Unit 2
What is Money?
This unit will explore the origins of money, the different denominations of the Euro and their value.
Aim
Learners will develop their understanding of why we use money; they will understand the significance and “value” of money.
Objectives
- 2.1 The learner will understand the origins of money
- 2.2 The learner will recognise various denominations of the Euro and their values
- 2.3 The learner will be able to sum money to differing amounts
- 2.4 The leaner will understand and recognise different currencies
Facilitator Resources
Storyboards
Samples of different denominations – print Euro samples here
IT Resources
Comic Strip Storyboard
Interactive money recognition activity
Interactive map to identify different currencies
Understand the origins of money
This is a comic strip depicting the “History of Money”. It is an illustration of the various items used to trade before “money” became common place.
Encourage a group discussion around “What Money Is”, where it came from and why we use it. Ask the group to navigate their way to Activity 2.1.
An Interactive activity: Click on each of the four comic strip panels below. Audio pieces will tell the story.
Ask the group to relay to you what they see in the comic strip to ensure understanding.
Recognise various denominations of monies and their values
Print examples of each note and coin of the Euro, If possible, bring a real example of each Euro coin and note to show to the group. Click here to print Euro samples
Show the group the examples of each denomination, stating what value each is.
Explain to the group that each coin/note has a different value and is worth more or less than another. Go through each denomination for a few minutes until you feel the group is beginning to understand the differences.
Ask the group to navigate their way to Activity 2.2.1. This game is an activity in coin/note recognition. Ask the group to click on the various coins and notes, an audio will state the value of each.
Sum money to various amounts
Ask the group to navigate their way to Activity 2.3 – invite the group to play with the simulated vending machine where they will select various items they wish to “purchase” and will have to select the correct coins in order to “retrieve” the item.
Understand and recognise different currencies
Ask the group to name the currency used in Ireland. Explore with the group if they know of any other countries that use Euro i.e. in the Europe. This should generate some discussion.
Ask the group to identify any countries they know of that do not use the Euro. Ask the group if they know the name of the currency used in any identified countries.
Highlight to the group that there are some countries in the Europe that do not use the euro i.e. United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Czech Rep, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Norway.
Ask the group to navigate their way to Activity 2.4.This activity is a map of the World and a selection of flags from different countries. Ask the learner to click on the different flags, an audio will tell the learner which country it relates to and the currency they use.
A picture of £ and $ symbols can be clicked on to activate an audio telling the learner what they represent.
Ask the group if they know where they can get money if they are going on holidays to a country that does not use the Euro. Establish if they know what a Bureau de Change is. Explain to the group what the function of a Bureau de Change is and where they will find one.
Advise the group to always use a reputable place to exchange their money.