The lesson “Funny Money or Phony Money?” is a quality interactive lesson on money with activities that engages learners of all academic levels. Students are able to easily understand the importance of a standard monetary system and how to differentiate between authentic currency and counterfeit money.

Two forty-five minute class periods should be scheduled to complete this lesson. The discussion questions allow all students to provide input. Activity 1 is very easy, and intermediate teachers can adapt it to make the calculations more challenging for their students. The Activity 2 interactive lesson on the Internet call Phony Bologna - http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/popup.php?lesson_number=296&&flash_name=em296_counterfeitmoney.swf can be used as a whole group, partner or independent activity.

A problem exists with the suggested “Money Central Station” website in the teacher Resources section and Extension Activity section. When you click on “Money Central Station” address www.newsmoney.gov/newsmoney/learning/fun.htm, the message appears stating that the resource you are looking for could have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable. I found that the website http://www.newmoney.gov/education/default.htm does work. The website does have two great lessons - Interactive Video Quiz about the new $100 dollar bill and Design Your Own Bill interactive lesson. The site also has a link where the students can click on Tour the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and they can learn all about it. Also, students can spend more time navigating the site and learn more detailed information about redesigned currency on the following link: http://www.newmoney.gov/currency/interactive.htm.

Students will enjoy activities in this lesson and will love using the Internet to learn about money. I suggest you have a laptop cart or computer lab available to allow each student enough time to individually explore the interactive activities.