Files

• Sample Proposal
• Template (Microsoft Publisher)
• Image Only (.png file of blank $20)

The Scenario:

Recently, the U. S. Treasury Department announced that our currency would be redesigned to incorporate women and people of color. The most debated - and anticipated change - is that Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Although the Treasury Department has released information on the currency redesigns, imagine this discussion is still in the works.

Your Task:

Students will select an individual from the historical period we have studied in class, 1865-1965, and submit a proposal for a new face on the $20 bill. In your proposal you must provide a thorough explanation of why this individual is important enough to memorialize in currency, including at least 2 significant achievements of the individual.

Students cannot select anyone who has already been represented on U. S. currency. All students must receive approval for who they select, and there can be no duplicates.

The Final Step:

You will present your written proposal and design (this includes an image of the new currency that you create) to the class. Your proposal should be persuasive and it should include a short biography of the individual. Finally, it should include an explanation of their significance for United States History.

Guiding Questions:

• Why should this bill be redesigned?
• What contributions did this individual make to United States history?
• Why should they be honored?

Rubric

• 0-15 points - The work is accurate and thoroughly researched. All information is cited correctly; research is drawn from reliable sources.
• 0-15 points - The individual made at least 2 valuable contributions to U. S. history.
• 0-15 points - All information in the proposal and presentation are justified logically and accurately.
• 0-10 points - The work shows evidence of effort and creativity; there are few grammatical or typographical errors.

Currently on circulating US Currency:

• $1 - George Washington
• $2 - Thomas Jefferson
• $5 - Abraham Lincoln
• $10 - Alexander Hamilton
• $20 - Andrew Jackson
• $50 - Ulysses Grant
• $100 - Benjamin Franklin