Product Description:

The "Exploration of Invention & Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Market" course is designed for learners in grades 6-8 to explore the exciting world of invention and entrepreneurship. This course provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to take an idea from conception to market. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about design, prototyping, marketing, and business planning, culminating in a final project where they bring their own idea to market.

Course Features:

• 15 Lesson Hours: The course includes 15 detailed lessons that cover various aspects of invention and entrepreneurship.

• Curriculum and Supporting Materials: Comprehensive lesson plans, activity guides, and additional resources to support effective teaching and learning.

• Ongoing Product and Curriculum Support: Continuous support to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and effective.

• Professional Development: Training sessions for educators to deliver the course content effectively and facilitate student learning.

• Facilitation by a Trained STEM Instructor (Optional): Option to have a professional STEM instructor lead the course.

Learning Target Examples:

1. What is an Invention?: Identify examples and non-examples of inventions.

2. Reverse Engineering: Take apart an existing product to determine how it actually works.

3. Prototyping Physical Inventions: Use basic art materials to build a “works like” and “looks like” prototype.

4. Prototyping Digital Inventions: Create a digital prototype, or “wireframe”, for an existing digital invention.

5. Manufacturing: Simulate a manufacturing process and identify ways to make it more efficient and sustainable.

6. What is an Entrepreneur?: Research famous entrepreneurs and describe the mindset and skills it takes to be an entrepreneur.

7. Problem Identification: Identify problems and brainstorm solutions that will improve the lives of others.

8. Business Basics: What’s a Business Plan?: Define cost, profit, revenue, and explore the basics behind creating a business plan.

9. Logo Design: Design a logo to represent a product, business, person, or idea.

10. Marketing Strategies: Evaluate marketing platforms/products and determine the best option for a certain product/business.

11. Project Kickoff: Brainstorming and Problem Identification: Brainstorm a list of problems and choose a problem to solve for their project.

12. Sketching and Prototyping: Create a sketch and prototype of a product that solves the problem statement.

13. Create your Business Plan: Create a business plan for the invention including a plan for manufacturing; cost, profit, revenue, and a marketing plan.

14. Design a Logo and Marketing Materials: Design a logo that represents the business/invention.

15. Pitch Presentation: Create a pitch presentation for the product that identifies the problem, ideas, solution, and business model.

Equipment Included:

• Classroom Set of Prototyping Materials: Includes basic art materials, digital prototyping tools, and other resources needed for creating physical and digital prototypes.

• Business Planning Tools: Software and templates for creating business plans, cost analysis, and marketing strategies.

• Supporting Materials: Various materials required for hands-on activities, including design templates and troubleshooting guides.

Professional Development:

• Teacher Training: Comprehensive training sessions to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach the course.

• Ongoing Support: Continuous professional development opportunities and support to ensure successful course delivery.

Additional Information:

• Designed for Learners in Grades 6-8: The course is tailored to meet the developmental and educational needs of students in this age group.

• Hands-On Activities: Emphasis on interactive and engaging activities to foster a love for learning and exploration in STEM fields.

• Real-World Applications: Students will learn about the practical uses of invention and entrepreneurship in various industries and scenarios.