# data[].attributes.body
Objective: EPF.IE.2.1 – Explain how payroll deductions modify an employee’s disposable income.

Essential Question: Why does the amount we earn and the amount we take home rarely match up?

# data[].attributes.body
Objective: EPF.IE.2.2 – Identify types and purposes of local, state, and federal taxes and how they’re used.

Essential Question: Where does all this tax money actually go, and who decides?

# data[].attributes.body
If your paycheck had a Venmo caption from the government, what would it say? ‘Thx for the 💸, now go fix a pothole’? Let’s dig in.

Article: Where Do Our Federal Tax Dollar Go?

# data[].attributes.body
Explain the difference between local (sales/property tax), state (income/sales), and federal taxes. Use real-life examples:

Local taxes: sales, property

State taxes: income, sales

Federal taxes: income, payroll

Real-life examples:

McDonald’s = sales tax

Vehicle tags in Harnett = property tax

Paycheck = state + federal income tax

Visual pie charts on where tax money is spent

# data[].attributes.body
Mid-Lesson Pop Quiz on what students have learned so far

# data[].attributes.body
PBS LearningMedia – “Taxes” (Social Studies Shorts, PBS)

IRS: Student Site

Freakonomics podcast clip

CEE Financial Activities Pack

Banzai Activity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Taxes | Social Studies Shorts | PBS LearningMedia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of our civic duties as United States citizens is to pay taxes. But what are taxes, and how are they paid? From the nation's beginning, there have been taxes of some kind. This episode of Social Studies Shorts explains the three basic kinds of taxes we pay - income, sales, and property taxes - and what the government at federal, state, and local levels does with tax money.

# data[].attributes.body
Students read about and classify types of taxes, who collects them, and what they fund.

Objective: Students will read and classify different types of taxes by identifying who collects them and what they fund.

Instructions:
1. Read the article linked below.
2. As you read, take notes on each type of tax you come across. Identify:
- The type of tax (e.g., income tax, property tax, sales tax)
- Which level of government collects it (local, state, or federal)
- What the tax revenue is typically used to fund (e.g., education, roads, healthcare)
3. Use a three-column chart to organize your findings.
4. Be prepared to share your chart and discuss with a partner or small group.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Policy Basics: Where Do Our Federal Tax Dollars Go? | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In fiscal year 2023, the federal government spent $6.1 trillion, amounting to 22.7 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). About nine-tenths of the total went toward federal programs;…

# data[].attributes.body
Use the High School Banzai workbook pages that show where taxes go and why:

Objective: Use the High School Banzai workbook to analyze how tax money is used and evaluate whether the allocations seem fair.

Instructions:
1. Open the Banzai High School Personal Finance Workbook using the link below.
2. In your group, focus on the sections that explain where taxes go and why.
3. Review the explanations of federal, state, and local tax spending.
4. As a group, discuss:
- Do these tax-funded services benefit everyone equally?
- Are there any areas you feel are overfunded or underfunded?
5. Write down one group takeaway to share aloud with the class.

# data[].attributes.body
Which tax feels most fair to you? Least fair?

# data[].attributes.body
Objective: EPF.IE.2.2 continued – Use real-world budgets to analyze how tax money is distributed.

Essential Question: What are the spending priorities in our local community?

# data[].attributes.body
If Dunn had $100, how should it be spent? Schools? Parks? Potholes? YOU decide.

Article: Local Tax: What it is and Types

# data[].attributes.body
Introduce the Harnett County FY24 budget (focus on broad categories: schools, law enforcement, public health).

Make local government real: roads they drive, police stations nearby, school funding impacts.

Teach the concept of budgeting as prioritizing limited resources.

# data[].attributes.body
Objective: EPF.IE.2.3 – Implement procedures to file tax forms.

Essential Question: How do I file my taxes and not mess it up?

# data[].attributes.body
You just got your W-2 in the mail. What do you do?

A) Burn it

B) Google ‘what is W-2'

C) Panic

D) Call your mom.

Why did you pick that answer?

