RIP (Really Important Penny): A Satire Writing & Mock Memorial Activity (Gr.6-8)
RIP (Really Important Penny): A Satire Writing & Mock Memorial Activity (Gr.6-8)
RIP (Really Important Penny) is a satire-based writing and discussion activity that invites middle school students to examine how societies respond to change through humor, symbolism, and public ritual. Using nonfiction articles, historical context, and structured reflection, students write a mock obituary or eulogy for the U.S. penny while balancing factual accuracy with thoughtful commentary.
Students explore the penny’s history, production costs, cultural meaning, and gradual phase-out before crafting a farewell that blends personification, irony, and reflection. The lesson may be completed as a reading-and-writing activity or extended into a mock memorial experience using a student-fillable memorial program and optional presentations.
This resource integrates ELA, history, economics, and media literacy while encouraging students to analyze tone, author’s intent, and the symbolic versus practical value of everyday objects.
What’s Included:
- Satire writing activity (mock obituary or eulogy for the U.S. penny)
- Nonfiction news articles on the history, cost, and end of the penny
- Historical and economic context for penny production and decline
- Student-fillable mock memorial program
- Presentation reading cards (optional use)
- Discussion questions and written response prompts
- Assessment tools: analytic rubric, checkbox rubric, and presentation rubric
- Teacher overview, lesson flow, differentiation, and tone guidance
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Infographic: The Life & Legacy of the U.S. Penny
Skills Addressed:
- Satire, irony, and personification
- Informational text analysis
- Evidence-based writing
- Tone and audience awareness
- Discussion and presentation skills
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