Eco-Friendly Business Design Challenge
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a small business that not only meets the basic elements of starting a business but also adopts innovative practices to balance profitability with eco-friendliness and contribute to community sustainability?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the basic elements needed to start a small business?
- How can businesses be both profitable and environmentally responsible?
- What role do sustainability practices play in the success of a business?
- How do we measure the impact of a business on the environment?
- What innovative practices can a business adopt to ensure eco-friendliness?
- How does understanding the target market influence business decisions?
- How do businesses balance costs and sustainable practices?
- In what ways can a business effectively communicate its eco-friendly practices to consumers?
- How does government policy affect the operations of a sustainable business?
- Why is it important for businesses to contribute to community sustainability?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the essential components of starting a small business.
- Explore how sustainable practices can be integrated into business models.
- Evaluate the financial implications of adopting eco-friendly practices in a business.
- Design a business plan that balances profitability with sustainability.
- Develop communication strategies to promote eco-friendly practices to consumers.
- Analyze the impact of government policies on sustainable business operations.
Common Core Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsSurvivor: Eco-Challenge Edition
Begin with a mock scenario where students have to survive in a world where natural resources are scarce. Task them with creating a sustainable business idea that aids survival and community support. Students will explore entrepreneurship's role in tackling real-world resource issues, encouraging innovative thinking and practical application of sustainability concepts.Sustainability Shark Tank
Kick off the project with an 'Eco Shark Tank' simulation where students pitch their eco-friendly business ideas to a panel of 'shark' investors. This challenges students to think critically about their business proposals and sustainability. The excitement of a competitive yet supportive environment propels their creativity and analytical skills.Field Trip to a Local Eco-Friendly Business
Organize a visit to a local business that prioritizes sustainable practices. Students will gain firsthand insights into environmental stewardship and operational strategies that prioritize sustainability. This experience serves as a concrete example, guiding their entrepreneurial journey with real-world applications.The Green Economy Game
Launch the project with a classroom game simulating an economy where only green business ideas can thrive. Students will experience the challenges and rewards of running a sustainable business, offering an engaging and immersive way to understand the economic and environmental impacts these businesses can have.Eco-Innovation Design Sprint
Host a design sprint where students rapidly brainstorm and prototype eco-friendly product ideas for imagined businesses. They will quickly iterate on solutions, experiencing the process of innovation and the importance of agility and collaboration in developing sustainable entrepreneurship.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Business Blueprint Creation
Students create a foundational blueprint for a small eco-friendly business, outlining essential elements needed to start a business.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 draft business proposal with a clear outline of the business structure and components.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with understanding essential components of starting a small business.Eco-Impact Analysis
Students analyze the potential environmental impact of their business and integrate sustainable practices.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 sustainability plan mitigating environmental impacts of the business.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with MS-ESS3-3 - Design methods for monitoring and minimizing human impact.Financial Feasibility Study
Students conduct a cost-benefit analysis using ratio reasoning to determine the financial feasibility of the eco-friendly practices in their business model.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 financial feasibility report demonstrating the cost-benefit analysis of sustainable practices.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.3 - Use ratio reasoning to solve problems.Market Research Report
Students conduct market research to understand their target audience and how to effectively communicate eco-friendly practices.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 market research report with a communication strategy.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with understanding target market influence on business decisions and communication strategies.Policy Impact Analysis
Students explore how government policies affect sustainable business operations and design their business plans in compliance with these policies.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 business plan section dedicated to navigating government policies.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with D2.CIV.13.6-8 - Analyzing public policy implementation and effects.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEco-Friendly Business Portfolio Assessment Rubric
Understanding of Business Fundamentals
Assesses students' grasp of the essential elements required to start a small business and how these elements interrelate.Identification of Business Elements
Evaluates the ability to identify and describe all necessary components for starting a small business.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a thorough and detailed description of all necessary business components, showing exceptional insight into their relationships.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies most business components accurately, with clear understanding of their function and importance.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some necessary business components but lacks clarity or insight into their relationships.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify basic business components, showing minimal understanding of their significance.
Business Structure Selection
Measures students' ability to choose an appropriate business structure based on researched analysis.
Exemplary
4 PointsChooses a highly suitable business structure supported by well-researched analysis and evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects an appropriate business structure with clear justification based on research.
Developing
2 PointsSelects a business structure with partial reasoning, lacking some support or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to select or justify a business structure, showing limited analysis.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Evaluates how students integrate sustainable practices and assess environmental impacts within their business model.Identification of Environmental Impacts
Measures students' ability to accurately identify potential environmental impacts of their business idea.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately identifies comprehensive environmental impacts with sophisticated depth and insight.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies primary environmental impacts with clear understanding.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some environmental impacts but lacks depth or specificity.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify environmental impacts with clarity or accuracy.
Sustainability Strategy
Analyzes students' ability to develop a robust sustainability plan that effectively mitigates identified impacts.
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops an innovative and comprehensive sustainability strategy with clear, actionable steps.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a practical sustainability plan that addresses key impacts with clear solutions.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a basic sustainability plan with limited detail or effectiveness.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create a coherent sustainability plan, requiring substantial support.
Financial Feasibility Assessment
Assesses students' ability to perform a cost-benefit analysis and evaluate the financial viability of sustainable practices.Cost Identification and Analysis
Evaluates how students identify potential costs and revenues related to eco-friendly practices.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies all relevant costs and revenues with precise and insightful analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies key costs and revenues, supported by sound analysis.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some relevant costs and revenues but lacks comprehensive analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify appropriate costs and revenues, lacking analytical depth.
Recommendations and Justification
Measures the ability to provide well-justified recommendations for sustainable practices based on financial analysis.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful, well-supported recommendations with clear, effective justification.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers practical recommendations supported by logical justification based on analysis.
Developing
2 PointsPresents basic recommendations with limited justification or impact analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to deliver justified recommendations, requiring additional support.
Market Analysis and Communication
Evaluates ability to conduct market research and develop strategies to effectively communicate sustainable practices.Market Research and Analysis
Assesses students' capacity to research market dynamics and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts thorough market research with detailed analysis of consumer trends and preferences.
Proficient
3 PointsPerforms solid market research with clear, relevant analysis of consumer data.
Developing
2 PointsPresents basic research with limited analysis of market data or consumer trends.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to conduct effective market research, showing minimal analysis.
Communication Strategy Development
Assesses the creation and effectiveness of communication strategies focusing on eco-friendly practices.
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops a highly effective communication strategy with innovative elements that highlight sustainability.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates an effective strategy with clear communication of eco-friendly practices.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a basic strategy with limited communication effectiveness or focus.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create a coherent strategy for communicating business practices.
Policy Impact Analysis
Assesses understanding and analysis of policy impacts on business operations.Policy Identification and Analysis
Measures ability to identify pertinent policies and analyze their implications for the business.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately identifies and analyzes relevant policies with insightful consideration of business impacts.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies key policies and analyzes their main implications with accuracy.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some relevant policies but lacks depth in analyzing their impacts.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify policies or analyze their implications effectively.