Virginia SOL 2.13.c
The Standard
distinguishing between the use of barter and the use of money in the exchange for goods and services and describing how money makes trading easier than barter
Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students decide whether an exchange uses barter or money. They explain why money allows people to buy goods and services without finding someone who wants a direct trade.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly label examples as barter or money exchanges. They explain that money has an agreed value and can be used with many sellers.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think barter means getting something free. They may call any exchange a purchase, even when no money is used. Some think both people must trade items of equal size.
How to Assess It
- Give students two scenarios: trading a book for a puzzle and paying $3 for a snack. Ask them to label each exchange and explain which is easier and why.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs item cards, let them barter for a needed item, then repeat using play coins and compare the results.
Ask students to write: Why might a baker refuse to trade bread for a toy, but accept money?
Play Barter or Money by reading exchange cards while students hold up a B card or M card.
Set up a pretend farmers market where students buy produce cards with play money, then discuss why sellers accept the same money.
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Printable 2.13.c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 2.13.c, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- CE.13.e
explaining the role of government currency and analyzing the purpose of a money economy;
- WG.11.d
explaining important economic characteristics, including the distribution of economic activities and global trade.
- 1.8.c
describing ways people work to earn and save money to purchase goods and services
- K.8.a
describing ways people work to earn and save money to buy the things they need and want; and
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