MIRI: Eighty secondary students got to grips with economic concepts at a recent workshop hosted by the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE) at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) here.
Specifically it aimed to provide the students with a practical understanding of scarcity, a crucial concept in the study of economics.
They had to construct model bridges using limited resources, and in doing so, highlight the fundamental economic principle of scarcity.
According to SPACE lecturers Michelle Phua and Crystal Lau, the event not only encouraged creative problem-solving but also shed light on the real-world implications of managing finite resources efficiently.
In the bridge-building activity, the students were given reusable drinking staws, glue and newspaper to construct a sturdy and functional model bridge.
This hands-on experience allowed them to grapple with the challenges posed by scarcity, forcing them to make strategic decisions about resource allocation and utilisation.
Many of them thereafter expressed a newfound appreciation for the concept of scarcity and its relevance in their daily lives.
SPACE was established in 2021 with the aim of creating educational and training opportunities for youth so that they can unlock their potential.