Entrepreneurial Justice: Creators Solve Real Problems!

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Entrepreneurial Justice: Creators Solve Real Problems!

TRECHA KENNEDY

Purpose

Students will engage in a project that bridges entrepreneurship with community safety, focusing on identifying real-world problems related to law enforcement and proposing innovative solutions. Through collaboration with local law enforcement and their CTE law teacher, students will analyze community needs, brainstorm sustainable strategies, and develop actionable plans to enhance community relations and safety. This hands-on experience will foster critical thinking, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving skills, empowering students to make a tangible impact on their community.

Learning goals

Students will develop entrepreneurial skills by identifying real-world community safety challenges in collaboration with local law enforcement. They will engage in research, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving to propose innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance community relations. Throughout the project, students will refine their communication and collaboration skills by working closely with law enforcement professionals and presenting their solutions to stakeholders.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-1: Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and propose innovative solutions to enhance community relations with law enforcement, culminating in a presentation to local stakeholders. They will develop a detailed action plan that includes sustainable strategies for implementation, supported by research and feedback from law enforcement professionals. Throughout the project, students will create prototypes or models of their proposed solutions, showcasing their entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, students will document their process and reflections in a digital portfolio, highlighting their engagement with real-world challenges and collaboration with community partners.

Launch

Kick off the project with a community forum where students, local law enforcement, and community members discuss current challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Students will gather insights and identify key issues that need addressing. Following the forum, students will brainstorm potential solutions in small groups, using design thinking principles to focus on innovative and sustainable approaches. This launch will set the stage for students to develop entrepreneurial strategies that align with community needs and foster positive relations with law enforcement.