Article: Understanding IRS Form W-2

# data[].attributes.body
Objective: All EPF.IE.2 Objectives – Apply tax knowledge to personal budgeting.

Essential Question: Can you budget your life based on your real paycheck?

# data[].attributes.body
You finally get paid… and somehow you’re broke by Tuesday. Where did it all go? Let’s fix that.

Article: How to Budget Money in 5 Steps

# data[].attributes.body
Start with MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for Harnett County. Walk students through:

Rent

Food

Gas

Insurance

Savings

# data[].attributes.body
You worked 20 hours at $15/hr at Hardee’s in Dunn. Expecting $300, but your check says $230. Are you crying or confused? What happened?

Article: How to Read a Paystub

# data[].attributes.body
Y’all ever open your paycheck and feel personally attacked? We’re gonna unpack why it feels like someone’s stealing your money, and we’ll look at what’s actually being deducted from your check before you even see it.

Explain what gross pay is vs. net pay.

Break down common paycheck deductions: federal tax, state tax, Social Security (FICA), Medicare, optional deductions (insurance, retirement).

Show a sample paycheck and walk students line-by-line through each section.

Emphasize how withholding works and why it's required by law.

# data[].attributes.body
YouTube: Understanding Your Paycheck

TikTok: Planet Money

Kansas City Fed PDF

CFPB Guide

# data[].attributes.body
Students label deductions, gross pay, and net pay on a sample paystub. Use highlighters for visual support.

Objective: Students will identify and label key components of a sample paystub, including gross pay, net pay, and common deductions.

Instructions:
1. Use the sample paystub on the next page.
2. Highlight or circle the following elements:
- Gross Pay
- Net Pay
- Federal Tax Withheld
- State Tax Withheld
- Social Security (FICA)
- Medicare
- Any other deductions (retirement, insurance, etc.)
3. Use different colors for each label if possible.
4. In the space provided below, briefly describe the purpose of each deduction.

# data[].attributes.body
Group work of 3 - 4 students: Students work through real deduction scenarios from Understanding Taxes and Your Paycheck and share what they found most surprising.

Objective: Work in groups to examine real paycheck deduction scenarios and identify what surprised you most.

Instructions:
1. Form groups of 3–4 students.
2. Open the linked activity guide below.
3. Work through the scenarios together, discussing each section as a group.
4. Pay special attention to the different types of deductions: Federal Tax, State Tax, Social Security, Medicare, and optional deductions.
5. Each group member should choose one surprising deduction or fact and prepare to share it with the class.
6. Be ready to explain WHY it surprised you and how it might impact a future paycheck.

# data[].attributes.body
What paycheck deduction surprised you the most today?

# data[].attributes.body
FY24 Budget

NC League of Municipalities

FY26 Budget (deep dive)

UNC Budget Simulation Tool

# data[].attributes.body
Students review real budget data, identify which categories receive the most funding, and reflect on why.

Objective: Students will review real-world budget data and identify which categories receive the most funding, then reflect on why those areas may be prioritized.

Instructions:
1. Open the Harnett County Budget link below.
2. Review the summary tables or charts provided in the budget overview.
3. On your own, identify the top three categories that receive the most funding.
4. Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) explaining why you think those categories were given priority in the county's budget.
5. Consider which of these categories affects your daily life the most.

Optional Simulation Tool to Explore Budget Decisions:

https://www.sog.unc.edu/resources/tools/budget-simulation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Harnett County strives to provide our citizens with an enhanced quality of life that preserves our agricultural heritage and embraces future growth for a thriving and prosperous community.

# data[].attributes.body
"Tax Town Simulation"—Assign students different town departments (like Police, Parks, Education, Roads) and give them a $1,000 budget. Let them negotiate how to split it.

Objective: Students will simulate town budget negotiations to understand how local governments allocate tax revenue based on needs and priorities.

