TITLE: Money Pit AUTHOR: Linda Leveridge, Skiatook, OK GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT: 6; Intermediate; Social Studies; OVERVIEW: Many students do not understand the meaning of the word culture neither are they aware of the roll other cultures play in the American culture. PURPOSE: The purpose of this activity used during our study of ancient civilization, is to facilitate the thinking skills needed to understand our current cultural background. OBJECTIVE(s): 1. List ten (10) aspects of our culture found on a penny that will lead to the discovery of some significant people, places, and things in this country's culture. 2. Research one item (people, place, or thing) of our culture, and show how it reflects the culture of other countries. RESOURCES/MATERIALS: 1. Book they use in class 2. World book 3. Historical atlas ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES: 1. Students will dig in their pit for 5 minutes to find their object to be evaluated. 2. Students will examine their object and make a list of 10 items that reflect its culture. 3. Share students list and brainstorm TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: 1. Have students take list home and see if parents and or guardians can add to it. 2. Design a graded activity based on the two objectives. 3. Use this activity to introduce the first chapter on Egyptian history. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES: Supplement to the Money Pit Questions for brainstorming, discussion and/or evaluation: The Penny Itself: 1. The alloying of copper for use as a coin: is this still the bronze age? 2. Is it a given quantity of a precious metal therefore having real value as with gold or silver coins? 3. How was it made: a. Cast or die struck? b. Who or what artist designed this coin? c. Handmade or machine made? 4. When was it made? 5. Can you tell where it was made: a. In what country? b. Where in that country? 6. Can you tell what kind of monetary system was employed? 7. Can you tell who may have designed this coin? What Diversity of Cultural History is Reflected by This Coin? 1. Emulation of Roman architecture evidenced by design of memorial building. 2. Emulation of Roman ethics in government evidenced by "E Pluribus Unum". 3. Evidence of religious foundations in country's history. "In God We Trust". 4. Evidence of early historic division and subsequent uniting of states. 5. Evidence of governmental principles and practice of "Liberty". 6. Who was the individual pictured on the coin and what was his contribution to the society that produced the coin? a. Leader - political, military, religious b. Diety 7. Is there a discernible relationship between the man pictured on the coin and the other elements noted on the coin? a. To the building? b. To the slogans? c. To the nations? d. To the monetary system? 8. Can one tell if his mode of grooming and dress was typical of 1977 or of another era? 9. Can we determine how long the U.S.A. existed prior to the minting of this coin? 10. Can you tell how many states made up the United States? 11. Can you tell the function of the building shown? a. Temple b. Shrine or memorial c. Government building 12. What was the language of the people of that time? COMMENTS TO THE MONEY PIT MAN 1. Probably not a diety. Nothing elaborate or ceremonial in his dress. No crown, ornaments, jewelry, etc. 2. Probably not a military leader. No uniform, armor, weapons, etc. 3. Are the initials VDB on the Man's shoulder his initials or those of the artist that designed the coin? 4. Why would the work "Liberty" be associated in the design next to the man? BUILDING 1. Could the number of columns be representational or symbolic? 2. Why is there a large statue in the building? a. Temple b. Shrine c. Memorial 3. "E Pluribus Unum" associated with building possible connection to building being supported by many columns rather than walls. If in 2829 there is any familiarity with "early" languages of N.A. "cent" is a tip off to a metric system with money. "Cent" being a Latin prefix for 100.
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