Current Currencies

Identify as many currencies as you can in this picture. What might the different currencies tell you about the cultures that created them? Since the paper money has little inherent worth, what gives the money value?

Pennies

So, what do you think? Should the U. S. keep producing pennies? Do some research about the cost to make a penny, is it more than its value? Do we still need pennies, what are they worth to us? If the government decided not to produce any more pennies, how would that affect the economy?

Share what you find out and tell us your opinion. Be sure to read the posts often so that you can respond to others!

The US Mint

How does the United States Mint create American money? What different types of jobs at the mint would require a strong knowledge of math? Tell us what you think!

Take the virtual tour of the U.S. Mint!
http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?flash=yes

The First American Coins

Were coins different years ago? Many people are great collectors of old coins. Watch the video at this site and find out about those coins.

The First American Coins
http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/hands-on_math/the_first_american_coins/

What kinds of procedures are taken to reduce the chances of people printing their own money? Watch this video and share the methods while talking about how decimals and fractions might be used in printing paper money.

Printing Money
http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/hands-on_math/printing_money/