Instructions for In the Chips Activity

 

Buyers

1.      The goal for both buyers and sellers in this activity is to make a profit.

2.      Each buyer will have only one buyer card at a time.  It will say,

 

You are authorized to buy a box of computer chips.  Pay as little as possible.  If you pay more than ________ per box, you will lose money.

 

3.      Do not reveal the price that is on your card!

 

4.      When the round starts, try to buy at the lowest price you can.  However, you may buy at a price higher than that on your buyer card in order to obtain chips.  As soon as you have bought chips, record the transaction on your score sheet.  Then, turn in the buyer card you have and get another buyer card from the buyer pile.  If you have bought no chips during a round, the entire amount on your card should be considered a loss.  Once the round is over all players must turn in their cards and select new ones for the start of the second round.

 

5.      When the teacher says “Start”, sellers and buyers are free to move around the room and to make transactions with one another.  Any seller may talk with any buyer.

 

6.      Both buyers and sellers are free to make as many transactions as they want in a round.  For tallying purposes, please make all transactions in ten cent increments.  Remember to trade in your card after each transaction.

 

7.      During the game, keep track of your progress on the student score sheet. Compute your gains and losses by taking the difference between the price on your buyer or seller card and the price of the transaction.

 

8.      Buyers make a profit if you buy at a price lower than the price shown on the card.  If you buy at a higher price, you suffer a loss.

 

 

Sellers

  1. The goal for both buyers and sellers in this activity is to make a profit.
  2. Each seller will have only one seller card at a time.  It will say,

 

You are authorized to sell a box of computer chips for as much as possible.  If you accept less than ________ per box, you will lose money.

 

  1. Do not reveal the price that is on your card!

 

  1. When the round starts, try to sell at the highest price you can.  However, you may sell at a price lower than that on your seller card in order to get rid of your chips.  As soon as you have sold chips, report the transaction price to the person keeping the Market Tally Sheet in the front of the room.  Then, record the transaction price in your score sheet.  Next, turn in the seller card you have and get another seller card from the seller pile.  If you have sold no chips during a round, the entire amount on your card should be considered a loss.  Once the round is over all players must turn in their cards and select new ones for the start of the second round.

 

  1. When the teacher says “Start”, sellers and buyers are free to move around the room and to make transactions with one another.  Any seller may talk with any buyer.

 

  1. Both buyers and sellers are free to make as many transactions as they want in a round.  For tallying purposes, please make all transactions in ten cent increments.  Remember to trade in your card after each transaction.

 

  1. During the game, keep track of your progress on the student score sheet. Compute your gains and losses by taking the difference between the price on your buyer or seller card and the price of the transaction.

 

  1. Sellers: you will make a profit if you sell at a price higher than the price shown on the card.  If you sell at a lower price, you suffer a loss.