Module 26
Welcome to Crypto
This module introduces students to cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and the decentralized systems that make digital assets possible.
Students compare crypto with traditional money, examine wallets, mining, gas fees, volatility, altcoins, and NFTs, then evaluate the risks and opportunities of crypto as an investment.
Module At A Glance
Grade Levels:
9th - 12th
Est. Length:
2-4 Hours (22 slides)
Activities:
4 Activites
Articles:
4 Articles
Languages:
English & Spanish
Curriculum Fit:
Math, Business, Economics, CTE, Social Studies
Standards Alignment:
CEE National Standards, Jump$tart National Standards & Relevant State Standards
Guiding Questions
- What is blockchain?
- How does blockchain help ensure data integrity and transparency?
- How is cryptocurrency different from traditional currency?
- Why do some investors see cryptocurrency as a long-term investment while others view it as speculative?
- What are NFTs, and how do they differ from cryptocurrencies in terms of fungibility and ownership?
- What key factors should an investor consider when evaluating a cryptocurrency or altcoin for investment?
Enduring Understandings
- Cryptocurrency is a decentralized digital asset designed as an alternative to traditional currencies, using blockchain technology for secure and transparent transactions.
- Blockchain creates a transparent and difficult-to-alter record of transactions, which helps build trust and security in decentralized systems.
- Cryptocurrency markets can be highly volatile, creating both opportunities and risks for investors.
- NFTs, decentralized finance, and virtual economies are changing how people think about ownership, transactions, and financial interaction online.
Module Vocab & Key Topics
- Blockchain
- A shared database that stores information in connected blocks to form a chronological chain of records.
- Cryptocurrency
- A digital form of money that allows direct transactions between people without relying on banks or government-issued currency.
- Fiat Currency
- Government-issued money, such as the U.S. dollar, that is not backed by a physical commodity like gold.
- Node
- A computer connected to a blockchain network that stores, verifies, or shares transaction data.
- Crypto Mining
- The process of validating blockchain transactions and creating new tokens by solving complex cryptographic problems.
- Digital Wallet
- A tool or device used to store, send, and receive cryptocurrency securely.
- Private Key
- A secure code that functions like a password for a digital wallet and is required to access the cryptocurrency inside it.
- Decentralization
- A system design where control and data are distributed across many participants instead of managed by one central authority.
- Gas Fee
- A network fee paid to verify a transaction on a blockchain, often changing based on transaction volume and demand.
- Volatility
- The degree to which a market price rises and falls over time, especially when those changes are rapid or unpredictable.
- Altcoin
- Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin, often built for a specific purpose, technology, or community.
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
- Financial tools and services built on blockchain networks that aim to operate without traditional banks or intermediaries.
- Smart Contract
- A blockchain-based program that can automatically carry out an agreement when its stated conditions are met.
- Non-Fungible Token (NFT)
- A unique digital asset recorded on a blockchain that represents ownership of an item such as art, music, collectibles, tickets, or virtual goods.
- Stablecoin
- A cryptocurrency designed to maintain a steadier value by tying its price to another asset, such as a fiat currency.
- Fungible
- Interchangeable with another unit of the same type and value, like one dollar being equal to another dollar.
