With the holidays coming up and popular movies coming out, you might Marvel at the Titanic costs of a trip to the movie theater.

[Updated on 11/24/25]

We probably all know it would be better for our wallets (and our health) if we skipped the concession stand at the movie theater. But yet, the smell of warm, buttery popcorn and thoughts of sweet snacks and drinks still pulls us in. Why is that? Discuss this with your students in NGPF's activity, The Movie Theater Experience.  

Students will:

• watch a video from Business Insider's So Expensive series
• identify the specific factors of production that impact a product or service’s price
• answer a few thought-provoking questions

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Learn More:

• How to implement the So Expensive activities with your students
• Looking for more ways to introduce economics into your personal finance classroom? Check out NGPF’s Econ Collection!

About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.

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