Shark Tank-Toy Company: Design, Market, and Sell
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as 3rd grade Quest scholars, acting as product designers, prototype testers, consumer behavior specialists, marketing strategists, advertising executives, and graphic designers design, create, market, and sell a fun and engaging toy or game that will convince OUES Shark Tank investors our toy company is a worthwhile investment?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do toy companies make money?
- What makes a toy fun and engaging?
- How do you convince people to buy a toy?
- What are the 4 p's of buissness?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand marketing strategies and consumer awareness.
- Learn about different business models in the toy industry.
- Develop a prototype of a new toy.
- Create a business plan for a toy company.
- Design a marketing campaign to sell the Shark Tank toy to investors.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsToy Industry Time Capsule
Open a time capsule filled with popular toys from past decades. Students examine and discuss how toys reflect the culture, technology, and marketing trends of their time, sparking curiosity about the evolution of the toy industry and its impact on society.Marketing Mayhem!
Show a series of toy commercials (both successful and unsuccessful) and ask students to analyze their strategies. What makes a toy appealing? How do commercials target different audiences? This introduces them to marketing concepts and consumer awareness, setting the stage for creating their own marketing campaign.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Toy Inventor's Notebook: Idea Generation
Students brainstorm and sketch ideas for their own original toy. This activity fosters creativity and design thinking.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 sketch and description of an original toy idea.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Develop a prototype of a new toy. (Initial design and conceptualization phase.)Prototype Pioneers: Building the Dream
Students create a prototype of their toy using readily available materials. This activity develops hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities.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 physical prototype of the original toy.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Develop a prototype of a new toy. (Creating a tangible representation of the toy design.)Business Brainstormers: Company Creation
Students develop a business plan for their toy company, including mission statement, target market, and marketing strategy. This activity integrates business concepts and planning skills.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 outlining the company's mission, target market, and marketing strategy.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Create a business plan for a toy company. (Developing a comprehensive plan for the toy company.)Toy Time Travelers
Students explore the history of toys and their cultural impact. This activity encourages research and presentation skills.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 presentation or written report on the history and cultural impact of a chosen toy.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Understand marketing strategies and consumer awareness. (Understanding target audience and cultural impact on toy popularity.)Marketing Masterminds: Ad Analysis
Students analyze toy commercials to understand marketing techniques and strategies. This activity develops critical thinking and analytical skills.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 written analysis of toy commercials, identifying marketing techniques and target audiences.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Understand marketing strategies and consumer awareness. (Analyzing how commercials target different audiences.)Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioToy Company Project Rubric
Toy Design & Prototype
This category assesses the originality, functionality, and craftsmanship of the toy design and prototype.Originality & Creativity
The extent to which the toy idea is unique, imaginative, and appealing.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe toy idea is exceptionally original, demonstrating a high degree of creativity and imagination. The design stands out and offers a novel approach to play.
Proficient
3 PointsThe toy idea is original and creative, showing a good level of imagination. The design is appealing and demonstrates thoughtful consideration.
Developing
2 PointsThe toy idea shows some originality and creativity, but may rely on common themes or ideas. The design is adequate but lacks significant innovation.
Beginning
1 PointsThe toy idea lacks originality and creativity, showing little imagination. The design is uninspired and does not offer a new approach.
Functionality & Playability
The practicality and usability of the toy, considering its intended function and age group.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe toy is highly functional and engaging, providing a seamless and enjoyable play experience. It meets the needs of its target audience exceptionally well.
Proficient
3 PointsThe toy is functional and playable, providing a good play experience. It meets the needs of its target audience effectively.
Developing
2 PointsThe toy has some functionality issues that may hinder the play experience. It partially meets the needs of its target audience.
Beginning
1 PointsThe toy is not functional and/or unplayable, providing a poor play experience. It does not meet the needs of its target audience.
Prototype Quality
The overall quality of the prototype, including construction, materials, and attention to detail.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe prototype is exceptionally well-constructed, using appropriate materials and demonstrating excellent attention to detail. It closely resembles a finished product.
Proficient
3 PointsThe prototype is well-constructed, using appropriate materials and demonstrating good attention to detail. It effectively represents the toy design.
Developing
2 PointsThe prototype has some construction flaws or uses inappropriate materials, with limited attention to detail. It partially represents the toy design.
Beginning
1 PointsThe prototype is poorly constructed, using unsuitable materials and lacking attention to detail. It does not accurately represent the toy design.
Business & Marketing Plan
This category evaluates the clarity, feasibility, and persuasiveness of the business and marketing plan.Mission & Target Market
The clarity and relevance of the company's mission statement and the identification of the target market.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe mission statement is exceptionally clear, concise, and aligned with the toy's purpose. The target market is precisely defined and well-justified.
Proficient
3 PointsThe mission statement is clear and relevant to the toy's purpose. The target market is well-defined and justified.
Developing
2 PointsThe mission statement is somewhat unclear or loosely connected to the toy's purpose. The target market is vaguely defined or poorly justified.
Beginning
1 PointsThe mission statement is unclear or missing, and not related to the toy's purpose. The target market is undefined or unjustified.
Marketing Strategy
The effectiveness and creativity of the marketing strategy, including advertising channels and slogans.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe marketing strategy is highly effective, creative, and tailored to the target market. The advertising channels and slogans are compelling and memorable.
Proficient
3 PointsThe marketing strategy is effective and creative, aligning with the target market. The advertising channels and slogans are appropriate and engaging.
Developing
2 PointsThe marketing strategy is somewhat vague or lacks creativity. The advertising channels and slogans are generic or not well-suited to the target market.
Beginning
1 PointsThe marketing strategy is poorly defined or missing. The advertising channels and slogans are inappropriate or nonexistent.
Financial Projections (Simplified)
Realistic estimates of potential costs and revenues
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides very clear cost and revenue projections that align with the toy concept
Proficient
3 PointsProvides adequate cost and revenue projections related to the toy concept
Developing
2 PointsProvides minimal cost and revenue projections that are loosely related to the toy
Beginning
1 PointsFails to provide cost and revenue projections related to the toy
Research & Analysis
Assesses understanding of toy history, marketing, and consumer impact.Historical Context
Demonstrates understanding of a toy's history, cultural significance and target audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of the toy's history, including its origins, cultural impact, and intended audience. Insights are exceptionally clear and well-supported.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of the toy's history, including its origins, cultural impact, and intended audience. Insights are clear and well-supported.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates an emerging understanding of the toy's history, with some awareness of its origins, cultural impact, or intended audience. Insights may be superficial or lack sufficient support.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited understanding of the toy's history, showing little awareness of its origins, cultural impact, or intended audience. Insights are minimal or missing.
Commercial Analysis
Identifies target audience, marketing messages, and persuasive techniques in toy commercials.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an incisive and comprehensive analysis of toy commercials, accurately identifying the target audience, dissecting marketing messages, and deconstructing persuasive techniques with exceptional clarity.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a thorough analysis of toy commercials, accurately identifying the target audience, marketing messages, and persuasive techniques.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis of toy commercials, with some attempt to identify the target audience, marketing messages, or persuasive techniques. Analysis may be incomplete or superficial.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a minimal analysis of toy commercials, struggling to identify the target audience, marketing messages, or persuasive techniques. Analysis is largely missing or inaccurate.