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Classroom Activity of the Month

Class Activity of the Month

Lesson Plan
The American Currency Exhibit

Lesson Plan Materials

Complete Lesson Plan
(PDF - 36KB)
State Content Standards
(PDF - 45KB)
Take the On-line Quiz


Overview
This lesson introduces students to the historical structure, as well as the purposes and functions of the United States monetary system. Utilizing a “scavenger hunt” model, students will compare U.S. currency notes from specific eras in U.S. history.
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Identify the key security features in newly designed $10 note.
  • Investigate the historical significance of the changes in US currency.
  • Explore the U.S. economy and banking system before and after the passage of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913.
Time
  • One 50 minute class period or one homework assignment.
Materials
  • Handout #1, one per student or have students complete the handout directly on the website.
  • Access to the World Wide Web.
Directions:
  1. Distribute Handout #1, one per student.
  2. Direct students to the "American Currency Exhibit".
  3. Instruct students to complete Handout #1 as they click through and read the “Tour Exhibit by Era” and the “Historical Context” sections.
  4. Allow students 20-30 minutes to complete the handout and then discuss their responses. An answer key to Handout #1 is located at the end of the lesson.
 
 
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Class activity of the month:
The American Currency Exhibit

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