Overview
Do rich people take so much wealth that there is little left for the rest of us? Why should some people be rich and others poor? Are unequal outcomes acceptable or even good, or should the government try to equalize outcomes? What’s fair?

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Economics
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• discuss reasons for disparity in incomes among workers;
• explain the term “zero-sum” and how it does and does not apply to inventions, businesses, and trade; and
• evaluate the effects of government attempts to legislate equality of outcomes.

Key concepts and terms covered
Zero Sum Game.

Sample discussion questions
• How do people get rich? How did Jim Caruso become rich?
• If a poker game as a zero-sum activity, are entrepreneurs similar to poker players? Explain.
• Does the division of labor (different people doing different jobs) improve people’s standard of living? Explain. How does the division of labor result in unequal incomes and levels of wealth?
• If our efforts and our desires for ourselves result in differences, who should be responsible? Should that affect the way we view rich people? Why or why not?
• Can taxing rich people more help or hurt the rest of us? Explain. 4

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 7-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.