Livre's
Worth Lesson Plan
| Grades: |
3 - 6 |
| Subjects: |
Social Studies and Math |
| Concepts: |
Barter Economy |
| Can Use With: |
Voices and Choices: Ambroise Moreau |
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, students will be able to:
- Describe how the barter economy of colonial Illinois
worked
- Understand the livre as a measure of relative value
- Use their math skills in a real-life situation
(To see overall
Social Studies Learning Objectives click here)
Activity
Students are given a choice of 8 household objects that they can
choose from. These objects were listed in the estate inventory of
Marie Catherine Baron in 1748.
Each object represents a mathematical word problem. Students are
given the value in livres of the object and the value in livres of
an agricultural product they can trade for this object. Students
must compute how much of the agricultural product they would need
to trade for this object. For example if a student chooses the
armchair which equals 12 livres they must determine how many pounds
of flour they will need to trade for the armchair if 12 pounds of
flour equals 3 livres. The correct answer is 48 pounds.
Students enter their answer on the computer. Students can try
again until they get the correct answer. When they get the correct
answer the computer shows the object next to the amount of the
agricultural product.
Procedure
Assign this activity to partners or as an individual assignment.
This activity can compliment a math class or social studies class.
Going Deeper
Use this activity in conjunction with the story of Ambroise Moreau
to help students understand how a barter economy works, as well as
to discuss the theme of scarcity and surplus. Bring up the
following questions:
- What household items had the highest value for the French?
- Which items of produce were valued the most?
- Which animal skins had the most value?
Ask students for their opinion as to why certain these items had
the most value.
© Illinois State Museum
31-Dec-96
