A Visit to the Mint





Grade Level(s):   3

Subject(s):  Social Studies, Math

Learner Outcomes:

The student will be able to:
                                                    1.  identify United States currency
                                                    2.  identify features of United States currency
                                                    3.  construct own money

Duration of Lesson:  2 (50 minute) lessons (more depending on the guest speaker)

Materials:  guest speaker from a local bank,  computer with internet,  styrofoam meat tray (1 for each student),  scissors,  roller,  toothpicks,  paper, paper towels,  plate ink (from an art store), coins, paper bills

Technology Tools:  Encarta,  projection device

Procedures:
Day One
1.  Discuss and identify the types and values of U.S. currency.
2.  Bring in a guest speaker from a local bank to discuss and identify distinguishing features and       symbols of U.S. currency.  If guest speaker is not available or for additional information concerning money go to Fundamental Facts about United States Money and view using projection device.
3.  Watch video "How Money is Made" available through The Money Factory.
Day Two
1.  Review lesson from previous day.
2.  Pass out pieces of scrap paper and have students design their own money with features and symbols significant to them.
3.  Cut styrofoam tray into the shape of a bank note.  Using a toothpick, engrave styrofoam into design.
4.  Coat the surface of the styrofoam with ink making sure that the engraved lines are filled.  Wipe the ink off the surface with paper towels without wiping the filled engraved lines.
5.  Lay piece of paper over the engraved styrofoam and roll with rubber roller to pick up images.
6.  Repeat the process for the back design of the currency.
7.  Cut and display your students' currency.

Modifications:

Use student's IEP's to adapt lesson to meet the needs of individual students.

Enrichment:

 Advanced students could write paragraphs to explain the distinguishing features of their currency and the meaning behind those features.

Evaluation/Assessment: Observation

Instructional Goals and Objectives - West Virginia Department of Education

Social Studies-  Civics  3.7
Math-  Measurement  3.47

National Standards

 References:

History of Money - This site provides a wonderful timeline with details on the history of money in the United States.  It also includes links to other sites concerning U.S. currency.

How Money is Made -  A great site which details how money is made with various educational links and links to other sites which show the making of U.S. currency.

Microsoft Encarta Multimedia Encyclopedia 98   CD ROM

Created by:  Jennifer Cox - Cheat Lake Elementary

Date Created:  March 11, 1999

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