Instructions:
1. Divide the class into groups of 4–5 students.
2. Assign each student a role representing a town department:
- Police Department
- Parks and Recreation
- Public Schools/Education
- Roads and Transportation
- Optional: Healthcare, Waste Management, Housing
3. Give each group a total town budget of $1,000 (in play money or tracked on a board or Google Sheet).
4. Students must each advocate for their department and negotiate how the money should be divided.
5. Each group must submit their final budget decision and give a 1-minute explanation for how and why they chose their allocations.
6. Encourage persuasive speaking and compromise.

Optional Tools:

- Printable play money (or use a Google Sheet budget tracker)

- Poster boards, chart paper, or whiteboards to display final budgets

# data[].attributes.body
What would YOU fund most in your town and why?

# data[].attributes.body
Walk them through:

What a W-2 form looks like

What a 1040 form does

Terms like dependents, standard deduction, withholding

Use mock examples from local jobs. Students see how much they’d owe or get back based on fake W-2s.

# data[].attributes.body
IRS Blank W-2

ADP Interactive W-2

IRS Student Tax Sim

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whether you're "on assignment" or just browsing the Web, this set of 38 Understanding Taxes student lessons has something for everyone. Divided into two content areas - the Hows of Taxes and the Whys of Taxes - The Hows of Taxes shows you how to apply tax principles, while the Whys of Taxes explains tax history and theory.

what's here:

Activities Balance the national budget, take virtual field trips, discover how your tax dollars are spent, and lobby for a cause you choose from a variety of interactive tax activities.

Tax Tutorials Who qualifies as a dependent? What is an exemption? How do you report interest from a Form 1099? These 14 tax tutorials will guide you through the basics of tax preparation, giving you the background you need to electronically file your tax return.

Simulations Apply what you've learned by putting yourself in the shoes of 20 different taxpayers while you explore the ins and outs of filing tax returns electronically!

Assessments Evaluate your comprehension by testing your knowledge. These assessments will provide you with immediate test results.

Confused about tax terms and forms? Interested in learning more about the basic concepts behind taxes? Understanding Taxes can take the mystery out of taxes. The Hows of Taxes includes 14 self-paced modules, offering a step-by-step approach to tax preparation.

Investigate the theory and history behind America's tax system. Who were the key players instrumental in the development of this system? What is the rationale supporting existing and past tax legislation? How can you affect your tax situation? Whatever your interest, there's something for everyone in the 24 student lessons.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether you're "on assignment" or just browsing the Web, this set of 38 Understanding Taxes student lessons has something for everyone. Divided into two content areas - the Hows of Taxes and the Whys of Taxes - The Hows of Taxes shows you how to apply tax principles, while the Whys of Taxes explains tax history and theory.

# data[].attributes.body
Students complete a simplified 1040 using a sample W-2. Provide calculators or a fillable PDF.

Objective: Students will gain hands-on experience filing taxes by completing a simplified IRS 1040 form using a sample W-2.

Instructions:
1. Download and print the sample W-2 and simplified 1040 form using the links below.
2. Use a calculator or the built-in math function on your device to compute earnings, taxes withheld, and refund or amount owed.
3. Fill in the 1040 form with accurate information based on the W-2 provided.
4. Double-check your math, then turn in your completed form for review.

📄 Sample W-2 Form:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw2.pdf

📄 Interactive W-2 Sample Guide:

https://support.adp.com/adp_payroll/content/hybrid/PDF/W2_Interactive.pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You've heard of reality TV. Now it's reality taxes! Apply what you've learned by putting yourself in the shoes of 20 different taxpayers while you explore the ins and outs of filing tax returns electronically!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You've heard of reality TV. Now it's reality taxes! Apply what you've learned by putting yourself in the shoes of 20 different taxpayers while you explore the ins and outs of filing tax returns electronically!

# data[].attributes.body
Tax Filing Relay

Teams race to complete forms: mock W-2 + 1040

One person at a time, each completes a section, then tags in next teammate

First correct team wins!

Optional: play music to keep energy up (school-safe Spotify playlist)

Tax Filing Relay – Interactive Classroom Activity

What it is:
A hands-on relay race where small teams compete to correctly fill out tax forms (W-4, W-2 summary, and simplified 1040). It keeps motivation high and supports active learning.

