Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Myths Reader's Theater Script | ECON 101.5 Series

This readers’ theater script, "Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Myths," unfolds across 12 scenes in a modern high school classroom. Students wrestle with Bitcoin’s promise—digital freedom—versus its pitfalls, guided by Ms. Harper and experts Nic Carter, Jack Mallers, and Jeff Booth, alongside Ava, Ben, Carlos, and Dana. Critics Peter Schiff and Jamie Dimon weigh in, tracing Bitcoin from Satoshi’s 2009 launch to 2022’s FTX crash, with its 21 million cap driving scarcity but volatility spiking fear. From Africa’s stranded power to Larry Fink’s flip, it probes why Bitcoin grows yet divides. With 10 speaking roles, it suits grades 9-12, offering flexible casting.

The worksheet sharpens analysis with varied questions:

• Short-Answer Questions (5): Test basics like “Why does Nic defend Bitcoin over FTX?” with quotes on self-custody versus fraud.
• Long-Format Questions (5): Tie concepts to life, like “How might Booth’s deflation affect your savings?” linking tech to now.
  Economic Concept Questions (5): Add research depth, like “Find Bitcoin’s price 2010-2020” to weigh volatility, with data hints.
• Themes and Discussion Questions (2): Spark talks on trust versus control, like “What’s a control choice in your life?” resonating with teens.
• Application Focus: Students cite evidence (e.g., Schiff on worthlessness), connect to today (e.g., Venmo limits), and evaluate Bitcoin’s role, building reasoning.

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What's included?

(a single PDF with links to Google Docs/Slides, if print format is preferred you can download from your Google Drive to word/pdf/ppt/etc)

1) Teacher's Guide & Answer Key

• Standards Alignment (CCSS Grades 9~12, CCRA)
• Teacher Tips
• Answer Keys for all worksheet sections
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Format: Google Doc (7 pages)

2) Readers Theater Script

• ~10 Characters, 5700 words (NOTE: This script is bit longer than others in the ECON 101.5 series)
• Format: Google Doc (12 pages)

3) Script Worksheet

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short-Answer Questions
• 5 Economic Concept Research & Extension Questions
• Format: Google Slides (22 Slides)

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• For More Students: Main character can be read by multiple students.
• For Less Students: Minor characters can be read by just one student.
• This script should take about 50~60 minutes
• Depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.

Script Summary:

• Scene 1: Bitcoin myths emerge as inflation challenges cash’s value, sparking debate over its purpose.
• Scene 2: Nic Carter contrasts Bitcoin’s decentralized self-custody with FTX’s centralized collapse, debunking scam coin confusion.
• Scene 3: The 21 million hard cap is explained via scarcity, halving, and proof-of-work, showing its design.
• Scene 4: Jack Mallers defends mining’s energy use with grid stability and stranded power, countering waste claims.
• Scene 5: Volatility meets time preference, as investors like Larry Fink shift from doubt to support, hinting at growth.
• Scene 6: Peter Schiff and Jamie Dimon slam Bitcoin’s value and safety, but students highlight adoption and resilience.
• Scene 7: Jeff Booth ties tech-driven deflation to Bitcoin’s fixed supply, flipping savings norms.
• Scene 8: Nic Carter frames Bitcoin as a global lifeline, not just a U.S. luxury, challenging dollar reliance.
• Scene 9: Independence shines as Bitcoin opts out of bank control, redefining financial choice.
• Scene 10: Jack Mallers unpacks 2022’s crash, showing self-custody’s strength amid centralized fraud.
• Scene 11: Jeff Booth envisions workers demanding Bitcoin pay, signaling mainstream success.
• Scene 12: Students reflect on Bitcoin’s myths and merits, weighing its evolving role.

Will this meet your classroom's needs?

Try this FREE Globalization & Tariffs script from the ECON 101.5 series first :)