Objective

By the end of this lesson, Jax will understand the basics of how money is created and used in an economy, the role of the Federal Reserve, and the historical context of currency in the United States. Jax will also engage in creative thinking by designing a personal currency.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pencil for taking notes during the museum visit
• Art supplies (colored paper, markers, scissors, glue) for the currency project
• Access to the internet for research on currency types and history
• Basic understanding of the Federal Reserve and its purpose (a brief overview can be provided before the visit)

Activities

• Museum Tour: Take a guided tour of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Monetary Museum. Jax will learn about the history of money, how it is made, and the role of the Federal Reserve in managing the economy.

• Currency Creation Project: After the museum visit, Jax will create a mock-up of his own currency. He will design paper bills or coins, assign values to them, and write a short explanation of why those values are important in an economy.

• Critical Thinking Discussion: Engage in a discussion about the importance of money in society. Jax will answer the critical thinking questions provided and share his thoughts on the role of banks and currency.

Talking Points

• "Money is like a tool that helps us buy things we need and want. Can you think of something you would like to buy?"
• "If there was no money, people would have to trade things directly. What do you think would be hard about that?"
• "Banks are places where people keep their money safe. They also help us borrow money when we need to buy something big, like a house or a car. Why do you think that’s important?"
• "Did you know that different countries have different types of money? What kind of money do you think is the coolest?"
• "The Federal Reserve is like the 'boss' of all the banks in the U.S. They help keep our money safe and make sure prices stay stable. How do you think they do that?"
• "Looking at old money is like a time machine! What do you notice about how it looks compared to our money today?"
• "When you create your own money, think about what makes it valuable. Is it the design, the numbers, or something else?"
• "Learning about money helps us understand how to make good choices with our own money in the future. What kind of choices do you think are important?"