Classroom Business: Plan, Pitch, Profit!
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we utilize mathematical principles to create, present, and manage a real-world business that maximizes profit for our class?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we apply mathematical concepts to develop a comprehensive business plan?
- What are the key financial considerations for starting and running a business?
- How can we predict and manage costs and profits effectively?
- What are the essential components of a successful business plan presentation?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will apply mathematical concepts to develop a comprehensive business plan.
- Students will identify and analyze the key financial considerations for starting and running a business.
- Students will predict and manage costs and profits effectively using mathematical models.
- Students will create and deliver a compelling business plan presentation.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsEntrepreneurial Spark: From Local Story to Big Ideas
A local entrepreneur shares their startup story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of launching a business. Students then brainstorm potential business ideas based on their own interests and community needs, focusing on identifying a real-world problem they can solve.Pitch Perfect: Sharpening Ideas with Expert Feedback
Students participate in a 'Shark Tank' style pitch session where they present initial business ideas to a panel of teachers and community members. The panel provides feedback on feasibility, profitability, and potential impact, guiding students to refine their concepts.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Idea Incubator: Market Research
Students will identify potential business ideas and conduct preliminary market research to determine viability.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report outlining the chosen business idea, target market, and potential revenue streams.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will apply mathematical concepts to develop a comprehensive business plan.Budget Blueprint: Cost Analysis
Students will create a detailed budget outlining all startup costs, including materials, equipment, and marketing expenses.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive budget spreadsheet with clearly defined cost categories and totals.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will identify and analyze the key financial considerations for starting and running a business.Profit Pathfinder: Financial Projections
Students will develop a sales forecast and profit projection based on market research and cost analysis.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA profit and loss statement projecting revenue, expenses, and profit over a specified period.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will predict and manage costs and profits effectively using mathematical models.Pitch Perfect: Business Plan Presentation
Students will create a visually appealing presentation to pitch their business plan to the class.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished presentation deck with clear visuals, concise information, and a persuasive call to action.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will create and deliver a compelling business plan presentation.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioComprehensive Business Plan Rubric
Market Research & Viability
This category assesses the student's ability to conduct thorough market research to support their business idea and present the findings effectively.Market Research & Idea Viability
Demonstrates the ability to identify a viable business idea and target market through comprehensive research.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional ability to identify a highly viable business idea with a clearly defined target market, supported by extensive and insightful market research. Evidence shows innovative thinking and proactive adjustments based on data.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough ability to identify a viable business idea with a well-defined target market, supported by comprehensive market research. Evidence clearly supports the chosen idea and demonstrates logical reasoning.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates emerging ability to identify a business idea and a somewhat defined target market, supported by basic market research. Evidence is present but may lack depth or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited ability to identify a business idea or define a target market. Market research is minimal or absent. Shows difficulty in connecting ideas with evidence.
Revenue & Pricing Analysis
Demonstrates the ability to analyze revenue streams and pricing strategies effectively using mathematical concepts.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional ability to analyze potential revenue streams and pricing strategies using sophisticated mathematical models and insights. Provides a comprehensive and data-driven approach to maximizing revenue, demonstrating innovative thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough ability to analyze potential revenue streams and pricing strategies using appropriate mathematical concepts. Accurately calculates potential revenue and presents a logical pricing approach.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates emerging ability to analyze revenue streams and pricing strategies, but may have some inaccuracies or incomplete calculations. Basic mathematical concepts are applied with some inconsistencies.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited ability to analyze revenue streams or pricing strategies. Struggles to apply mathematical concepts or provide a coherent pricing approach.
Report Clarity & Organization
Presents the market research findings in a clear, organized, and professional report.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents market research findings in an exceptionally clear, organized, and professional report that is insightful and persuasive. Report demonstrates mastery of communication skills and enhances understanding of the business idea.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents market research findings in a clear, organized, and professional report. Report is well-written and easy to understand.
Developing
2 PointsPresents market research findings in a report that is somewhat organized but may lack clarity or professionalism. Report may contain some errors or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents market research findings in a poorly organized and unprofessional report. Report is difficult to understand and lacks essential information.
Cost Analysis & Budgeting
This category evaluates the student's ability to create a detailed and accurate budget for their business, demonstrating an understanding of cost analysis.Material & Equipment Identification
Demonstrates the ability to accurately identify and list all necessary materials and equipment for the business.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates an exceptional ability to identify all necessary materials and equipment with detailed specifications and justifications. Goes beyond basic requirements, demonstrating thorough foresight and planning.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough ability to identify all necessary materials and equipment for the business, providing a comprehensive and accurate list.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates an emerging ability to identify most of the necessary materials and equipment, but the list may be incomplete or lack specific details.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited ability to identify the necessary materials and equipment, with significant omissions or inaccuracies.
Cost Research & Accuracy
Demonstrates the ability to research and accurately determine the cost of each item, including marketing and advertising expenses.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional ability to research and accurately determine the cost of each item, including marketing and advertising, with insightful analysis of cost-saving strategies and alternative options. Provides thorough documentation of sources and pricing.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough ability to research and accurately determine the cost of each item, including marketing and advertising expenses. Provides clear documentation of sources and pricing.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates emerging ability to research and determine the cost of items, but some costs may be inaccurate or lack proper documentation. Marketing and advertising expenses may be overlooked or underestimated.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited ability to research and determine the cost of items. Costs are largely inaccurate or missing, and marketing/advertising expenses are not considered.
