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The Secret Life of Money
We use it every day and it is one of the defining resources in our life. Most of us work to earn it, and our jobs occupy most of our waking hours. But what really is money? How is its value determined? How can mere slips of paper or coins, and in today’s high-tech world electronic blips, represent the wealth of a nation? The Secret Life of Money examines the life and history of money, from its humble origins as objects of barter to the sophisticated electronic money of today’s markets. The Secret Life of Money would be useful for classes on American History, World History, Economics, Political Science, Science and Technology, and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Part 1
Vocabulary
Discussion Questions
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We all recognize money when we see it, and use it as legal tender. But what is money? What makes it valuable?
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The barter system predates the system of paper and coin currency. What exactly is the barter system? How does it work?
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How and why does money confer power?
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Today, all nations use a standardized, common currency. How did this standardized system change the world? What were the problems of exchange before a standardized system?
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Discuss how coins have a history? What can you tell about a society by its coins?
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In wealthy societies such as our own, there is a leisure class. What is a leisure class? Why is wealth necessary for a society to have a leisure class?
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What are the origins of the word “money?”
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Discuss the importance of China in the trade routes of the Renaissance.
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Discuss the advantages of paper money.
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The Italian Renaissance is one of the greatest eras of art and culture. How did money fuel this Renaissance?
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When Spaniards came to the New World, they found Native Americans adorned with gold. Discuss the different concepts of gold between the two cultures.
Extended Activities
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Design a coin for the 21st century.
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On a world map, trace the trade routes of the Renaissance.
Air Dates
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