How to run it:

1. Prep Materials:

Create sample packets containing:

A mock W-2 form (showing wages, federal/state withholding, etc.)

A simplified 1040 form or worksheet

A mock pay stub (optional, to practice gross vs. net pay)

Print several packets — one per team of 4–6 students.

2. Split into Teams:

Form teams and line them up at a start line. Place the packet at a distance or separate table.

3. The Race:

When you shout “Go!”, the first student runs to the packet, fills in one part (e.g., Box 1 or Box 2 on the W-2), then runs back and tags the next teammate.

Each teammate does a different section in turn.

Continue until the forms are filled.

4. Check Work:

The first team to finish runs their forms to the “grading station” (you or a TA).

If everything is correct, they win that round. If not, they get a 1-minute penalty before retrying.

5. Debrief:

Review common errors (misplacing info, totals off, incorrectly transferring numbers).

Ask: “Why does accuracy matter on tax forms?” or “What else did you notice?”

Good Resource to Support the Relay

The IRS "Understanding Taxes" site offers teacher resources and interactive simulations on W-2s and filing Form 1040, which can help you prep accurate mock forms and guides for students.

IRS Understanding Taxes – Teacher Activities & Simulationsteacherspayteachers.comapps.irs.gov

Use their sample forms and step-by-step guidance to make sure your relay materials are accurate and clear.

# data[].attributes.body
What part of filing taxes was easiest? Hardest?

# data[].attributes.body
MIT Living Wage Calculator

Banzai Budget Workbook

Personal Finance Lab Game

PBS Budgeting Video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Living Wage Calculator - Living Wage Calculation for Harnett County, North Carolina

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The living wage shown is the hourly rate that an individual in a household must earn to support themselves and/or their family, working full-time, or 2080 hours per year. The tables below provide living wage estimates for individuals and households with one or two working adults and zero to three children. In households with two working adults, all hourly values reflect what one working adult requires to earn to meet their families’ basic needs, assuming the other adult also earns the same.

# data[].attributes.body
Students choose a real job from Erwin or Dunn, calculate their net pay, and build a realistic budget. They present what choices they made and what they had to cut.

Project Instructions (Read This First!)

1. Choose a real job from Erwin or Dunn, NC somewhere you could actually work (Hardee's, Zaxby's, CookOut, etc.).

2. Look up how much that job pays per hour. Use Indeed, Glassdoor, or real job listings.

3. Calculate your NET pay that's the money you actually take home after taxes. (Use a paycheck calculator!)

4. Make a monthly budget using that NET pay. You MUST include categories like rent, food, gas, phone, savings, and

fun.

5. Make sure your math adds up and fits within your monthly take-home pay. You'll lose points for going over!

6. You can choose how to present it Google Slides, a poster, a digital chart, or even Canva but it MUST be neat, clear,

and complete.

7. Include a short write-up or video explaining your spending choices. Why did you budget the way you did?

This is a test grade take your time and make it look good!

# data[].attributes.body
What will you do differently with your money now that you know all this?

# data[].attributes.body
nteractive: Reading a Pay Stub – NGPF

What it does: Students drag-and-drop pay stub terms to their definitions, interpret sample paystubs, and calculate totals.

Why it works: It builds hands-on understanding of paystub structure and deductions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This interactive helps students understand their paystubs. It's simple, engaging, and can be used in a wide variety of classrooms. Here are a few ways students will engage with the interactive:

Drag and drop activity using common paystub items and abbreviations.

Analyze and interpret pay stubs.

Calculate various prompts using pay stubs.

