12th Grade
Project
13 weeks
Money Mastery: Building Future-Proof Ventures
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Purpose
This project is designed to immerse students in a comprehensive learning experience that combines personal finance education, market analysis, and entrepreneurial skills. Over the course of 13 weeks, students will explore how financial decisions impact innovation and risk-taking, while developing a business idea that addresses a real-world need. By engaging in discussions, workshops, and hands-on activities, students will build a solid foundation in financial literacy and market dynamics, culminating in a Shark Tank-style pitch where they present their business solutions to a panel of judges.
Learning goals
The learning goals for this project include developing a comprehensive understanding of personal finance and its impact on entrepreneurial ventures. Students will gain skills in budgeting, financial planning, and market analysis to create viable business solutions. They will also enhance their ability to articulate and present business ideas effectively through a structured pitch, integrating concepts from "The Tipping Point" to understand market dynamics and influence.
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.
- Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.LE.A.1: Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear functions and with exponential functions.
Products
Throughout the project, students will create a comprehensive personal finance portfolio, including scenario analyses, monthly budgets, and business impact statements. They will also develop a detailed business plan with financial projections, market analysis, and a marketing strategy. By the end of the learning experience, students will deliver a polished Shark Tank-style pitch, complete with a visual presentation and a Q&A session, showcasing their innovative business solutions.
Launch
Kick off the project with an engaging "Shark Tank Simulation" where students are introduced to the concept of pitching ideas by watching a dynamic Shark Tank episode. Follow this with a guest speaker session featuring a local entrepreneur who shares their journey and insights into personal finance and market dynamics. Conclude the launch with a collaborative brainstorming session where students identify potential business ideas based on their personal finance scenarios, setting the stage for their project journey.
Exhibition
Invite community partners, such as local entrepreneurs and financial planners, to serve as guest judges for a Shark Tank-style presentation event. Students will present their business solutions, complete with financial projections and marketing strategies, in a professional setting. This event can be held in a school auditorium or a local business venue, allowing students to showcase their creativity and analytical skills to an audience of peers, teachers, and industry professionals. Additionally, set up a networking session post-presentation for students to engage with the judges and receive valuable feedback and insights.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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| Activities |
Introduce the Shark Tank Project through an interactive discussion on personal finance and market dynamics.
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Conduct a hands-on budgeting workshop where students assess their current financial positions using a 'Current Personal Financial Position' worksheet.
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Engage students in small group discussions to set financial goals and explore financial scenarios, promoting peer collaboration.
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Initiate a discussion on 'The Tipping Point,' focusing on what makes ideas spread and how social epidemics relate to business success.
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Launch the Shark Tank project with an overview of the expectations, including a guest speaker session with a financial planner to provide real-world insights.
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed 'Current Personal Financial Position' worksheet.
2. Scenario financial worksheet with initial budget plans. 3. Journal entry reflecting on a recent trend related to 'The Tipping Point' discussion. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare course introduction materials, including a detailed syllabus and project timeline.
2. Create and distribute 'Current Personal Financial Position' and scenario financial worksheets. 3. Develop a reading guide and key vocabulary list for 'The Tipping Point' discussion. 4. Coordinate with a guest financial planner for the project launch session. 5. Organize access to a Shark Tank video clip for the project introduction. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Begin the week with a Personal Finance Deep Dive where students review and refine their completed budgets, discussing fixed vs. variable expenses and considering the business impact of their financial scenarios.
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Conduct a Monthly Planning Workshop that guides students through scenario analysis to update financial worksheets, emphasizing the importance of planning for both personal and business expenses.
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Engage students in The Tipping Point Discussion focused on the role of Connectors. Facilitate small group discussions to identify industry-specific connectors and network mapping activities to strategize business networking.
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Introduce Industry Research Basics through a guided research session where students use online tools to identify industry trends, conduct a basic competitor analysis, and estimate market size.
