On the spot of the first permanent settlement in the "new world," Jamestown, Virginia, the United States Mint celebrated the launch of the Virginia quarter in great style. The ceremony, held on October 16, 2000, marked the release of the release of the tenth state's quarter to be celebrated as a part of the 50 State Quarters® Program, and the final state to be celebrated in the year 2000.
Teachers, below you will find several activities and links that will bring the excitement of Virginia's "State Quarter Day" into your classroom.
Virginia Quarter
Learn more about the latest quarter and the important settlement that inspired it.
50 State Quarters Program
Find out more about this program that honors every state in America!
50 State Quarters Program Lesson Plans
The 50 State Quarters Program lesson plans are now available on the H.I.P. Pocket Change™ Web site for use in your classroom! Check out these exciting plans that are FREE to download, and are available in sets designed specifically for grades K–1, 2–3, and 4–6.
State Quarter Day Classroom Activities
Here are some fun ways to infuse your curriculum with activities that celebrate the arrival of the newest quarter in circulation!
Also, take a trip to Get a Clue About Collecting to Find the Hidden Coins that are a part of the 50 State Quarters Program.
Connected Coins and Medals
Many of our country's most famous individuals were either born or made their home in the beautiful state of Virginia. Look at that nickel in your pocket and you'll see former president, Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Read on to learn about some of the other important individuals who spent much of their lives in this state:
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To celebrate the life of our country's first president, Virginia-born George Washington, in 1999 the United States Mint developed a special coin. Read a bit about the George Washington Five Dollar Commemorative coin and see why this coin took so long to actually come into existence! |
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You have to be pretty special to be selected to appear on one of the United States Mint's commemorative, and native Virginian, Booker T. Washington is no exception to that rule. Take a peek at the Booker T. Washington Memorial Half Dollar to see why this man was so exceptional that he became the first African-American to be featured on an American coin and then try out the Teacher Feature, Notable American Citizens, with your students. |
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Our Foreign Friends
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The coins produced for the 50 State Quarters Program share much in common with the European currency, the euro. With your students, visit the interactive cartoon, Coins of the World, to see how these two programs are similar (here's a hint: look at the backs of euros from different countries, and then look at their fronts). |
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Quarter Games
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Here's a challenge for your students! Put all the pieces of the Virginia quarter back together—in three minutes or less! |
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Are your students budding artists? Let them try their hands at painting the Virginia quarter. Give each ship a different colored sail...let your imagination run wild! |
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Here's a word search all about quarters and other coins. Can your students find all the words on each list? |
A Coinage Cartoon
Teachers' Network
Teachers, if we've piqued your interest with the activities above, please sign up for the Teachers' Network. As a member, you can receive information about all of the new educational resources that become available from the United States Mint!