Estimates show as much as a third of the working population in some way participates in the gig economy, a pattern that continues to rise. Introducing and engaging students into learning more about the gig economy is becoming a necessity in every personal finance classroom. One of our favorite teaching tools to do so is the Uber Game. Here are three ways you can use the Uber Game in your classroom:

Debate

The future of employer-employee relationships at Uber, Lyft, and other similar services stands in the balance this election season. “Proposition 22: Should so-called gig economy companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Instacart be exempted from state labor law and allowed to continue classifying workers as contractors?” 

The KQED post includes arguments for and against, that bring to light important considerations for voters and future voters in our classrooms. The Investopedia article the Gig Economy is also full of excellent arguments to help students shape an opinion. 

There are numerous ways debates can be facilitated in person. The Edutopia post Student Debate Deepens Thinking and Engagement is full of ideas. However, not all teachers are teaching in person. If you’re teaching remotely, it could be as simple as creating a Padlet with the Proposition 22 prompt and have a “For” column and “Against” column. Students state their position by making a comment and then upvote their favorite arguments. 

Teach Taxes

As the Gig Economy becomes more common, so will the tax paperwork that accompanies it. This is a great time to introduce the different 1099s and Form W9, both of which can be introduced using this Wordwall interactive. Remember, Form W9 is completed prior to consulting (the side gig), and Form 1099-NEC is sent by the employer when wages exceed $500. 

At the conclusion of playing the game, have students create a profit and loss statement and identify the “above the line” tax deductions. Game players receive a summary at the conclusion of the game that looks similar to this:

Remote Adaptation: Companion Handout

There are multiple ways in which you can adapt our companion handout. Here are just a couple of ideas: 

• Create a competition between classmates to see who can be the most profitable. 
• Put students in breakout rooms and have them compete as a “company” (a group of students). 

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Want to earn professional development hours? 

• If you want to learn a lot more about taxes, signup for our tax certification. 
• If you like our arcade games, attend our VPD Arcade Game: Payback

About the Author

Brian Page

Making a difference in the lives of students through financial capability is Brian’s greatest passion. He comes to NGPF after fifteen years of public school teaching where he was the ‘11 Ohio Department of Education recipient of a Milken National Educator Award, the CEE Forbes Award winner, and a Money Magazine/CNN "Money Hero". He served on the working group for President Obama's Advisory Council on Financial Capability. He has private school experience as a Trustee for the Cincinnati Country Day School and was a past Ohio Jump$tart President. Brian holds a BBA and M.Ed. When Brian isn’t working alongside his NGPF teammates he is likely spending time with his wife, three children, and dog; hiking, or watching Ohio State football.

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