Count on the Euro

crayola supplies

Erasable Colored Pencils
Twistables®
Pointed Tip Scissors

household supplies

ruler
recycled file folders

Why?

Create a changeable currency conversion chart. With Crayola® Erasables, exchange rates can be easily updated!

Steps

1. What’s a Euro? On January 1, 1999, 12 nations in Europe began to use a new currency called the Euro. Since then, other nations have become part of the European Union. Most, but not all, member countries have adopted the Euro. Find out which countries use the Euro.
2. Identify countries. Choose several other countries, perhaps your own, that use a different currency. Find out the names of countries that are part of your heritage, or your classmates’ families’ heritages. If you were to travel there today, how much would the Euro be worth? Here’s one way to make an easy-to-update chart showing current exchange rates.
3. Make a chart. Cut a file folder with Crayola Scissors for your chart. With Crayola Twistables, draw the Euro symbol (a large yellow E made with an equal sign and 12 stars around it). Draft spokes coming out from this hub for each country that you are comparing with the Euro. On each line, fill in the country’s currency name and its flag.
4. Check exchange rates. With Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils, fill in today’s value of each country’s currency relative to one Euro. Once a week, check exchange rates and update your diagram simply by erasing.

adaptations

Compare the prices of common items, such as a loaf of bread or liter of gasoline, in the chosen countries.

Debate the statement: Countries lost a part of their national identity with the introduction of the Euro.

Find out why some European countries do not use the Euro. Economically, how does it strengthen or weaken the countries involved?

Study the history of the European Union from Winston Churchill’s first call for a united nation until now.

Assessment: Verify accuracy of information and regular updates.

benefits

Students learn about the history of the Euro and gain an understanding of the countries involved in the European Union.

Students identify countries of heritage for themselves and/or classmates.

Students make a changeable currency conversion chart and update it weekly.

grades

Grades 4 to 6
Grades 7 to 12

subjects

Math
Social Studies
Visual Arts

time

30 to 60 minutes
Multiple Sessions

curriculum standards links

US: Research U.S. Standards
UK: Research UK Standards
Canada: Research Canada Standards

safety guidelines

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.