Making Money
Research images and designs on paper money then print your own personalized paper money.
1. Research the images and designs on paper money. Find out what they mean, who the people are, and why they are recognized in this way.
2. Cut off the edges of a foam produce tray with Crayola® Scissors to make a printing plate.
3. Cut a piece of white paper the same size as the printing plate. Design a bill that commemorates your life in symbols and words. (This design will be used for printing, so the letters need to be in reverse. Draw with a Crayola black marker so you can see through the other side.)
4. Turn the paper over and trace the drawing with a colored pencil onto the produce tray. Remove the drawing and use the colored pencil to deepen and widen (or etch) lines in the foam plate.
5. Cover the work surface with recycled newspaper. Empty a small amount of Crayola Washable Finger Paint onto a paper plate. Roll a sponge brayer (foam roller) through the paint to get a thin, even layer.
6. Roll the finger paint onto the etched printing plate to cover it with a light paint layer. Keep the paint out of the etched lines.
7. Press a piece of white paper onto the paint-covered printing plate, rub the back with your hands, and lift the paper to reveal the print. Repeat as needed, with different colors or designs, after the paint dries.
8. Use a damp paper towel to clean the plate when done. Trim the bills to the size of money when dry.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
Recycled Foam Produce Trays—Wash in hot, soapy water. No meat or poultry trays should be used.
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.
- Expand the currency study to bills from several other countries. Consider exchange rates, history, and people honored on the bills.
- Make "campaign" posters, showing the money and explaining why the individual deserves to be honored in this way.
- Less experienced students, or those with motor disabilities, could draw their currency with Crayola Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers.
Kindness Castle
Abstract Animals
On a Roll With Digraphs
