Introduction
The Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, is a one-cent coin that was minted in the United States between 1909 and 1958. This iconic penny features the bust of Abraham Lincoln on its obverse and two wheat stalks on its reverse. Teaching students about the Wheat Penny provides an engaging opportunity to explore not only the history of currency but also the broader historical context of American society during the early-to-mid-20th century.
Objectives
1. Educate students about the history and significance of Wheat Pennies.
2. Provide hands-on experiences that allow students to interact with and examine Wheat Pennies up close.
3. Encourage discussions about the economic, political, and social changes that accompanied the era during which Wheat Pennies were minted.
Materials
1. A collection of Wheat Pennies (preferably spanning several years)
2. Magnifying glasses for examination
3. Reference books or online resources on Wheat Penny history
4. Whiteboard or blackboard for discussion prompts
Lesson Procedure
1. Introduction to Wheat Pennies (15 minutes)
Begin the lesson by providing a brief introduction to Wheat Pennies, addressing their historical context, design elements, and significance within American numismatic history. Encourage students to share any prior knowledge or experiences they have with collecting or handling Wheat Pennies.
2. Hands-on Exploration of Wheat Pennies (30 minutes)
Distribute a small handful of Wheat Pennies to each student or pair of students along with a magnifying glass. Encourage them to examine each coin closely, taking note of various design elements and any differences between coins from different years.
Guide students through important aspects of the coin’s design, such as:
– The bust of Abraham Lincoln
– The inscriptions (“In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” date)
– The V.D.B. initials (if present)
– The wheat stalks, denomination, and “One Cent” or “E Pluribus Unum”
Ask students to share their observations and discuss the story behind each design element.
3. Research and Discussion: The History of Wheat Pennies (30 minutes)
In groups or individually, have students research the history of Wheat Pennies using reference books or online resources. Encourage them to focus on specific events or changes that occurred during the years the coins were minted, including shifts in politics, society, and economic conditions.
Gather as a class and create a timeline on the whiteboard or blackboard, recording significant events discussed by students. Discuss how these events may have influenced American currency and the Wheat Penny in particular. Encourage inquiry into why the design of the Wheat Penny changed in 1959.
Conclusion
Conclude the lesson by summarizing key takeaways and reinforcing the connection between Wheat Pennies and the American history of that period. Invite students to continue studying numismatics and exploring different coins from various eras.
Through this hands-on lesson, students will not only learn about Wheat Pennies but also engage with a tangible piece of history, developing a better understanding of America’s past as a nation.
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The Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, is a one-cent coin that was minted in the United States between 1909 and 1958. This iconic penny features the bust of Abraham Lincoln on its obverse and two wheat stalks on its reverse. Teaching students about the Wheat Penny provides an engaging opportunity to explore not only the history of currency but also the broader historical context of American society during the early-to-mid-20th century.
Objectives
1. Educate students about the history and significance of Wheat Pennies.
2. Provide hands-on experiences that allow students to interact with and examine Wheat Pennies up close.
3. Encourage discussions about the economic, political, and social changes that accompanied the era during which Wheat Pennies were minted.
Materials
1. A collection of Wheat Pennies (preferably spanning several years)
2. Magnifying glasses for examination
3. Reference books or online resources on Wheat Penny history
4. Whiteboard or blackboard for discussion prompts
Lesson Procedure
1. Introduction to Wheat Pennies (15 minutes)
Begin the lesson by providing a brief introduction to Wheat Pennies, addressing their historical context, design elements, and significance within American numismatic history. Encourage students to share any prior knowledge or experiences they have with collecting or handling Wheat Pennies.
2. Hands-on Exploration of Wheat Pennies (30 minutes)
Distribute a small handful of Wheat Pennies to each student or pair of students along with a magnifying glass. Encourage them to examine each coin closely, taking note of various design elements and any differences between coins from different years.
Guide students through important aspects of the coin’s design, such as:
– The bust of Abraham Lincoln
– The inscriptions (“In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” date)
– The V.D.B. initials (if present)
– The wheat stalks, denomination, and “One Cent” or “E Pluribus Unum”
Ask students to share their observations and discuss the story behind each design element.
3. Research and Discussion: The History of Wheat Pennies (30 minutes)
In groups or individually, have students research the history of Wheat Pennies using reference books or online resources. Encourage them to focus on specific events or changes that occurred during the years the coins were minted, including shifts in politics, society, and economic conditions.
Gather as a class and create a timeline on the whiteboard or blackboard, recording significant events discussed by students. Discuss how these events may have influenced American currency and the Wheat Penny in particular. Encourage inquiry into why the design of the Wheat Penny changed in 1959.
Conclusion
Conclude the lesson by summarizing key takeaways and reinforcing the connection between Wheat Pennies and the American history of that period. Invite students to continue studying numismatics and exploring different coins from various eras.
Through this hands-on lesson, students will not only learn about Wheat Pennies but also engage with a tangible piece of history, developing a better understanding of America’s past as a nation.
The post appeared first on .