Shiny Penny Patrol

Did you ever think that cleaning pennies would be a fun (and educational) activity for your kids?

ADDED October 01, 2009

kids activities

Length: About 30 minutes.

Parental Involvement: Explain the idea, help cut the lemon, and supervise the pouring of water. Also, contribute dull pennies.

Kids Should Be Able to: Dunk pennies and observe change.

Some people don't think pennies are very valuable. They frown on pennies.

We disagree. We aren't frowners. And pennies are fine by us.

Pennies are very useful for kids and parents. Counting pennies can help kids learn their numbers. Kids can collect pennies from their parents' transactions and over time amass a sizable savings. Pennies can also be used as markers for games when you're in a pinch.

While we approve of pennies, there is a variety that is less approved: dirty, grungy pennies. Don't you think shiny pennies are much more pleasing?

Well, today we'd like your kids to help America's monetary system out a bit by cleaning some dirty pennies.

Here's what you'll need:

Some older, dull brown pennies.
A lemon.
A tupperware.

Have your kids squeeze some lemon juice into the tupperware. When they've got a good number of drops in there, fill the thing with water. Drop in the less-than-perfect pennies, making sure they're not stacked on top of each or overly clumped up.

After about five minutes, take the pennies out. (You can let them air dry on some paper towel for another five minutes, if you're so inclined.) You guys should now have some nice shiny pennies. As good as new!

If your kids want to be true scientists, you can do a comparison test. Clean some pennies with a lemon as described above, and clean some other pennies in a different tupperware that contains soap and water. Which is better at penny-cleaning, soap or lemon?

If you'd like to show us the results of your kids' efforts, we can email you an address to mail the pennies. We also would be happy for you to mail us dollar bills and credit cards.

Have fun with those newly sparkling pennies, people!