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| Deliverables |
1. Updated financial worksheets reflecting refined monthly budgets and scenario analysis.
2. Connector identification homework where students map potential connectors within their field. 3. Industry research documentation that includes identified trends, competitor analysis, and market size estimation. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare additional resources for monthly budget planning, including examples of fixed vs. variable expenses.
2. Develop a network mapping activity template to facilitate the identification of industry connectors. 3. Compile a list of online research tools and databases for industry trend identification and competitor analysis. 4. Create a checklist for guided industry research to ensure students cover essential areas such as trends, competitors, and market size. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Conduct a Savings Strategies workshop, where students explore the concept of emergency funds, using calculators to determine 3-6 months' worth of expenses. Students discuss how their business scenario impacts their savings goals.
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Engage students in The Tipping Point Discussion focused on Mavens. Facilitate activities where students identify industry experts, map information flows, and strategize ways to engage mavens in their field.
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Host a Problem Identification Workshop where students practice conducting customer interviews. Guide them in crafting a clear problem statement based on industry pain points and initial market research.
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed savings projection worksheet with calculated emergency fund target.
2. Maven identification report in the chosen industry, including a strategy for engaging identified mavens. 3. Draft problem statement outlining industry pain points and supported by initial market research. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare materials for the emergency fund workshop, including calculators and scenario-specific risk assessments.
2. Create a Maven Identification Activity template to help students map and analyze industry experts. 3. Develop a problem statement framework and example analysis to guide students in articulating industry pain points. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Conduct a Credit and Loans Workshop where students analyze the impact of credit scores on personal and business finance decisions through real-life business loan scenarios.
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Facilitate The Tipping Point Discussion focused on Salesmen, engaging students in role-playing exercises to practice persuasive communication and emotional appeal in business pitches.
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Host a Solution Development Workshop where students utilize ideation techniques to develop initial product/service concepts, emphasizing cost estimation and viability assessment.
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed loan comparison worksheet, detailing interest rates and business credit requirements.
2. Initial pitch outline draft, incorporating persuasion techniques and emotional appeal. 3. Initial solution proposal with a basic cost structure, outlining the feasibility of the developed concept. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather real-life business loan scenarios, credit score impact examples, and interest calculation exercises for the Credit and Loans Workshop.
2. Prepare role-playing exercises and persuasion principle guides for the Salesmen Discussion. 3. Create a feasibility framework and ideation technique resources to guide the Solution Development Workshop. |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Facilitate an Investment Basics Workshop where students explore investment options, conduct risk assessments, and evaluate the impact of personal risk tolerance on business investment decisions.
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Engage students in The Tipping Point Discussion focused on The Stickiness Factor. Guide them to analyze what makes products memorable and apply these insights to their business ideas.
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Conduct a Market Analysis Workshop where students identify their target market, conduct a basic competitor analysis, and investigate market trends to inform their business strategies.
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| Deliverables |
1. Investment Risk Analysis Document detailing personal risk tolerance, business investment requirements, and an investment timeline.
2. Stickiness Factor Analysis with examples from their chosen industry, analyzing the factors that make these examples sticky and applying them to their products. 3. Comprehensive Market Analysis including target market size, competitor analysis, market trends, and growth projections. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare resources for the Investment Basics Workshop, including case studies of different investment options and risk assessment tools.
2. Create a discussion guide for The Stickiness Factor, including examples of memorable products and marketing strategies. 3. Gather data and templates for the Market Analysis Workshop, including competitor analysis frameworks and tools for identifying market trends. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
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| Activities |
Conduct a Career Path Financial Planning Workshop where students research and plan their 5-year career financial roadmap, including potential salary trajectories, industry growth opportunities, and required education or certifications.
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Facilitate The Tipping Point Discussion focused on The Power of Context (Part 1), where students analyze how environmental factors and market timing may impact their business ideas.
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Host a Financial Projections Workshop where students develop simple financial projections for their business ideas, including startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue scenarios.
