Philosophy 
It’s been said that entrepreneurs are the ones who really change the world. Through hands-on activities and technology, students will be inspired to think like an entrepreneur. You will find solutions to real world problems using curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Learn new ways for effective brainstorming, how to apply design-thinking, conduct market research, produce promotional materials, and pitch your idea. Whether you want to start your own money-making business or create a non-profit to help others, this course will help you accomplish your goals.

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Time Frame

Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship is a one-semester

elective class for eighth graders.

 

Click here to see the class flyer

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Software/Websites

Some of our "software" is web apps. A web application (web app) is an application that is accessed over the Internet . The computer software (application) is not on your computer, but is at the web site. Thus, you run the software from your Internet browser. Cloud Computing = Google Drive (Docs): Document (word processor comparable to Microsoft Word), Spreadsheet (comparable to Microsoft Excel), Presentation (comparable to Microsoft PowerPoint),  Draw (comparable to Microsoft Paint and the Draw module in Microsoft Word.) We also are introducing students to the Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photo Shop and Illustrator.

Learning Targets:

1. The student will efficiently navigate the Internet.

2. The student will use online tools to perform graphic design.

3. The student will use online multimedia tools .

4. The students will demonstrate basic search strategies and utilize browser functions.

5. The student will use online applications to plan and communicate.

6. The student will create documents.

7. The student will edit photos and videos.

8. The student will design webpages.

9. The student will understand & apply basic marketing concepts.

10. The student will apply marketing concepts.

Areas of Study:

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Creativity & Observation

• Focus on active observation using their different senses

• Consider that active observation allows entrepreneurs to see patterns and anomalies

• Understand the difference between observation and inference and why entrepreneurs need to rely on observation more than inference

• Practice the techniques that entrepreneurs use to analyze and solve problems they've observed

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Introduction to Entrepreneurship  

• Experience what it is like to be an entrepreneur

• Understand their own current mindsets (how they approach challenges and problems)

• Understand what entrepreneurs actively learn and develop both their mindset and their skills over time

• Develop a deeper understanding of entrepreneurial mindset and skills

• Learn that failure happens to everyone ... including entrepreneurs

• Learn that entrepreneurs see failures as opportunities to learn

• Understand the importance of testing ideas and taking action

• Recognize and honor the individual strengths people bring to a team

• Experience the benefits of working in a team

 

Idea Generation 

• Encourage everyone in a group to actively participate so that everyone's ideas are captured

• Recognize the benefits of building on other people's ideas and sharing ideas

• Discover new and different ways to create more innovative ideas

• Develop brainstorming techniques regularly used by entrepreneurs for more focused and in-depth idea generation

• Explore and consider different people and perspectives

• Consider how different solutions may be required for different populations

• Develop methods that are regularly used by entrepreneurs for exploring problems and ideas, considering different perspectives, and understanding the interconnected nature of problem-solving

 

  Opportunity Analysis

• Explore problems in more detail and from a range of perspectives

• Learn and use opportunity analysis as a key step in entrepreneurial opportunity analysis

• Learn and consider how trends and changes in the world both create and restrict opportunities. This includes social, technological, economic, environmental, and political (STEEP)

• Make decisions based on evidence and information available and understand that decisions are limited by what is currently known

• Consider and make recommendations about future actions

 

 Market Research

• Develop a deeper understanding of markets and market research from an entrepreneurial perspective

• Learn different methods of market research, be able to classify them into primary and secondary, and be able to suggest relevant methods for different business situations and questions

• Identify key questions that entrepreneurs have doing market research and develop a market research plan to find answers to these questions

• Design and ask questions that lead to useful data

• Conduct primary research through a focus group and survey

• Practice collecting secondary research to answer research questions and to help make decisions about entrepreneurial ideas and future research

• Make decisions based on market research data

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Design Thinking & Prototyping 

• Activate understanding of using empathy to solve problems.

• Consider why entrepreneurs use design thinking.

• Recognize how design thinking benefits users

• Explore prototyping and how to use it in design thinking

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Business Model Methodology  

• Explain how businesses create value for customers and a unique value proposition

• Explain different revenue generation models and determine which ones are appropriate to different types of business

• Understand the importance of a coherent business model for a business and why the model needs to be in line with the business vision, values, and strategy

• Create and justify a choice of business model for a new business ideas

• Analyze the impact of changes in the business environment on a business and use this analysis to make decisions about future business models

 

Pitching

• Practice effective public speaking

• Develop persuasive techniques

• Understand the importance of pitching for entrepreneurs

• Develop the confidence to speak in front of large groups

 

Bring Your Idea/Business to Life

• What is Your Idea/Business? Create a Business

  • Brainstorming & Details

  • Sketch Interior & Exterior

  • Logo, Slogan & Business Card

• Selling Your Idea/Business: Create an Ad Campaign

  • Who are Your Customers?

  • Billboard/Road Sign

  • Newspaper Ad

  • Coupons

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Photo Shop

• Basic Fundamentals

• Images Resizing 

• Layers

• Photo Enhancements

• Selection Tools

• Photo Retouching

• Color Management

• Combining Images

• Applying Filters