Grades 9 - 12
Social Studies, Science

Learner Outcomes:
    The students will be able to compare and contrast real money and counterfeit money.
    The students will understand and discuss efforts to prevent counterfeiting.

Duration:
    This lesson will require 45 minutes

Materials:
    KWL worksheet

Technology Tools:
    Computers with Internet access

Teacher Notes:
    Be sure to preview the web site so that you may help the students to navigate it.

Procedures:
    Pair the students up and give them 5 - 10 minutes to answer first two columns of KWL worksheet.  Then discuss their answers (5 min).
    The students will access the PBS Bogus Bill Test and try to identify the counterfeit traits.  When the students go to the page that tells them there are 5 errors, they can scroll down to see the counterfeit traits.  Then click on the link to see all of the new features.  Have the students record as many new features as possible (20 min).
    Then have the pairs answer the L column of the KWL sheet and if time permits, brainstorm other ideas to foil counterfeiters.

Modifications:
    According to IEP

Enrichment Activities:
    Nova - Secrets of Making Money   This site involves a television program on the redesign of the $100 bill and a lab.  It appears to be an excellent resource.
    "What is a Dollar? - An Historical Analysis Of The Fundamental Question In Monetary Policy
    Bring in foreign currency (pictures alone will not show all details) and have students check various features how other countries protect currency form being counterfeited.
    Research on Internet contries that have counterfeiting problems and how they fight this crime.

Evaluation/Assessment:
    KWL worksheet
 

Know column
What column
Learn column
25 points
25 points
50 points

National Standards:
    Science:    Standard A, B
    Social Studies:     Strands 6,  8

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
    Science :             9.8    10.8
    Social Studies:    9.18

References:
    PBS Secrets of Making Money

Authors:
    Rita Hott
    Tim Myers
    Teresa Orndorff