Startup Simulation: City Youth Edition
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Startup Simulation: City Youth Edition

Grade 6Social StudiesEnglish5 days
This project-based learning experience engages 6th-grade students in simulating the creation and management of a startup within a fictional city environment. Through a series of activities, students explore the components of a successful business, the impact of economic principles, and develop skills in teamwork, market research, and presentation. The project emphasizes creativity and strategic thinking as students collaborate to design business pitches that are both economically viable and beneficial to the community. Students apply their learnings by participating in role assignments, conducting market research, developing business plans, and delivering pitches to a panel, fostering essential skills in entrepreneurship and communication.
StartupEntrepreneurshipTeamworkMarket ResearchInnovationBusiness PitchFictional City
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and run a startup in a fictional city that not only thrives economically but also benefits the community, considering the roles of teamwork, market research, and innovation?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What are the basic components of a startup, and how do they interconnect to form a successful business?
  • How does a fictional city environment influence the planning and execution of a startup?
  • What role do economic principles play in the development and sustainability of a business?
  • How can storytelling and presentation skills enhance a startup pitch and attract potential investors or clients?
  • What are the key challenges young entrepreneurs may face when starting a business, and how can they overcome these challenges through innovation and strategy?
  • How does collaboration and teamwork contribute to the success of a startup?
  • How do market research and customer feedback influence the decisions made by a startup?
  • What impact do startups have on the local economy and community in a fictional city setting?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will understand the foundational components of starting and developing a successful business.
  • Learners will explore how economic principles apply to real-world business scenarios, especially in a startup context.
  • Participants will develop persuasive business pitches to communicate their startup ideas effectively to potential investors.
  • Students will recognize the importance of teamwork and collaboration in business success.
  • Learners will analyze how different market and community factors influence business planning and execution.
  • Participants will apply research skills to gather, interpret, and utilize data for informed decision-making in their startups.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1
Primary
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.Reason: The project requires students to engage in discussions regarding their startup ideas, collaborate in teams, and present their business ideas effectively, aligning with this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1
Primary
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.Reason: Students will need to develop business pitches and proposals, supporting their claims with research and evidence, matching this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4
Primary
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.Reason: This standard supports the project's requirement for students to create coherent business plans and marketing materials.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7
Secondary
Integrate information presented in different media or formats as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.Reason: Students will incorporate various resources like articles, videos, and data to understand market trends and customer needs when creating their businesses.

C3 Framework

C3.D2.Eco.2.6-8
Primary
Evaluate alternative approaches or solutions to current economic issues in terms of benefits and costs for different groups and society as a whole.Reason: Students will assess various business strategies and their impacts on a community, aligning with this economic standard.
C3.D2.Eco.10.6-8
Primary
Use appropriate strategy to identify and analyze solutions to economic problems.Reason: This standard aligns with students using strategic thinking to solve the economic problems they encounter in starting their business.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

City Simulation Game

Using a game-based learning platform, students experience the challenges of running a startup in a fictional city. They face various economic and social scenarios, which stimulate critical thinking and strategic planning aligned with core project goals.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Dream Team Formation

Students form startup teams based on individual strengths and interest areas to simulate real-world collaboration.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify personal skills and interests related to startup roles.
2. Participate in team-building activities to encourage communication and trust.
3. Assign roles such as CEO, financial manager, marketing head, etc., based on strengths and interests.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA finalized team structure with specific roles for each team member, documented in a team charter.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 by engaging in collaborative group work and discussions.
Activity 2

Market Research Quest

Students embark on a research journey to gather data on market trends and consumer behavior to inform their startup strategies.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review articles, videos, and case studies about successful startups.
2. Conduct surveys or interviews to understand potential customer needs in the fictional city.
3. Analyze collected data to identify key market trends and opportunities.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed market analysis report that highlights trends, opportunities, and target customer insights.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7 by integrating information from multiple media formats for a coherent understanding.
Activity 3

Innovative Idea Incubator

Students brainstorm and refine innovative ideas that align with market research and community needs.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Gather as a team to brainstorm business ideas based on market research findings.
2. Evaluate each idea for feasibility, innovation, and community impact.
3. Select a final business idea and create a concept statement.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA business concept statement that outlines the startup's purpose, target market, and unique value proposition.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLinks to C3.D2.Eco.10.6-8 by using strategic thinking to innovate solutions to economic challenges.
Activity 4

The Budget Blueprint

Students draft a preliminary budget for their startup, incorporating costs, projected revenues, and break-even analysis.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. List all startup costs including material, labor, and operational expenses.
2. Estimate potential revenue streams and pricing strategy.
3. Calculate break-even point to assess financial viability.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive budget plan, demonstrating financial literacy and strategic planning.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with C3.D2.Eco.2.6-8 by evaluating the economic impacts and feasibility of their business plans.
Activity 5

Pitch Perfect Presentation

Teams prepare and deliver persuasive business pitches to a panel of 'investors' using compelling storytelling and visual aids.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Outline the key components of the business pitch, including problem, solution, market, and financial plan.
2. Design visual aids such as slideshows or infographics to complement the pitch.
3. Practice presentation delivery, focusing on clear communication and persuasion.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-structured business pitch presented to a panel, showcasing the startup idea effectively.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1 by engaging in collaborative discussions and writing persuasive arguments.
Activity 6

