Lesson plan based on Alexander Coin
Analyze and compare imagery and symbolism in ancient Greek and contemporary U.S. coins.
Skills and Focus: Discussion, Cultural Comparisons, Hands-On
Subject Area: English Language Arts
Thematic Connection: Signs and Symbols, Myths and Legends, Connecting Past and Present
Grade Level: Secondary School
Time Needed: 50-90 minutes
Objectives
• Identify the kinds of images that were characteristic of the obverse (front) and reverse (back) sides of ancient Greek coins.
• Interpret, based on the information in and discussion of the story Coins in the Greek World, what these images represented in ancient Greek culture.
• Compare these images and what they represented to the images on contemporary U.S. coins.
• Discuss the iconography of both coins and possible reasons for the cross-cultural similarities.
• Research U.S. paper money to discover the meaning behind the symbols on each side of a bill.
Instructional Materials Needed
Story: Coins in the Greek World
Quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies for students to examine
Activity
Step 1: Watch the story Coins in the Greek World. Encourage students to take notes as they watch. Then, distribute the chart.
Step 2: Ask students to refer to their notes as they fill out the ancient Greek portion of the chart.
Step 3: Now ask students to look carefully at contemporary U.S. coins, and then fill out the second portion of the chart.
Step 4: After students have completed their charts, discuss the results.
Critical Thinking Ask students to
• explain why ancient Greek and contemporary U.S. coins are so similar in their design.
• identify how U.S. coins symbolize the nation.
Step 5: Have students use print and online resources to research the design of U.S. paper money. Students should research $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. Discuss their findings.
Critical Thinking Ask students to
• describe the similarities between coins and paper money.
• explain the meaning behind the various signs and symbols found on the different bills.
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| Front Image:
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| Represents:
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| Back Image:
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| Represents:
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| Front Image:
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| Represents:
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| Back Image:
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| Represents:
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