Lesson plan based on Alexander Coin
Create "ancient" clay coins to predict weights and to determine the ratio of weight to value, physical properties, and how ancient coins compare to contemporary coins.
Skills and Focus: Studio, Measuring, Scientific Inquiry
Subject Area: Science
Thematic Connection: Money, Connecting Past and Present
Grade Level: Middle School
Time Needed: 90 minutes
Objectives
• Predict weights, estimate balances, and practice weighing items.
• Understand the ratio of weight to the value of ancient and modern coins.
• Use a balance instrument to collect data.
Instructional Materials Needed
Story: Coins in the Greek World
Self-hardening clay (different colors)
Scale accurate to 0.1 g
Balance
Coins: pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half—dollars, and dollars
Activity
Step 1: Distribute the chart. Then have students measure clay out in grams as indicated on the chart.
Step 2: Students should strike a set of coins in clay using two modern coins to create impressions on both sides, as seen in Coins in the Greek World.
Step 3: Have students weigh each of the modern coins and record its value and weight in the chart.
Step 4: Now have students arrange the coins twice, first according to weight, and then according to value.
Critical Thinking Ask students to
• explain the weight—to—value ratio of the ancient coins.
• describe how the two coin arrangements differ.
• conclude whether the modern coins have the same weight—to—value ratio as the ancient coins.
Step 5: Ask students to describe the physical properties of the coins. Their descriptions should include size, weight, color, shape, texture, and depicted images. Have students create a chart that compares the physical properties and monetary value of ancient coins and modern coins. Discuss the similarities and differences.
Step 6: Using the clay coins, have students predict which will weigh more–e.g., 5 obols or 4 diobols. Do the same with the modern coins. Using a balance, have students weigh the coins for accurate weights. Have students create a graph that records their predictions and findings.
Goals
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 11: Have a working knowledge of the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and solve problems.
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 13: Have a working knowledge of the relationships among science, technology, and society in historical and contemporary contexts.
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| obol | 1/6 drachma | 0.7g |
| diobol | 1/3 drachma | 1.4g |
| drachma | 4.1g | |
| didrachm | 2 drachmae | 8.2g |
| tetradrachm | 4 drachmae | 16.4g |
| penny | 1/100 dollar | |
| nickel | ||
| dime | ||
| quarter | ||
| half—dollar | ||
| dollar |
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