Lesson 21: Build Your Stax:

Learning about Investing through Game Play

What This Lesson Is About

In this lesson, you will learn about investing by playing a simulation game called Build Your Stax. Instead of reading about investing first, you will experience it.

The game lets you make investment choices over a simulated 20-year period. You will decide where to put your money, see how it grows or shrinks over time, and notice how risk, patience, and decision-making all matter.

You are not expected to be an expert. The goal is to learn by doing, noticing patterns, and reflecting on your choices.

What Is Investing?

Investing means putting money into something with the hope that it will grow over time. Unlike saving, investing usually involves risk. Some investments grow slowly and safely. Others can grow faster, but can also lose value.

This game will help you see how different investment choices behave over time.

What Is STAX?

STAX is an investing simulation created by NextGen Personal Finance.

In the game:

You receive money every six months
That money represents part of your income that you are saving and investing
New investment options unlock as the game goes on
You decide how to divide your money between different investments
The game simulates 20 years of investing in a short amount of time

At the end of the game, you will use your results to complete a reflection assignment.

How to Get Ready

Before you play:

Click the video link provided in Google Classroom
Watch the video to learn how the game works
Then open the Build Your Stax game and begin playing

If something feels confusing at first, that is normal. You can always play the game more than once.

Play STAXThe investment game that lets you grow your wealth over 20 years. How high will your stax grow?

While You Play: What to Pay Attention To

(You do not need to write full answers yet. Just think about these as you play.)

As you play the game, pause occasionally and think about the questions below.

You may check them off mentally or place a quick checkmark beside each one when you notice it.

☐ Which investments seem safer and more stable?
☐ Which investments rise and fall more dramatically?
☐ How does spreading money across different investments affect your results?
☐ Do any investments surprise you with how they perform?
☐ How do your emotions change when your investments gain or lose value?

There are no right or wrong reactions. These observations will help you later.

Investment Types You Will See in the Game

You will see several different types of investments appear as the game progresses, including:

Savings accounts
Certificates of deposit
Index funds
Individual stocks
Government bonds
Commodities (such as crops)
Gold

You do not need to memorize definitions yet. Focus on noticing how each one behaves in the game.

After You Finish Playing

When the game ends:

Keep your results screen open
Take a screenshot of your final portfolio
Then complete the STAX Reflection Sheet provided in Google Classroom

Your reflection will ask you to explain your choices, your strategy, and what you learned from the experience.

Remember:

There is no single “correct” portfolio
You are graded on your thinking and explanation, not on how much money you made
Honest reflection matters more than winning the game

If You Have Time

You are encouraged to play STAX more than once. Many students change their strategy after their first attempt once they understand how different investments behave.

Playing again often leads to better insights and stronger reflection answers