Exhibition

Students will organize a Community Safety Innovation Expo, inviting local law enforcement, community leaders, and peers to explore their proposed solutions. Each team will present their project through interactive displays, demonstrations, and digital presentations that highlight their research, design process, and anticipated impact. Attendees will engage in Q&A sessions and provide feedback, fostering dialogue between students and community stakeholders. This event will culminate in a collaborative workshop where students and law enforcement discuss actionable steps to implement the most promising ideas.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Community Forum Launch - Students participate in a community forum with local law enforcement and community members to discuss current challenges and opportunities for collaboration (45 min)	Insights Gathering - Students synthesize insights from the forum, identifying key issues related to community safety and law enforcement relations (20 min) Design Thinking Brainstorm - In small groups, students use design thinking principles to brainstorm innovative and sustainable solutions for identified issues (25 min)	Research Workshop - Students conduct research on the identified issues, focusing on existing solutions and innovations in community safety (25 min) Problem Statement Development - Students draft clear problem statements based on their research findings, outlining the scope of their project (20 min)	Solution Ideation - Students refine their brainstormed ideas into viable solutions, considering feasibility and sustainability (20 min) Feedback Session - Students share initial ideas with peers and receive constructive feedback to improve their solutions (25 min)	Prototype Planning - Students plan prototypes or models of their proposed solutions, detailing materials and processes needed (20 min) Action Plan Development - Students draft action plans that outline steps for implementation, incorporating research and feedback (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Community Forum Notes 2. Initial Solution Proposals 3. Digital Portfolio Compilation
Preparation	1. Organize logistics for the community forum, including venue, invitations, and seating arrangements. 2. Prepare materials for brainstorming sessions such as large paper, markers, sticky notes, and design thinking guides. 3. Arrange access to research resources such as library databases, internet access, and relevant articles. 4. Set up digital portfolio platforms for students to document their process and reflections. 5. Coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure their availability for feedback sessions.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Solution Refinement - Students iterate on their proposed solutions, focusing on enhancing feasibility and sustainability based on feedback received (25 min) Peer Review - Students engage in structured peer reviews, providing and receiving targeted feedback to further refine their solutions (20 min)	Prototype Development - Students begin creating physical or digital prototypes of their solutions, utilizing available materials and tools (30 min) Prototype Testing Plan - Students devise a testing plan to evaluate the effectiveness of their prototypes, outlining criteria and methods for assessment (15 min)	Prototype Testing - Students conduct initial tests on their prototypes, collecting data on performance and areas for improvement (25 min) Data Analysis - Students analyze the testing data to identify strengths and weaknesses in their prototypes, preparing for iteration (20 min)	Prototype Iteration - Students refine their prototypes based on testing data, making necessary modifications to improve functionality (25 min) Consultation Session - Students meet with local law enforcement or community mentors to discuss their prototypes and gather expert insights (20 min)	Final Refinements - Students apply final adjustments to their prototypes, ensuring readiness for presentation and implementation (20 min) Presentation Preparation - Students prepare presentation materials to effectively communicate their solutions and prototypes to stakeholders (25 min)
Deliverables	1. A comprehensive field research report detailing observations and insights from visits. 2. A set of interview summaries capturing key points and perspectives from stakeholders. 3. A refined problem statement for each group, clearly articulating the identified challenge. 4. A list of at least three potential solutions for each problem statement, with a brief description of their feasibility.
Preparation	1. Schedule visits to local law enforcement offices and community centers, ensuring necessary permissions and logistical arrangements are in place. 2. Prepare interview guides and consent forms for stakeholder interviews, including questions tailored to different roles. 3. Organize materials for brainstorming sessions, such as large paper, markers, and sticky notes for mind mapping. 4. Provide templates for writing problem statements and solution feasibility analysis.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Prototype Development - Students begin constructing prototypes or models of their proposed solutions, utilizing their planned materials and processes (45 min)	Prototype Testing - Students conduct tests on their prototypes, assessing functionality and sustainability, and documenting observations (25 min) Feedback Integration - Students refine their prototypes based on test results and peer feedback, making necessary adjustments (20 min)	Research Review - Students revisit research findings to ensure alignment with their refined solutions, updating their action plans accordingly (20 min) Solution Presentation Preparation - Students start designing presentations that effectively communicate their solutions and anticipated impact (25 min)	Presentation Rehearsal - Students practice presenting their solutions, focusing on clear communication and engaging storytelling techniques (25 min) Peer Review Session - Students present to classmates for additional feedback, refining their presentations based on peer insights (20 min)	Final Presentation Refinement - Students make final adjustments to their presentations, ensuring clarity and alignment with project goals (20 min) Digital Portfolio Compilation - Students begin compiling their process documentation, reflections, and final solution details into a digital portfolio (25 min)
Deliverables	1. A refined prototype or model of their proposed solution, demonstrating the iterative design process. 2. A detailed research summary supporting their solution, including data and evidence gathered during the week.
Preparation	1. Gather prototyping materials such as cardboard, markers, 3D printing resources, or digital design software. 2. Arrange a schedule for peer feedback sessions and ensure a collaborative environment for constructive critique. 3. Prepare guidelines for documenting the design process, including prompts for reflection and analysis. 4. Ensure access to research resources such as online databases, library materials, and community contacts for gathering additional data.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Presentation Rehearsal - Students practice and refine their presentations, ensuring clarity and engagement while incorporating feedback from peers and mentors (25 min) Digital Portfolio Finalization - Students finalize their digital portfolios, ensuring all documentation, reflections, and solution details are accurately captured (20 min)	Community Safety Innovation Expo Setup - Students organize and prepare their exhibition spaces, ensuring all materials and displays are ready for the event (20 min) Expo Presentation Practice - Students conduct a final run-through of their presentations at their expo stations, focusing on engaging with attendees (25 min)	Community Safety Innovation Expo - Students present their solutions to local law enforcement, community leaders, and peers, engaging in discussions and Q&A sessions (45 min)	Feedback Reflection - Students gather and reflect on feedback received during the expo, identifying key takeaways and areas for further development (25 min) Actionable Steps Workshop - Students and law enforcement partners collaborate to outline potential next steps for implementing selected solutions (20 min)	Project Reflection - Students write a reflective piece on their learning journey, focusing on skills developed and insights gained throughout the project (20 min) Celebratory Closure - Students share their reflections with peers and mentors in a celebratory session, acknowledging achievements and contributions (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Final Prototype or Model: A well-tested and refined version of the proposed solution, ready for presentation. 2. Comprehensive Presentation: A digital presentation that includes research, prototype details, and an action plan. 3. Interactive Display and Demonstration: An engaging exhibit setup for the Community Safety Innovation Expo. 4. Digital Portfolio Reflection: A documented reflection of the project process, learnings, and feedback received.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for final prototyping, including any specific tools or resources needed for refinement. 2. Arrange for technology resources such as computers, projectors, and presentation software for the expo. 3. Coordinate with local law enforcement and community leaders to confirm attendance at the expo. 4. Prepare the venue for the Community Safety Innovation Expo, including setting up tables, chairs, and signage. 5. Provide students with access to feedback forms and reflection prompts for their digital portfolios.