Objective

By the end of this lesson, Jax will understand the basics of how money is created, the role of the Federal Reserve in the economy, and the importance of currency in society. Jax will also create a mock currency project to reinforce these concepts.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook or blank paper for notes and sketches
• Pencil and colored pencils or markers for the project
• Access to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Monetary Museum
• Internet access for research (if needed)
• Basic understanding of currency and its role in everyday life

Activities

• Museum Tour

  Take a tour of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Monetary Museum to learn about the history of money, how it is made, and its significance in the economy.

• Currency Mock-Up Project

  After the museum visit, create your own currency! Design paper bills or coins, assign values to them, and think about why those values are important.

• Discussion and Reflection

  Discuss your findings from the museum and your thoughts on the importance of money in society with a family member or friend.

Talking Points

• "Money is like a tool that helps us trade things we have for things we want!"
• "Without money, people might have to trade items directly, which can be tricky. Imagine trading a toy for a snack!"
• "Banks are like safe houses for our money! They help us keep it safe and allow us to buy things when we need them."
• "Different countries have different types of money. Can you think of a type of money from another country?"
• "The Federal Reserve helps control how much money is in the economy. Too much money can cause prices to go up!"
• "Early U.S. currency looked very different from what we use today. What do you think it looked like?"
• "When you create your own currency, think about what makes it valuable. Is it the design or the materials?"
• "Learning about money helps us understand how to make smart choices with our own money in the future!"