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| Deliverables |
1. Career Financial Roadmap: A two-page document with 5-year salary projections, industry growth opportunities, and a cost-benefit analysis of required certifications/education.
2. Context Analysis: A two-page document analyzing environmental factors affecting the business, including market timing and external influences. 3. Complete Financial Model: A Google Sheets document detailing startup costs, operating expenses, revenue projections, break-even analysis, and cash flow projections. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare resources for the Career Path Financial Planning Workshop, including industry salary data, growth projections, and education/certification requirements.
2. Create a discussion guide and examples for The Power of Context, highlighting how environmental factors influence business success. 3. Develop financial templates and examples for the Financial Projections Workshop, including startup cost estimation, revenue scenarios, and break-even analysis. |
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| Week 7 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Conduct a Work-Life Balance Workshop where students analyze their current time management and project future business time requirements, considering family and personal commitments.
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Facilitate The Tipping Point Discussion focused on The Power of Context (Part 2), engaging students in the development of a market timing strategy and planning for favorable launch conditions.
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Host a Revenue Model Development session where students create pricing structures, sales projections, and identify diverse revenue streams, culminating in a basic marketing plan.
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| Deliverables |
1. Personal Balance Analysis: A two-page document featuring a current time allocation chart, future business time requirements, and a stress management plan.
2. Context Implementation Plan: A two-page document detailing environmental analysis, market timing strategy, and a launch condition checklist. 3. Complete Revenue Strategy: A three-page document outlining pricing structure, sales projections, revenue streams, and payment methods. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare templates and examples for the Work-Life Balance Workshop, including time allocation charts and stress management strategies.
2. Develop a discussion guide and real-world examples for The Power of Context (Part 2) to illustrate market timing and environmental influence. 3. Create resources and tools for the Revenue Model Development session, including worksheets for pricing structures, sales projections, and revenue stream identification. |
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| Week 8 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Conduct an Insurance and Protection Workshop where students analyze the insurance requirements for both personal and business scenarios, discussing strategies for legal compliance and risk management.
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Facilitate the final discussion on The Tipping Point, encouraging students to integrate all concepts learned into their business strategies. Guide students in aligning their project components with market dynamics and personal finance insights.
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Host a Marketing Strategy Workshop where students finalize their marketing plans, identifying target audiences, selecting appropriate marketing channels, and developing a content strategy. Emphasize budget allocation and ROI projections.
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| Deliverables |
1. Risk Management Plan: A two-page document analyzing insurance needs, coverage recommendations, and cost projections.
2. Concept Integration Paper: A 3-4 page paper applying all learned concepts to align their business strategy with personal finance insights and market dynamics. 3. Comprehensive Marketing Strategy: A 4-5 page document detailing target audience profiles, marketing channels, content strategy, and budget allocation. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather resources for the Insurance and Protection Workshop, including examples of legal requirements and risk management strategies.
2. Prepare a discussion guide for the final Tipping Point discussion, highlighting key integration points between project components and market insights. 3. Develop templates and examples for the Marketing Strategy Workshop, including frameworks for audience profiling, channel selection, and budget planning. |
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| Week 9 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Conduct a Story Structure Workshop where students develop the narrative for their Shark Tank pitch, focusing on problem statement, solution overview, and market opportunity.
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Facilitate a Financial Story Development session where students create a financial narrative, highlighting key metrics, growth projections, and investment needs.
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Host a Presentation Framework Workshop where students draft their full presentation script, organize slide content, and plan for any props or demos needed.
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| Deliverables |
1. Pitch Narrative: A two-page document outlining the story arc, including a hook, key messages, and a call to action.
2. Financial Pitch Deck: A 5-7 slide presentation with key metrics, growth projections, and investment needs. 3. Complete Draft Pitch: An 8-minute presentation script with slide outline and a list of props/demos needed. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare story structure templates and examples to guide students in developing their pitch narrative.
