The US History stock market game took place on Nov. 12-13 in the library. The activity simulated the stock market in the 1920s. It reflected the concepts the current students were learning.
“The most important thing, beyond fun and games, is that we wanted students to come away with…looking at real-life stocks, and then… for those that invested in or who bought assets in the 1920s…the frenzy, or mayhem, that coexisted along with that,” said US History Teacher Michael Boone.
Navigating the Market
US History students from different classes gathered together and attempted to navigate the volatile stock market. In doing so, they learned its risks and benefits.
“I think [the stock market game] did a pretty good [job] of representing what the actual stock market looked like. Maybe not in the actual price changes. I guess this was a pretty good way of actually showing what a stockroom looked like,” said Ekansh Samanta (‘27).
Some students came out of the simulation rich, while others struggled greatly. Predicting the market proved to be as difficult as it was in the 1920s.
“I try to find a combination of both of the stocks that were cheaper. And looked like it had the most potential. And I just put all my money in one stock, and hopefully that stock went up,” said Samanta.
A Long Time Tradition
The simulation has been taking place for a long time. In fact, it’s been a part of Amador Valley for over a decade. During this time, it has undergone some minor changes.
“[The stock market game has been happening] longer than I’ve been here: this is my 11th year here. Although we used to do it in isolation, in terms of by our class period, maybe…by two class periods if we had proximity,” said Mr. Boone.
One of the greatest benefits of the game has been how it encourages interaction between classes.
“We get all the classes together in the same period, for example, in first period today, we had three US history classes. Typically they don’t get together very frequently, so having them all together is one benefit. Then the second thing is…having that kind of change in venue…in the library,” said Mr. Boone.
Coming Together
Thanks to the success of the stock market game, there have been discussions about adding to the simulation or creating other interactive activities.
“I think anytime you can get together a larger group of the student body, it’s a benefit. Every year, we talk about how [we can] expand this. [Like] in the springtime we have Vietnam War vets come and speak. It’s less interactive, but still I think in terms of a shared experience with all juniors is a powerful thing,” said Mr. Boone.
