What Makes Something Useful as Money?
Explain what makes something useful as money.
Welcome to the new Federal Reserve Education website. Register an account and start saving favorite resources!
Back to All
New!
Lessons & Activities
46-60 min
Pieces of Paper
OVERVIEW
This lesson compares a simple barter economy with one that uses money to see how trade is affected. In a simulation activity, students see how much easier trade is with money.
Related Resources
VIDEO Q&A
0-15 MIN
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
46-60 MIN
Early Forms of Money
Introduce forms of money used by different cultures throughout history.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
46-60 MIN
My Money Workbook
Learn about money, money substitutes, and barter.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
46-60 MIN
Fiat Money & Cryptocurrency--What is Money?
Learn about the benefit of a common currency.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
Fifty Nifty Econ Cards
Use these vocabulary cards in your classroom to make economics and personal finance fun!
More in This Series
CURRICULUM UNITS
A Yen to Trade
Teach trade, comparative advantage, and barriers to trade with A Yen to Trade Curriculum Unit.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
1 HOUR+
Ringgits, Rupees, and Rials
Find the exchange rate for the currency of 24 countries.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
1 HOUR+
Let’s Make a Deal
Learn what conditions are necessary for two people to agree to a trade.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
46-60 MIN
The Tortoise and the Hare
Discover the benefits of specialization.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
46-60 MIN
Making Magic
Read a story to illustrate the benefits of trade.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
1 HOUR+
Tricks of the Trade
Investigate the balance between scarce resources and the benefits of trade.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
46-60 MIN
Trading Circles
Illustrate how the size of a trading area affects goods and resources.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
46-60 MIN
Trading Hurdles
Learn about natural and government-imposed trade barriers.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
46-60 MIN
The Road to Riches
Show how changes in transportation affect trade routes and partners.
LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
31-45 MIN
Trade Connections
Review basic ideas about international trade.