2. Collect financial data examples and create guides for students to build a compelling financial story. 3. Develop a presentation framework template to help students organize their script and slide content. |
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| Week 10 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Conduct a Slide Design Workshop where students create visually appealing slides for their pitch, focusing on consistency and clarity in layout and design.
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Facilitate a Data Visualization Session where students transform their financial and market analysis data into clear and engaging visual aids.
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Host a Practice Session where students rehearse their complete pitch, integrating slides and visuals, in small groups to gain feedback and refine their presentation skills.
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| Deliverables |
1. Visual Style Guide: A document specifying the color scheme, font choices, and layout templates for their presentation slides.
2. Key Visuals: A slide deck including charts, graphs, and product images that effectively convey their financial and market data. 3. Complete Pitch Package: Finalized slides, speaker notes, and handouts ready for presentation. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare slide design examples and templates to guide students in creating their visual aids.
2. Gather resources on best practices for data visualization, including tools and techniques for creating effective charts and graphs. 3. Set up a schedule and structure for practice sessions, ensuring each student receives peer feedback and has time to refine their presentation. |
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| Week 11 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
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| Activities |
Conduct small group practice sessions where students present their pitches to peers, focusing on timing and clarity.
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Facilitate peer feedback sessions, using structured forms to provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.
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Guide students in refining their presentations based on peer feedback, focusing on enhancing narrative flow and visual impact.
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| Deliverables |
1. Small Group Presentation Video: Record an 8-minute pitch and upload it to a shared folder for review.
2. Self-Evaluation Form: Complete an evaluation of personal pitch performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. 3. Peer Feedback Forms: Submit evaluations for three peers, offering specific suggestions for enhancement. 4. Updated Pitch Package: Revise slides, script, and visuals based on feedback received. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare guidelines and templates for self-evaluation and peer feedback to ensure focused and constructive sessions.
2. Organize small group practice schedules and allocate time slots for each group to present and receive feedback. 3. Set up video recording equipment or ensure students have access to devices for recording their presentations. |
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| Week 12 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Conduct a Dress Rehearsal session where students perform their final Shark Tank pitch in a simulated environment, practicing timing, delivery, and handling Q&A.
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Facilitate a Document Preparation session where students finalize all required documentation, including their business plan, financial projections, and market analysis, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.
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Host a Final Polish Workshop focusing on refining presentation details, such as slide transitions, visual aids, and speaker notes, to ensure a seamless and impactful final presentation.
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| Deliverables |
1. Final Presentation Recording: Completed recording of the full pitch including Q&A practice, submitted for teacher review.
2. Final Documentation Package: Comprehensive business plan, financial projections, and market analysis, submitted in a professional format. 3. Complete Presentation Package: Finalized slides, speaker notes, and all necessary props/materials prepared for Week 13 presentations. |
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| Preparation |
1. Set up the necessary equipment and environment for the dress rehearsal, including cameras and microphones for recording.
2. Review and provide feedback on students' draft documents to ensure they meet professional standards. 3. Prepare guidance resources for presentation refinement, including tips on visual and verbal presentation techniques. |
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| Week 13 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Conduct the Shark Tank Presentations where students present their business pitches to guest judges, receive feedback, and engage in a Q&A session.
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Facilitate a Networking Session where students interact with guest judges and industry professionals to discuss their projects and receive insights.
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Host an Awards and Reflection Ceremony, recognizing standout pitches, summarizing feedback from judges, and reflecting on the project experiences and learnings.
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| Deliverables |
1. Final Shark Tank Pitch: 8-minute presentation with a 4-minute Q&A session.
2. Networking Session Participation: Engage with judges and professionals, asking insightful questions and gathering feedback. 3. Reflection Journal Entry: A personal reflection on the project journey, lessons learned, and future applications. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with guest judges to confirm attendance and provide them with evaluation criteria and guidelines.
2. Set up the presentation space, ensuring all technical equipment is functioning, and arrange seating for judges and audience. 3. Prepare certificates or awards for standout pitches and gather feedback from judges to share with students. |
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