Not everyone can visit the Currency Museum in person, so we have developed easy-to-use programs that can be delivered right in your classroom. Our curriculum-based programs about currency and monetary policy are object-based and feature built-in team-building activities. Our extension programs can be used on their own or as preparation for a visit to the Currency Museum.
Be sure to keep checking back as we will be adding more educational materials in the months to come.
(grades 4 to 6)
This kit teaches students about the functions and characteristics of money by using examples of currencies used at different times throughout history. Students will learn that the fundamental principle underlying all currencies, be they shells or salt bricks or government-minted coins, is that people have confidence in their value. By looking at the money used by different civilizations we can better understand the money that we use today.
Program length: 1 hour
Bilingual materials included:
Download information on the What is Money? Educational Kit (164 KB)
To order: museum-musee@bankofcanada.ca
I learned so much about Canadian money, like how to identify fake money from real money and the difference between Canadian and other country’s money was interesting. Also it was cool to learn about all the different symbols, people and animals on our money.
— A. H., Grade 5
(grades 5 to 6)
Safe Money is a hands-on educational program about Canada’s bank notes—which actually arrives on your doorstep in a safe. It is fun, interactive, and designed to support curriculum outcomes in social studies, history, language arts, and visual arts. Students will work collaboratively on literacy and communication skills while delving into a subject that is highly relevant to the society that they inhabit.
Everything you need to offer Safe Money in your classroom is contained inside the safe. Little set-up is required. Only 40-60 minutes is required to teach the program (1-2 classroom periods).
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a pilot program currently available only in the Atlantic region (i.e., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador).
Do your economics students a favour. Take them to… Inflation Busters… a well organized and fun-filled game that brings together a lot of new curriculum. It is learning made interesting!
— High school Economics teacher
(for 12-60 students grades 9 to 12, CEGEPs, and community colleges)
We know what it’s like to hyper-inflate a balloon. But what is it like to hyper-inflate an economy? Why do prices rise over time—and is there really anything a Bank of Canada economist can do to have an impact on the process? The Inflation Busters DVD will lead your class through games, simulations, discussions, and group activities designed to teach students about monetary policy, inflation, deflation, and the role of the Bank of Canada. Developed with students, teachers, museum educators, and Bank of Canada economists, this program is the winner of a Canadian Museum Association Excellence in Programming Award.
Program length: 2 hours
Bilingual materials included:
Download information on Inflation Busters (372 KB)
To order: museum-musee@bankofcanada.ca
(grades 9 to 12)
This ready-made unit, designed for classroom delivery over two days, is ideal for responsible citizenship or civics courses as well as programs that help students develop workplace skills. The kit introduces high school students to counterfeiting as a crime, its impact on society, and the role students can play in reducing counterfeiting. They will learn to tell the difference between genuine and counterfeit bills. The teacher's multimedia kit includes lesson plans, presentations, a DVD, a quiz, and handouts. For more information, please call 1 888 513-8212.