Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/314537 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17640
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This paper provides a novel way for instructors to teach about the perils of a large National Debt, which is currently $36 trillion. We provide a detailed lesson plan that utilizes balloons to illustrate the possible paths a society can take to address this issue. The lesson plan consists of an introduction, images and data that can be used to spur discussion and reflection, how to utilize the balloons to help students understand three different debt scenarios, and a series of follow-up questions and answers to help debrief the activity.
Subjects: 
budget
debt
debt-to-GDP ratio
deficits
fiscal policy
national debt
revenue
spending
JEL: 
A20
A21
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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