Stocksquest+Project

ECONOMICS ON LINE – The Stock Market Game – REAL TIME

STOCKSQUEST.COM IS THE ONLY REAL TIME, FREE INTERNET SITE DEVOTED TO TEACHING HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF THE U.S. STOCK MARKET.

Beginning Feb. 1, I hope we have enough information to sign up for the real time simulation. The website is http://www.stocksquest.com. I have registered both classes to participate. Individual students will register in order to be assigned to our class. This semester some 20,000 high school and college classes will use Stocksquest.

After an introduction to the stock market with some power points, a worksheet, and discussion, I will show you how to use the site, how to get started, and how to “play” the game. HOWEVER, this is a learning by doing exercise that we will work on for the rest of the semester (approximately 1-2 days per week + you can work during a study hall, etc.). Below are some generic rules that you should know and understand.

You will start with $200,000 and $100,000 in margin which you may use to borrow. From the power points what is margin? How should it be used? IF you make money, YOUR margin will always be equal to one-half of your portfolio total. Huh? What is a portfolio? You MUST always keep five (5) stocks in your portfolio, even if it is just one stock per company. You may ONLY buy and keep TWO stocks from any one category, like utilities, transportation, pharmaceuticals, car makers, oil and gas, etc. You may buy ONE “penny stock” per trading day providing it costs at least $5.00. In other words, the site will not allow you to purchase a stock under $.00! By the way, what is a penny stock? You MUST make at least seven (7) trades per week to earn basic points associated with our time on this game (you can do that buying just one stock). You will be graded daily on the above and how you use your time on the computer. Those points can add up a lot or very little if you choose to not try. I will offer bonus points to the students from each class – from the best to the last place finisher in each class, provided you MAKE MONEY! The best stock broker from either class will get a reward to be determined.

STOCK MARKET INFORMATION http://www.excite.com – some of the best information available! http://www.msn.com – also tons of information! http://www.moneycentral.msn.com/investor/home.asp - tied to CNBC