All grades
Project
5 weeks
Lemonade Luncheon: Biz, Books, and Bucks!
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Purpose
Students will engage in an interactive and scaffolded learning experience by becoming entrepreneurs tasked with planning and operating a small business. The project is designed to be fun and differentiated, allowing students to explore economic principles through hands-on activities that cater to diverse learning styles. By applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills, students will develop a strong sense of identity and belonging as they contribute to a meaningful event honoring school staff. This experience empowers students to see the tangible impact of their efforts within their community.
Learning goals
Students will engage in interactive entrepreneurial activities, such as market research and product development, to understand supply and demand dynamics and effective pricing strategies. Differentiated learning opportunities will allow students to explore budgeting and financial literacy through hands-on workshops with community partners. The project will be scaffolded to support students in developing their academic mindset, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within their school community. Through fun and collaborative experiences, students will apply self-directed learning and critical thinking to refine their business strategies, ensuring meaningful participation and success for all.
Standards
- [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.7.6-8 - Analyze the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in a market economy.
- [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.5.K-2 - Identify prices of products in a local market.
- [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.2.6-8 - Evaluate alternative approaches or solutions to current economic issues in terms of benefits and costs for different groups and society as a whole.
Competencies
- Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
- Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Students will collaboratively develop a range of products, including a unique beverage or snack item, tailored to the preferences identified through market research, with options for customization to cater to diverse tastes. They will design and produce creative packaging that aligns with their brand identity and sustainability goals, incorporating interactive elements like QR codes for digital engagement. Additionally, students will create persuasive marketing materials such as flyers, posters, and video ads, using differentiated tasks to ensure all students can contribute creatively. The culmination of the project will be a successful sales event where students operate their stand, track sales, and manage transactions, followed by planning and executing a special luncheon using the profits earned, ensuring a fun and rewarding experience for all.
Launch
Kick off the project with a "Business Expo Day," featuring interactive stations where students engage in hands-on activities like product creation, marketing strategies, and budgeting exercises. Incorporate differentiation by offering varied tasks at each station, such as designing a logo, crafting a sales pitch, or calculating costs, allowing students to choose based on their interests and strengths. Invite local entrepreneurs to share their stories, providing real-world context and sparking inspiration for students' own business ventures. This engaging launch will foster excitement and creativity, encouraging students to start brainstorming and collaborating on their business ideas.
Exhibition
Students will host an engaging 'Lemonade Festival,' featuring interactive stations where guests can learn about the students' business processes, sample products, and participate in fun activities related to economics and entrepreneurship. Each station will offer differentiated experiences, ensuring all students can showcase their unique contributions and skills. The festival will include games, taste tests, and demonstrations, making it a lively and enjoyable event for the school community. The culmination will be a 'Community Appreciation Luncheon,' where students present their financial reflections and thank-you notes, celebrating their achievements with the school staff they honor.
Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
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| Activities |
Project Launch & Introduction
Activity (Deprecated)
Community Connection
Activity (Deprecated)
Exploration of Lemons
Activity (Deprecated)
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Market Research Introduction
Activity (Deprecated)
Survey Design
Activity (Deprecated)
Survey Distribution
Activity (Deprecated)
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Data Collection & Analysis
Activity (Deprecated)
Introduction to Budgeting
Activity (Deprecated)
Reflection Journal Setup
Activity (Deprecated)
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Budget Planning Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
Introduction to Product Development
Activity (Deprecated)
Peer Feedback Session
Activity (Deprecated)
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| Preparation | ||||
| Week 2 |
Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
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| Activities |
Market Research Analysis
Activity (Deprecated)
Historical Pricing Discussion
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Recipe Experimentation
Activity (Deprecated)
Peer Feedback Session
Activity (Deprecated)
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Packaging Design Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
Prototype Testing & Refinement
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Budget Creation & Pricing Strategy
Activity (Deprecated)
Entrepreneurship Mentorship Session
Activity (Deprecated)
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| Preparation | ||||
| Week 3 |
Day 9
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Day 10
|
Day 11
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Day 12
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
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| Activities |
Sales Data Analysis
Activity (Deprecated)
Price Point Experiment
Activity (Deprecated)
Reflection Journal Entry
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Budget Review & Adjustment
Activity (Deprecated)
Historical Pricing Connections
Activity (Deprecated)
Peer Feedback & Discussion
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Financial Literacy Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
Marketing Strategy Session
Activity (Deprecated)
Creative Marketing Design
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Prototype Testing
Activity (Deprecated)
Sales Pitch Practice
Activity (Deprecated)
Mid-Project Reflection
Activity (Deprecated)
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| Preparation | ||||
| Week 4 |
Day 13
|
Day 14
|
Day 15
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Day 16
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
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| Activities |
Sales Event Planning
Activity (Deprecated)
Advertisement Creation
Activity (Deprecated)
Peer Feedback and Revision
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Mock Sales Event
Activity (Deprecated)
Financial Literacy Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
Reflection Journal Entry
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Product Preparation
Activity (Deprecated)
Sales Data Collection Setup
Activity (Deprecated)
Community Partner Check-In
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Sales Event Execution
Activity (Deprecated)
Sales Data Analysis
Activity (Deprecated)
Reflection and Celebration
Activity (Deprecated)
|
| Preparation | ||||
| Week 5 |
Day 17
|
Day 18
|
Day 19
|
Day 20
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
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| Activities |
Final Sales Event Preparation
Activity (Deprecated)
Sales Stand Setup & Practice
Activity (Deprecated)
Peer Feedback & Reflection
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Sales Event Execution
Activity (Deprecated)
Data Recording & Analysis
Activity (Deprecated)
Sales Event Debrief
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Financial Summary & Luncheon Budgeting
Activity (Deprecated)
Creative Thank-You Note Writing
Activity (Deprecated)
Luncheon Planning Session
Activity (Deprecated)
|
Community Appreciation Luncheon
Activity (Deprecated)
Gallery Walk & Reflection
Activity (Deprecated)
Final Reflection & Celebration
Activity (Deprecated)
|
| Preparation | ||||