Overview
Why does money have value? How did that—“printed pieces of paper”— become money? How can government policies affect the value of the dollar? In this segment John Stossel gives us a brief history of money—and a look ahead at what money could become.

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Economics
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• define gold standard, cryptocurrency, and inflation;
• discuss the purpose of money;
• explain the fundamental qualities of sound money; and
• assess the impact of the development of banking on improvements in living standards.

Key concepts and terms covered
Gold Standard, Cryptocurrency, and Inflation.

Sample discussion questions
• What did people do before money was developed? How did that affect economic development and trade?
• What or whom are you trusting when you accept a dollar bill as payment?
• Why might it be good for money to have a fixed value?
• Jack Weatherford says an accepted form of money creates mobility. How so? Why might a generally accepted form of currency be preferable to barter in creating economic mobility?
• What role does predictability play in making currency trustworthy?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 7-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.