An Analysis of the Educational Potential of The Big Short
School Name
Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Consumer Science
Presentation Type
Mentored
Oral Presentation Award
3rd Place
Abstract
The general public is relatively unaware of certain details within the science of economics. Economics covers a very large range of topics that is often very difficult to understand. The film The Big Short offers a solution. It is about the housing crisis of 2008. It is meant to be educational and easy to follow such that the average viewer can understand the economic concepts portrayed in the film. The film’s success at educating its audience was tested. The results showed that for the particular subject group, the film accomplished its goal. Viewers were able to learn about the housing bubble and how it burst. They learned several economic concepts discussed in the film. The subjects gave positive feedback on the movie. Films are a great method for teaching because they appeal to such a large audience. Many people already watch films, so it is beneficial for them to be learning as they do it. People are more likely to see a film than sit in a lecture to learn about a topic. The success of The Big Short may inspire films in the future to follow its example.
Recommended Citation
Chan, Ethan, "An Analysis of the Educational Potential of The Big Short" (2017). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 70.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2017/all/70
Location
Wall 210
Start Date
3-25-2017 9:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
An Analysis of the Educational Potential of The Big Short
Wall 210
The general public is relatively unaware of certain details within the science of economics. Economics covers a very large range of topics that is often very difficult to understand. The film The Big Short offers a solution. It is about the housing crisis of 2008. It is meant to be educational and easy to follow such that the average viewer can understand the economic concepts portrayed in the film. The film’s success at educating its audience was tested. The results showed that for the particular subject group, the film accomplished its goal. Viewers were able to learn about the housing bubble and how it burst. They learned several economic concepts discussed in the film. The subjects gave positive feedback on the movie. Films are a great method for teaching because they appeal to such a large audience. Many people already watch films, so it is beneficial for them to be learning as they do it. People are more likely to see a film than sit in a lecture to learn about a topic. The success of The Big Short may inspire films in the future to follow its example.
Mentor
Mentor: Jim Morris, SC Economics