Here are some discussion starters and activities you can use to follow up using the interactive:

About the Author

Brian Page

Making a difference in the lives of students through financial capability is Brian's greatest passion. He comes to NGPF after fifteen years of public school teaching where he was the '11 Ohio Department of Education recipient of a Milken National Educator Award, the CEE Forbes Award winner, and a Money Magazine/CNN "Money Hero". He served on the working group for President Obama's Advisory Council on Financial Capability. He has private school experience as a Trustee for the Cincinnati Country Day School and was a past Ohio Jump$tart President. Brian holds a BBA and M.Ed. When Brian isn't working alongside his NGPF teammates he is likely spending time with his wife, three children, and dog; hiking, or watching Ohio State football.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
interactive using students paystubs paystub pay stubs taxes helps understand simple engaging used wide variety classrooms ways engage drag drop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This interactive helps students understand their paystubs. It's simple, engaging, and can be used in a wide variety of classrooms. Here are a few ways students will engage with the interactive: Drag and drop activity using common paystub items and abbreviations. Analyze and interpret pay stubs.

# data[].attributes.body
A. People’s Pie – iCivics

What it does: Students set federal tax rates and retirement age, allot budgets across government programs, and balance them.

Why it works: Offers real-time decision-making on tax allocation at the federal level.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Can you balance the federal budget? Every department wants a piece of the pie! Which projects will you fund, and which will you cut? But be careful, as every decision you make will have an impact. You must keep your residents happy and avoid a burdensome national debt. In People’s Pie, you will set taxes and the retirement age, weigh funding needs across the federal government, and create a balanced budget for the federal government. Are you ready to decide who will get a piece of People’s Pie?

# data[].attributes.body
B. Spending Simulation Games – NGPF Arcade

What it does: Includes bite-sized games like “Money Magic” or “Budgeting” that introduce tax and personal finance scenarios.

Why it works: Simple games that reinforce concepts in a fun format.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ARCADE

Engage your students in financial decision-making with these free online games. Boost critical thinking skills by pairing gameplay with insightful activity worksheets and reflection questions.

Teacher Tip: Confirm with your IT department in advance to make sure students can access games on their devices.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
financial literacy games for high school students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
financial literacy games for college students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
financial literacy games for high school

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
financial literacy games for middle school

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
financial literacy games for the classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
financial literacy games for middle school students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
investment games for high school students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free online games and simulations that teach students about money. Play Time for Payback, Build Your STAX, Money Magic, Shady Sam and more.

# data[].attributes.body
Budgeting Game – Personal Finance Lab

What it does: Simulates monthly income, budgeting needs and wants, credits, and emergency spending.

Why it works: Students experience firsthand how different budget choices affect outcomes over time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teachers Set The Rules

Teachers start out by choosing the specific rules of their class. These can also be updated as the simulation progresses through the semester.

What will be your student's monthly rent?

How much will they pay for car insurance and utilities?

What wage will they earn at their part-time job?

How much income tax will be charged?

Does your class start as full-time workers, or college students with a part-time job?

Teachers can also customize the types of "Life Events" that occur in the game. Emphasize risk and insurance while you cover it in class, then encourage more events focusing on reading and understanding contracts, and much more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Budgeting Game for Students; Financial Literacy Gamified

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Personal budget game for students teachers financial literacy topics of budgeting, banking, credit, debt, investing and more.

# data[].attributes.body
Financial Skills Simulation

What it does: Students simulate life phases—college to career—manage expenses, savings, and taxes through game mechanics like dice rolls and scenarios.

Why it works: Emphasizes decision-making under financial unpredictability, including tax complexities.

# data[].attributes.body
Personal Finance Lab Budget Game (again)

This continues the same simulation used in Day 3, reinforcing and applying budgeting skills with real job wages and living wage context.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teachers Set The Rules

Teachers start out by choosing the specific rules of their class. These can also be updated as the simulation progresses through the semester.

What will be your student's monthly rent?

How much will they pay for car insurance and utilities?

What wage will they earn at their part-time job?

How much income tax will be charged?

Does your class start as full-time workers, or college students with a part-time job?

Teachers can also customize the types of "Life Events" that occur in the game. Emphasize risk and insurance while you cover it in class, then encourage more events focusing on reading and understanding contracts, and much more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Budgeting Game for Students; Financial Literacy Gamified

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Personal budget game for students teachers financial literacy topics of budgeting, banking, credit, debt, investing and more.