Lessons That Make Cents: August 2018
Explore Cumberland Island National Seashore
At the end of August, the United States Mint will release the latest coin in its America the Beautiful Quarters® Program: the Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter.
Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia was established in 1972 to maintain the primitive, undeveloped character of one of the largest and most ecologically diverse barrier islands on the Atlantic Coast. There are almost 18 miles of pristine beach open to the public for recreational activities like swimming and walking. The island is also known to have one of the largest oak maritime forests remaining in the U.S., providing an unparalleled visitor experience.
Teach your students about the natural beauty and history of Cumberland Island with two new, free lesson plans from the U.S. Mint.
Coin of the Month
Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter
In 2010, the U.S. Mint began issuing 56 quarter-dollar coins featuring designs depicting national parks and other national sites as part of its America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. The Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter is the 44th coin in the program.
Fast Facts:
- The coin’s reverse design depicts a snowy egret posing on a branch, ready for flight, on the edge of a salt marsh.
- The coin’s reverse inscriptions are “CUMBERLAND ISLAND,” “GEORGIA,” “2018,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
- The coin was sculpted by Don Everhart and designed by Donna Weaver.
Cumberland Island Lesson Plans
Teach your students about the animals, natural resources, and history of Cumberland Island with the following lesson plans:
Let’s Explore the Seashore (Grades 2-3)
Starting with the Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter, students will identify animals living on Cumberland Island. Students will use reading skills and write a friendly letter to display and deepen their understanding.
Land, Sea, and History (Grades 4-6)
Starting with the Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter, students will learn about Cumberland Island and how it has changed over time.
Word Search
Test your search skills with a brand-new word search based on the Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter! Make sure to check out all the other hands-on activities on the Games page.
Coin Memory Match
Think you know all about the America the Beautiful Quarters? Test your memory with the Mint’s Memory Match Game! This fun and educational game features the America the Beautiful Quarters.
Creating the Coin
Watch this video to learn how Don Everhart created the Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter.
Upcoming Events
Voyageurs National Park Quarter Launch
Thursday, August 30 | Kingsland, Georgia
Commemorating the release of the Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter. View the events page for more information.