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Colonial Currency
Time Required: 3 class periods, each 1 hour long
Materials:
·
Ox Cart Man by Donald Hall
·
Smart Board, computer lab, or computer with monitor
·
White construction paper for money
·
Brainstorming sheet (see the end of this lesson)
Objective: Students will learn about the size, shape, and
denominations of Colonial currency. They will view examples
on the Internet and understand the artistry and symbolism used on the
money.
Curriculum
Standards Addressed:
Economics
Curriculum
Standard 6. Students will demonstrate the ability to examine the
interaction of individuals, households, communities, businesses, and
governments in market economies including competition; specialization;
productivity; traditional forms of enterprise; and the role of money and
financial institutions.
Describe the
differences among various forms of exchange, including barter and
purchase, and various forms of money including currency,
checks, and credit.
Strategies/Procedures:
Day 1-
Spend time exploring:
www.usmint.gov/kids/timemachine/E1/erastory.html
Dress up in colonial
clothing before entering the time machine. Read through the cartoon and
discuss the Massachusetts mint and Great Britain’s refusal to allow
the colonies to make their own currency.
Explain the fact that England was importing our American silver
to make products. They did
not want it used for coins.
Visit- http://www.frbsf.org/currency/independence/index.html
View close up pictures of
currency from the original 13 colonies.
Go to imagery and artistry at the bottom of the page.
Discuss symbols used.
Print explanation of symbols and copy them for students to share.
Day 2-
Have each student sketch some rough drafts of his or her own Colonial
currency.
Students can solicit their classmate’s opinions before making the
final design. Each student should begin his or her final copy of the new
currency.
Day 3-
Students spend time completing their final copy of currency for display.
Read and discuss Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
Evaluation/Assessment:
Students must present the completed currency to the
class. Have them explain
the reason why they chose a particular symbol. |
