High School Lesson Plan: Building a Business Plan for Selling Eclipse-Related Merchandise
Objective:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the essential components of a business plan.
- Identify market opportunities and conduct a basic SWOT analysis.
- Create a basic business plan for selling eclipse-related merchandise.
Duration:
1 hour and 30 minutes
Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard/Smartboard
- Markers
- Laptops or tablets for research
- Handout on business plan components
- SWOT analysis template handouts
- Calculators
Lesson Outline:
Introduction (10 minutes)
1. Class discussion (3 min)
- What is a business plan and why is it important?
- Can anyone recall what a solar or lunar eclipse is?
2. Motivation (2 min)
- Imagine you could earn money by selling merchandise during an eclipse event. How would you plan it?
3. Objective (1 min)
- Today, we are going to learn how to create a business plan focused on selling eclipse-related merchandise.
4. Materials Handout (4 min)
- Distribute handout outlining the components of a business plan and SWOT analysis templates.
Component 1: Business Description (15 minutes)
1. Discussion (5 min)
- What type of merchandise could you sell?
- Who is your target customer?
2. Activity (10 min)
- In pairs, write a brief business description focusing on eclipse merchandise.
- Share with the class.
Component 2: Market Analysis (20 minutes)
1. Discussion (5 min)
- What are some things you need to know about your market?
- Introduce the concept of SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).
2. Activity (15 min)
- In pairs, conduct a simple SWOT analysis for your merchandise business.
- Use laptops/tablets for research if necessary.
- Share the key points with the class.
Component 3: Marketing and Sales Plan (15 minutes)
1. Discussion (5 min)
- What is the 4P's model (Product, Price, Place, Promotion)?
2. Activity (10 min)
- In pairs, outline your marketing and sales plan based on the 4P's model.
- Share with the class.
Component 4: Financial Projections (15 minutes)
1. Discussion (5 min)
- What are some costs you would incur?
- How would you price your merchandise?
2. Activity (10 min)
- In pairs, create a simple financial projection (revenue, costs, profit).
- Share with the class.
Conclusion (10 minutes)
1. Review (5 min)
- Summarize the key components of a business plan.
2. Homework Assignment (2 min)
- Compile the work done today into a formal 1-2 page business plan for your eclipse merchandise business.
3. Questions & Closing (3 min)
- Any questions?
- Next class, we will review and provide feedback on your business plans.
Assessment:
- Participation in class discussion and activities.
- Completion of a 1-2 page business plan as homework.
Accommodations:
- For students who require additional support, provide one-on-one guidance during activity time and offer simplified SWOT and business plan templates.
Extensions:
- Students can present their business plans in the next class for peer review.
- Consider a field trip to a local business or invite a guest speaker to discuss the practicalities of starting a business