Eye of the Storm

Worksheet Description

This worksheet, titled “When Disaster Strikes,” is set in the fictional town of Riverside, where students explore the economic aftermath of a natural disaster. It discusses how a powerful storm can disrupt the supply of food and materials and lead to changes in demand due to damaged property and infrastructure. Through the narrative, the students are prompted to consider the effects of a flood on local agriculture and the construction industry, and how these events could lead to price fluctuations for essential goods and services. The story creates a backdrop for understanding how supply and demand can be dramatically affected by external shocks to an economic system.

The aim of “Economics in the Eye of the Storm” is to teach students about the concept of supply and demand in the context of a natural disaster. It highlights the interconnectedness of economic systems and the ripple effects that an event in one sector can have on others. Students learn how a decrease in supply, due to damaged farmlands, can lead to increased prices, while a rise in demand for building materials can strain already depleted resources. The worksheet encourages critical thinking about the complexities of economic recovery and resilience, stressing the importance of community and collaboration in the face of adversity.