High School Grade  Project 6 weeks

Lather 'n' Launch: Soap Selling Spectacle

Elias D
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Content Expertise
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Purpose

Students will embark on a journey to create and market their own soap brand, merging chemistry and communication skills. They will connect with a local goat's milk soapmaker to gain industry insights, fostering community relationships. By collaborating to craft unique soap bars, developing brand statements, and detailing their ingredients, students will engage in authentic problem-solving and critical thinking. The project will culminate in an open house exhibition, where students will present their creations, demonstrating their learning and communication abilities. This immersive experience will cultivate essential competencies and allow students to proudly showcase meaningful work.

Learning goals

Students will explore the chemical processes involved in soap making, applying principles of chemistry to create their own soap product. They will collaborate with a local expert to understand the intricacies of sustainable and effective soap production. Through developing a brand statement and marketing plan, students will enhance their communication skills by presenting their products and processes during a school exhibition. This project will encourage critical thinking as students navigate challenges in product development and community-relevant marketing strategies, integrating real-world applications of both scientific and language arts content.
Competencies
  • 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.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.

Products

Students will craft a line of custom soap bars, each featuring unique designs and scents developed through collaboration with a local award-winning goat's milk soapmaker. Throughout the project, they will also produce a comprehensive brand statement, an ingredient list, and a detailed documentation of their soap-making process. These products will culminate in an open-house exhibition where students present their creations, engaging the community in discussions about their innovative approaches and marketing strategies. This hands-on experience will provide students with opportunities to apply chemistry concepts and refine their communication skills in a real-world entrepreneurial setting.

Launch

Kick off the project with a visit to the local goat's milk soapmaker's workshop, where students can observe the soap-making process and hear from the artisan about the importance of branding and marketing. After the visit, in small groups, students can brainstorm how they might implement similar techniques and identify unique selling points for their own soap products. This launch will give students a foundational understanding of both the chemistry involved and the business considerations necessary for their project.

Exhibition

Students will organize an open house event at the school, inviting community members, parents, and the local award-winning goat's milk soapmaker as honored guests. Each student will present their uniquely crafted soap bars, accompanied by a detailed brand statement and ingredients list, highlighting the chemistry behind the soap-making process. The exhibition will include interactive stations where attendees can learn about the journey from raw materials to final product, fostering dialogue and deeper understanding. Students will reflect on their creative process and marketing strategies through a series of formal presentations and peer-to-peer discussions, showcasing their learning and mastery of essential content and skills.