Unit 3 โ†’ Subtopic 3.1

Explaining Nominal & Real GDP in 5 Minutes


Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is one of the most widely used economic indicators, but not all GDP figures are equal. Economists distinguish between nominal GDP, which measures the value of all goods and services produced in a country using current prices, and real GDP, which adjusts for inflation to reflect true economic growth. Understanding this difference is crucial because nominal GDP can be misleading if inflation is high, while real GDP gives a more accurate picture of economic performance. This project challenges students to create a short video explaining the difference between nominal and real GDP in a clear, engaging, and visually informative way.

Students will begin by researching how nominal and real GDP are calculated, understanding why inflation distorts economic comparisons over time. They should provide real-world examples, such as comparing the GDP of a country in two different years and explaining why growth in nominal terms does not always mean the economy is stronger. They should also explore why real GDP is used in economic policymaking, helping governments and businesses make better decisions about wages, investments, and inflation control.

A key part of the video should be visually demonstrating how inflation impacts GDP calculations. Using graphs, animations, and storytelling techniques, students should illustrate how a countryโ€™s GDP may appear to grow significantly in nominal terms but stagnate in real terms due to rising prices. The video should be concise yet informative enough to teach viewers the concept in under five minutes.

The final video will summarize nominal vs. real GDP, their calculations, and real-world implications, helping students communicate economic concepts effectively in a visual format. The goal of this project is for students to demonstrate their ability to break down complex macroeconomic ideas into simple, engaging, and accessible explanations.

Recommended Procedure:

  1. Research the Concepts of Nominal and Real GDP โ€“ Understand how each is calculated and why adjusting for inflation is necessary in economic comparisons.

  2. Develop a Script and Storyboard for the Video โ€“ Outline how the video will explain key concepts using examples, visuals, and clear explanations.

  3. Use Real-World Examples to Demonstrate GDP Differences โ€“ Show how countries with high inflation may have rising nominal GDP but stagnant real GDP.

  4. Create the Video Using Visual Aids and Simplified Explanations โ€“ Use graphs, animations, voiceovers, or simple real-life comparisons to explain the topic clearly.

  5. Edit and Finalize the Video for Clarity and Engagement โ€“ Ensure the video is concise, informative, and visually appealing, making it easy to understand in under five minutes.

Suggested Sources:

  1. Understanding GDP and Inflation Adjustments:

    2. Case Studies on GDP Growth and Inflation:

    3. Macroeconomic Policy and GDP Data:

    4. Video Editing and Presentation Tools:

    • Canva: Free Animation & Video Creation โ€“ https://www.canva.com

    • iMovie or Adobe Premiere for Video Editing

Grading Rubric:

Total Points: __ /20

Congratulations, You Have Finished the Project!