Community Impact Assessment

Students explore the potential impact of their startup on the fictional city's economy and community well-being.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify key community stakeholders who may be affected by the startup.
2. Conduct an impact analysis to predict economic and social benefits or challenges.
3. Document findings in a community impact report.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA community impact report that evaluates the startup's role in the fictional city's economy.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports C3.D2.Eco.2.6-8 by assessing economic impacts and identifying benefits and costs for different groups.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Startup Simulation: City Youth Edition Rubric

Category 1

Team Collaboration

Evaluates the ability of students to effectively work in teams, communicate ideas, and resolve conflicts.
Criterion 1

Role Assignment and Teamwork

Assesses how well students assign roles based on skills/interests and collaborate effectively as a team.

Exemplary
4 Points

Students seamlessly assign roles according to skills and interests, demonstrating advanced collaboration and communication.

Proficient
3 Points

Students appropriately assign roles with minor adjustments, demonstrating effective teamwork and communication.

Developing
2 Points

Students assign roles with some effectiveness and demonstrate basic communication and teamwork skills.

Beginning
1 Points

Students struggle to assign roles effectively and show minimal teamwork and communication.

Criterion 2

Contribution to Team Goals

Assesses the quality and consistency of individual contributions to the team's goals and objectives.

Exemplary
4 Points

Consistently contributes high-quality input and solutions, driving team success.

Proficient
3 Points

Regularly contributes valuable ideas and solutions, supporting team objectives.

Developing
2 Points

Occasionally contributes ideas and assists with team tasks.

Beginning
1 Points

Rarely contributes to team discussions or objectives, needing frequent prompting.

Category 2

Research and Analysis

Focuses on students’ ability to gather, analyze, and apply market data effectively.
Criterion 1

Market Research Quality

Measures the depth and relevance of market research conducted by students.

Exemplary
4 Points

Research is comprehensive and highly relevant, providing deep insights into market trends and customer needs.

Proficient
3 Points

Research is relevant and provides clear insights into market trends and customer needs.

Developing
2 Points

Research is somewhat relevant, providing basic insights into some market aspects.

Beginning
1 Points

Research lacks depth and relevance, offering limited insights into market conditions.

Criterion 2

Data Application

Evaluates how effectively students apply research findings to their business strategies.

Exemplary
4 Points

Expertly integrates research findings into comprehensive business strategies with clear justifications.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively applies research findings to support business strategies.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to apply research findings to business strategies with limited success.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to apply research findings to business planning.

Category 3

Innovation and Strategy

Assesses the creativity and viability of business ideas and strategies.
Criterion 1

Idea Creativity and Innovation

Evaluates the originality and innovativeness of business ideas generated by students.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents original, highly innovative ideas that strongly align with community needs.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents creative ideas that align with community needs.

Developing
2 Points

Presents some creative ideas with partial alignment to community needs.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents ideas with little originality or alignment to community needs.

Criterion 2

Feasibility and Strategic Planning

Assesses the practicality and strategic planning evident in the business proposal.

Exemplary
4 Points

Shows a highly feasible business plan with detailed strategic planning.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows a feasible business plan with clear strategic planning.

Developing
2 Points

Shows a partially feasible business plan with basic strategic planning.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows an impractical business plan with limited strategic planning.

Category 4

Presentation and Communication

Evaluates students’ abilities to communicate ideas effectively through written and verbal presentation.
Criterion 1

Business Pitch Delivery

Assesses the clarity, persuasiveness, and structure of the business pitch presentation.

Exemplary
4 Points

Delivers a highly compelling, well-structured pitch with excellent use of visuals and persuasion.

Proficient
3 Points

Delivers a clear, structured pitch with effective use of visuals and persuasion.

Developing
2 Points

Delivers a basic pitch with some structure and use of visuals.

Beginning
1 Points

Delivers an unstructured pitch with minimal visuals and persuasion.

Criterion 2

Written Communication

Assesses the quality of written materials, including reports and business plans.

Exemplary
4 Points

Produces clear, coherent writing with strong argumentation and organization.

Proficient
3 Points

Produces coherent writing with clear structure and organization.

Developing
2 Points

Produces writing with partial structure and organization.

Beginning
1 Points

Produces unclear, poorly organized writing.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on the process of forming your startup team. How did the team dynamics and individual roles contribute to your project's overall success?

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Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, how effectively did you integrate market research into your startup's planning and operation?

Scale
Required
Question 3

What were the top three challenges you faced in developing your startup, and how did you address them through innovation or strategy?

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Required
Question 4

In what ways did the fictional city setting influence your startup's business decisions and outcomes?

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Required
Question 5

Reflect on the impact your startup has on the fictional community. How did this influence your business decisions?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Significantly influenced decisions
Moderately influenced decisions
Slightly influenced decisions
No influence on decisions
Question 6

How did the experience of creating a business pitch enhance your communication and presentation skills?

Text
Required