Budget Spreadsheet Organization
Compiles all costs into a well-organized and clearly formatted budget spreadsheet with accurate totals and categories.
Exemplary
4 PointsCompiles all costs into an exceptionally well-organized and clearly formatted budget spreadsheet with accurate totals, detailed categories, and insightful visualizations to highlight key cost drivers. Spreadsheet demonstrates advanced proficiency in data presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsCompiles all costs into a well-organized and clearly formatted budget spreadsheet with accurate totals and categories. Spreadsheet is easy to understand and navigate.
Developing
2 PointsCompiles most costs into a budget spreadsheet, but the organization may be lacking or the formatting unclear. Totals may be inaccurate, and categories may be poorly defined.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to compile costs into a budget spreadsheet. Spreadsheet is poorly organized, inaccurate, and difficult to understand.
Financial Projections
This category assesses the student's ability to develop accurate financial projections for their business using mathematical models.Sales Volume Estimation
Demonstrates the ability to use market research data to accurately estimate potential sales volume.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional ability to use market research data to estimate potential sales volume, incorporating advanced forecasting techniques and sensitivity analysis to account for various market scenarios. Justification is data-driven and insightful.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough ability to use market research data to accurately estimate potential sales volume, providing a clear and logical justification for the estimate.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates emerging ability to use market research data to estimate potential sales volume, but the estimate may be based on limited data or lack a clear justification.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited ability to use market research data to estimate potential sales volume. Estimate is arbitrary or unsupported by evidence.
Financial Calculation Accuracy
Demonstrates the ability to calculate total revenue, expenses, and profit accurately.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional ability to calculate total revenue, expenses, and profit with meticulous accuracy, incorporating detailed cost breakdowns and revenue projections. Proactively identifies potential financial risks and opportunities.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough ability to calculate total revenue, expenses, and profit accurately, showing a clear understanding of financial principles.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates emerging ability to calculate revenue, expenses, and profit, but calculations may contain some errors or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited ability to calculate revenue, expenses, and profit accurately. Calculations are significantly flawed or incomplete.
Profit & Loss Statement Quality
Creates a well-organized and clearly formatted profit and loss statement projecting revenue, expenses, and profit over a specified period.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates an exceptionally well-organized and visually compelling profit and loss statement that projects revenue, expenses, and profit over a specified period, incorporating scenario planning and sensitivity analysis to provide a comprehensive financial overview. Demonstrates advanced spreadsheet and data visualization skills.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a well-organized and clearly formatted profit and loss statement projecting revenue, expenses, and profit over a specified period. Statement is easy to understand and interpret.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a profit and loss statement, but the organization may be lacking or the formatting unclear. Projections may be incomplete or lack sufficient detail.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create a profit and loss statement. Statement is poorly organized, inaccurate, and difficult to understand.
Business Plan Presentation
This category evaluates the student's ability to create and deliver a compelling presentation of their business plan.Presentation Flow & Organization
Organizes the business plan components into a logical and persuasive presentation flow.
Exemplary
4 PointsOrganizes the business plan components into an exceptionally logical and persuasive presentation flow that captivates the audience and builds a compelling case for the business. Presentation structure demonstrates advanced understanding of storytelling and audience engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsOrganizes the business plan components into a logical and persuasive presentation flow, effectively guiding the audience through the key elements of the business plan.
Developing
2 PointsOrganizes the business plan components into a presentation flow that is somewhat logical but may lack persuasiveness or clarity in certain areas.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to organize the business plan components into a logical presentation flow. Presentation is disjointed and difficult to follow.
Slide Design & Visuals
Creates visually appealing slides with clear headings, concise information, and effective use of visuals.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates visually stunning slides with crystal-clear headings, concise information, and impactful visuals that enhance audience engagement and understanding. Slides demonstrate advanced design principles and effective use of multimedia.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates visually appealing slides with clear headings, concise information, and effective use of visuals to support the presentation content.
Developing
2 PointsCreates slides that are somewhat visually appealing but may lack clarity, conciseness, or effective use of visuals. Slides may contain distracting elements or be difficult to read.
Beginning
1 PointsCreates slides that are visually unappealing, cluttered, and difficult to understand. Slides lack clear headings, concise information, and effective visuals.
Presentation Delivery & Persuasion
Delivers the presentation with confidence, clarity, and a persuasive call to action, effectively engaging the audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers the presentation with exceptional confidence, clarity, and passion, captivating the audience and delivering a highly persuasive call to action that inspires action. Demonstrates mastery of public speaking skills and audience engagement techniques.
Proficient
3 PointsDelivers the presentation with confidence, clarity, and a persuasive call to action, effectively engaging the audience and conveying the key elements of the business plan.
Developing
2 PointsDelivers the presentation with some confidence and clarity, but may struggle to engage the audience or deliver a persuasive call to action. Presentation may be hesitant or lack enthusiasm.
Beginning
1 PointsDelivers the presentation with a lack of confidence, clarity, and a persuasive call to action. Struggles to engage the audience or convey the key elements of the business plan.