1.  How much does it cost the U.S. government to make a penny?  How much does it cost to make a nickel?

2.  Why is it so expensive to make pennies and nickels?

3.  Aside from the cost of making pennies and nickels, what additional problem is the U.S. government facing with these coins?

4.  Describe the laws currently in place to prevent the export of pennies and nickels in large quantities.

5.  a) For what reasons are some groups opposed to the elimination of the penny?
b) Do you think that their reasons are valid enough to continue making pennies?  Explain your answer.

6.  Who makes official decisions about coins and currency?

7.  Do you think the penny should be eliminated?  Explain your answer.  (Ask a parent the same question.  Compare answers with other students.  Do teenage and adult opinions differ?  If so, why do you think this is so?)