Lesson
Tax Structures
Summary
Total compensation isn't the only thing the government cares about — three different levels of government all want a slice of your money. This lesson explores federal, state, and local taxes and how flat, progressive, and regressive structures hit different incomes in very different ways.
Bellringer: Three Leaders at Your Door
- Read scenario; give students 1 minute to respond.
- Call on 2-3 students to share which leader funds which service.
Instruction
- Walk through federal, state, and local tax buckets.
- Define flat, progressive, and regressive structures with quick examples.
Activity: Banzai Bucks Tax Simulation
- Hand out career cards and Banzai Bucks as students enter.
- Run three rounds: flat, progressive, regressive — pausing for breakout questions.
Discussion: Which Tax Wins?
- Students vote on which round's structure they'd keep permanently.
- Compare fairness arguments across income groups.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- Your city wants to build a brand new skate park. Which level of government handles this, and what type of tax will likely pay for it?
- Explain progressive tax rates.
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Bellringer: Three Leaders at Your Door |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 22 min | Activity: Banzai Bucks Tax Simulation |
|
| 5 min | Discussion: Which Tax Wins? |
|
| 3 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
Banzai Bucks
A printable collection of fake dollars.
Class Presentation
Includes an 18-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Unit 3: Earning & Taxation
Human Capital
Every business in the world runs on human capital. Human capital is the sum of characteristics and skills that an employee brings to the table. This lesson covers basics about first jobs, including federal protections.
Tax Structures
Total compensation isn't the only thing the government cares about — three different levels of government all want a slice of your money. This lesson explores federal, state, and local taxes and how flat, progressive, and regressive structures hit different incomes in very different ways.
Side Jobs & Business Math
Total compensation isn't just wages or salary earned—gig workers keep significantly less of every dollar. This lesson explores the hidden costs of being your own boss and the Golden Business Math Formula every side hustler must know.
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