Video Introduction
Throughout history, people all over the world used the resources they had to trade with others. Watch this video to see what kind of resources people used in the past and what kind of resources we use today.
STEM Exploration Lesson
Money & Bartering
Grades: 2-3
Time: 30 minutes
Overview
Learn about materials used to exchange goods and services and think of what you could use to invent an exchange system.
Materials
Goals
Objectives
Next Generation Science Standards
Materials
- A computer or device with internet + speakers
Goals
- Understand that people throughout history and throughout the world used things in the natural world to exchange goods and services;
- See examples of technologies used and developed to to create exchange systems; and
- Develop a system of exchange or design currency.
Objectives
- Learn about the bartering system;
- Learn about how the bartering system evolved into the monetary system;
- See how coins are minted and how paper money are printed;
- Create or design money.
Next Generation Science Standards
2-PS1-2
Every human-made product is designed by applying some knowledge of the natural world and is built by using natural materials.
3-5-ETS1-1
People’s needs and wants change over time, as do their demands for new and improved technologies.
Video
Coins are a type of money that we use to trade and exchange for goods and services today. Did you know that coins are made from natural resources? Watch this video to see how coins are made.
Video
Paper money is made from natural resources too! Watch this vide to see how paper money is made.
Activity
Think of the resources you have available to you. What kinds of materials can you use to create money or a good exchange system?
Gather some items from around your house that you think others will want to trade you for. Then ask your family how much they think the items are worth, and what they would trade you for those items.
Activity
Design your own money! Use paper and pencil and draw a picture that you would put on a coin or a dollar bill.
Then, think about what materials you would use to create your coins or dollar bills.
