Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Lost in the Coin Vault"

Legendary Coins and Currency Homepage

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:55:25 GMT

This highly interactive online exhibition includes a game and timeline and allows students to rotate and zoom in on objects from the National Numismatic Collection for detailed examination. A glossary linked to the exhibition will help students learn challenging vocabulary. History, at times, gives certain objects special significance, and they become legendary. Unlike money that changes hands daily, legendary coins and currency are larger than life, and tell a unique history of the United States. Legendary Coins and Currency shows how major events in the nation's history have played a role in the evolution of America's money and determined how a select few pieces of currency have become important symbols of the American experience.

Be a Movie Director

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:44:17 GMT

In this interactive game, students develop research skills and explore the Museum's collections as they create a movie using images from an online image database. This interactive is included in the online exhibition entitled America on the Move, which focuses on transportation in US history.

Drive Through Time

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:02:02 GMT

In this interactive game, students use a virtual time machine to explore modes of transportation during four different eras and create a photo album of their trip using period photographs. This interactive is included in the online exhibition entitled America on the Move, which focuses on transportation in US history.

Where's Everyone Going?

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:29:19 GMT

In this interactive game, students explore the changes in America transportation over time as they match a variety of vehicles with their destinations and time periods. This interactive is included in the online exhibition entitled America on the Move, which focuses on transportation in US history.

Building a Sod House

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:22:07 GMT

In this interactive activity, students will attempt to build a sod house by making choices regarding the construction of their house. Too many wrong answers and the house will collapse! This engaging and lighthearted activity will help students understand the challenges settlers faced while trying to survive on the open prairie. OurStory is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

History Explorer Podcast: The Story of the Dollar

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:49:03 GMT

In this episode of the History Explorer podcast series, numismatics curator Karen Lee discusses the history and meaning of the dollar, including unusual items that have been used to represent the dollar in the U.S., and discusses the value of studying money. The teacher guide includes discussion questions and a link to the podcast.