National Debt Visualizer¶

Run the National Debt Visualizer MicroSim Fullscreen
Edit in the p5.js Editor

About This MicroSim¶

This MicroSim displays the US national debt from 1940 to 2024 in three different views: Absolute dollars, Per Capita (debt per person), and Debt-to-GDP ratio. By switching between views, students discover that the way debt is measured dramatically changes the story -- absolute dollars look alarming, but the debt-to-GDP ratio provides essential context about the nation's ability to service its debt. Historical event markers (WWII, Reagan Era, 2008 Crisis, COVID) show how major events triggered debt increases.

How to Use¶

Select a View -- Use the dropdown menu to switch between "Absolute" (total debt in trillions), "Per Capita" (debt per person in thousands), and "% of GDP" (the most meaningful economic measure).
Adjust the Year Range -- Use the Start Year and End Year sliders to zoom into specific historical periods for closer analysis.
Toggle Event Markers -- Check or uncheck "Show Events" to display vertical red lines marking key historical events like WWII, the 2008 financial crisis, and COVID.
Hover for Details -- Move your mouse over the chart area to see exact values for the nearest data point.

Iframe Embed Code¶

You can add this MicroSim to any web page by adding this to your HTML:

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/economics-course/sims/national-debt-visualizer/main.html"
        height="522px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan¶

Grade Level¶

9-12 (High School Economics)

Duration¶

10-15 minutes

Prerequisites¶

Basic understanding of what national debt means
Familiarity with the concept of GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
Ability to read line and area charts

Activities¶

Exploration (5 min): Have students switch between all three views and write down which view makes the debt look most alarming and which provides the most useful context. Ask them to note specific years where major jumps occurred.
Guided Practice (5 min): Direct students to zoom into the 2000-2024 period and compare the three views. Discuss why the debt-to-GDP ratio is considered the most meaningful measure by economists, and how COVID affected debt differently in each view.
Assessment (5 min): Students answer the question: "A politician says the national debt has increased tenfold since 1980. Is this misleading? Why or why not?" using evidence from at least two different views.

Assessment¶

Can the student explain why debt-to-GDP is more meaningful than absolute debt figures?
Can the student connect historical events to changes in the debt trajectory?
Does the student understand how the choice of metric can change the narrative about debt?