Grade 6 students from Frenchville State School in Rockhampton delved into the world of finance as part of a business project organised by Central Queensland University.

Tamika Hansen and Rebekah Baartz both won an MP3 player as the team to make the most 'virtual money' at the end of the project.

Over 10 weeks, the students were given a series of tasks, which included the value of money, money and options, the stock market, and maintaining a stock market portfolio. Students formed teams of 2 and were given virtual money to buy shares, trade and invest.

“The project was useful for students as in some cases they were looking at the value of items for the first time, such as property, jewellery, holidays, and degrees,” CQU’s Senior Lecturer in Accounting and organiser of the project, Robyn Alcock said.

“I also feel that by introducing students to business projects at a young age we have the opportunity to actively encourage students to consider business studies as an option when they attend university".

Photo: (clockwise from top left): Frenchville State School Grade 6 teacher Gary Holmes, CQU’s Robyn Alcock, and the winners of the business project Tamika Hansen and Rebekah Baartz.