music. In his spare time, he enjoys trying coffee from different roasters around the world and trying out new brewing methods, although personal finance gurus tend to warn against buying a cup of joe.
Beth Tallman
Beth Tallman entered the working world armed with an MBA in finance and thoroughly enjoyed her early career in manufacturing and telecommunications, including a stint abroad. She took advantage of an involuntary divorce to try teaching high school math, something she’d always dreamed of. When fate intervened again, Beth seized the opportunity to combine her passion for numbers, money, and education to develop a curriculum and teach personal finance at Oberlin College. Beth now devotes her time to writing about personal finance and financial education, conducts workshops for students, and develops financial curricula and educational content. She is also treasurer of the Ohio Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.
This post Podcasts in the classroom – Topical issue: The spur of higher gas prices felt by many
was original published at “https://www.ngpf.org/blog/podcasts-in-the-classroom/podcasts-in-the-classroom-current-events-edition-the-sting-of-higher-gas-prices-felt-by-many/”
