Lesson Plan

Mixing Coins

Main Subject Area: Mathematics

Duration of Lesson:  45 minutes

Keywords:

• Cent
• Coin Equivalents
• Dime
• Half Dollar
• Nickel
• Penny
• Quarter

Brief Description:

Students will explore mixed (different denomination) coin sets and will create different total amounts using what they learn.

National Standard(s):

• Number and Operations
• Communication
• Representation

Additional Subject Area Standard(s):

Objectives:

Students will learn to display coin equivalents with mixed coin sets.

Students will learn ways to make different numeric amounts using coins.

Materials (online):

Materials (offline):

Real or play coins: cents (pennies), nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollar for each group of students (or coin stamps)

Precut shapes (that relate to the story read in the lesson, “For Sale!”) with numeral values written on them (laminate these for durability)

Math Journals

Coins Used in Lesson:

Currently circulating cents (pennies), nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars

Grade Level(s):   K-2  

Procedures (online):

Procedures (offline):

1. Once students have been exposed to the basics of skip counting, introduce them to the idea of creating coin equivalencies using mixed sets of coins (not same coin type as in the lesson, “For Sale!”). Distribute real or play coins (of the denominations listed above) to each student, and have them show how to make a set amount by using different types of coins. Have your students start by creating ten cents using pennies and nickels.

2. Once students seem comfortable with this concept, divide students into working pairs or small groups, and give each group ten shapes and an assortment of real or play coins.

3. Have the student groups count out coins to match the numerical values on their shapes.

4. In their math journals, have the students copy the numerical value on each shape and underneath draw coins used to make the matching amount.

5. Repeat this activity the next day distributing different shape sets to different groups, but using the same procedure.

Assessment / Evaluation:

Students can be evaluated on their math journal entries. Students showing eighty percent accuracy are ready for the next lesson.

Differentiated Learning Options:

Create sets of shapes with larger or smaller amounts listed so as to meet the needs of all of the students.