Overview and Background

Lesson Plan and Activity

Research the history of currencies. How have they changed over the years? When did fiat currencies come into existence? One page response on the history of currencies.
Students will think about modern day currencies and create a list of the most and least effective designs. What are their criteria? One page response.

*Students can alternatively create a slides presentation that combines these two activities.

Students will ideate how to make a better currency using their criteria from the previous step. How might a currency be more accessible and secure in our modern economy?
Students will create sketches of their currency ideas and label accessibility and security features.
Students will create their prototype in Tinkercad. Students will be encouraged to get feedback on their designs from classmates.
Students will print their designs and present to the class and demonstrate to the class.
Students will vote on designs and based on rankings establish exchange rates.

Materials Needed

PLA/ ABS/ Nylon
MakerBot Replicator+, MakerBot Z18, MakerBot Method, MakerBot Mini+, MakerBot SKETCH, Ultimaker 3, Ultimaker S5
MakerBot Print/ Cura

Skills Learned

EDP
3D Design
Monetary Policy
Currency

Duration of Lesson

3 days in class with work at home time.

Preparation

The instructor will ensure that materials are available and that 3D printers are ready to be used (loaded with filament, calibrated build plate, etc.). The instructor will have computers available for students for research and design. Since this is a culminating activity and a Project Based Learning activity, students will be encouraged to work on their own while researching and designing. Research can be assigned as homework and students will collaborate using Google Docs or Microsoft Office Online). 3D Design may be done or at least started in the classroom to ensure all students are participating in the design.

Rubric and Assessment

References

tinkercad.com
https://medium.com/@constkogan/brief-history-and-evolution-of-currency-cbe3ef544022
https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/Hist/

Designing a Currency