Making Money

Research images and designs on paper money then print your own personalized paper money.

• 1.

  Research the images and designs on paper money. Find out what they mean, who the people are, and why they are recognized in this way.

• 2.

  Cut off the edges of a foam produce tray with Crayola® Scissors to make a printing plate.

• 3.

  Cut a piece of white paper the same size as the printing plate. Design a bill that commemorates your life in symbols and words. (This design will be used for printing, so the letters need to be in reverse. Draw with a Crayola black marker so you can see through the other side.)

• 4.

  Turn the paper over and trace the drawing with a colored pencil onto the produce tray. Remove the drawing and use the colored pencil to deepen and widen (or etch) lines in the foam plate.

• 5.

  Cover the work surface with recycled newspaper. Empty a small amount of Crayola Washable Finger Paint onto a paper plate. Roll a sponge brayer (foam roller) through the paint to get a thin, even layer.

• 6.

  Roll the finger paint onto the etched printing plate to cover it with a light paint layer. Keep the paint out of the etched lines.

• 7.

  Press a piece of white paper onto the paint-covered printing plate, rub the back with your hands, and lift the paper to reveal the print. Repeat as needed, with different colors or designs, after the paint dries.

• 8.

  Use a damp paper towel to clean the plate when done. Trim the bills to the size of money when dry.

Benefits

• Children study the images and designs on bills of different denominations, and research what they mean.
• Students identify other ways in which people and historical events are recognized.
• Students commemorate important happenings in their own histories by designing and printing their own bills.

Adaptations

• Expand the currency study to bills from several other countries. Consider exchange rates, history, and people honored on the bills.
• Make "campaign" posters, showing the money and explaining why the individual deserves to be honored in this way.
• Less experienced students, or those with motor disabilities, could draw their currency with Crayola Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers.