Grades 6–8 · Lesson 6 · 50 minutes (launch session; the challenge runs over two to four class sessions)
Portfolio challenge
Students manage a diversified simulated portfolio and present results.
StockSt uses fictional currency and simulated shares for education only. This is not investment advice.
Warm-up
Ask students to recall one idea from earlier in the unit (research, risk, diversification, or emotional decisions) and say how they plan to use it in their final portfolio.
Mini-lesson
Walk through the challenge requirements and the capstone presentation rubric so students know what “proficient” looks like before they begin. Explain that the grade rewards process, evidence, and reflection, not just the final balance.
StockSt activity
- Students receive a fictional starting balance and manage it over two to four class sessions.
- Requirements: own at least four shares; no single share may exceed 30% of the portfolio; keep a trade journal with the reason, date, price, and result for each trade.
- Write a final report covering strategy, results, biggest risk, and one improvement.
- Presentations: each student gives a two-minute “portfolio manager” pitch.
- Closing reminder: StockSt shares are simulated and do not represent real securities or investment advice.
Discussion
After the pitches, ask students which classmate’s reasoning they found most convincing and what they would copy from it. Keep the focus on decision quality, not who earned the most.
Exit ticket
Students write one sentence about their biggest risk and one improvement they would make.
Assessment
Capstone presentation rubric covering diversification, research quality, journal completeness, reasoning, and reflection.
Student Learn links
Assign these before or after class so students practice the same ideas.