Innovative Entrepreneurship Master Class

Discovering the Next Generation of Innovators in "Innovative Entrepreneurship"

In today’s fast-paced world, where creativity and entrepreneurship can lead to exciting new possibilities, we want our students to experience firsthand the skills and mindsets needed to build, design, and innovate. That’s why I offered a trimester long middle school elective course called Innovative Entrepreneurship—an engaging class that introduces students to both the hands-on and business sides of creating a product. This course has been designed to inspire young minds, letting them tap into the tools of a makerspace and the essentials of business planning, while gaining the confidence to pitch their creations to potential "investors." This was a course offered to 7th and 8th grade students as an elective. For 12 weeks, students have this class 3 times a week for 50 minutes.

A Two-Part Journey into Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Our course is divided into two phases:

Makerspace Mastery

In the first six weeks, students dive into the world of digital fabrication. They become familiar with the tools and software of our makerspace, such as:

• TinkerCAD for 3D design

• Laser cutter for precision cutting and engraving of different material

• 3D printer to bring their designs to life in physical form

• Vinyl cutter for creating logos, stickers, and other branding materials

• Button maker for custom buttons that can add a personal touch

  
  

  

  Equipment Certification Stickers that students place on their computers

During this phase, students learn not only the technical aspects of these tools but also how to turn an idea into a tangible prototype. The certification process consists of a project that is specialized for each piece of equipment, along with an assessment focusing on procedures and safety that they must score 80% or better on to pass. I have created a certification sticker that students can proudly place on their computers to easily show their proficiency. By the end of week six, students have crafted preliminary versions of different products, combining creativity with technical skill to lay the foundation for the next phase of the course.

A collection of some of the projects a student made in the first half of the course.

Building the Business

The second half of the course shifts focus from digital fabrication and learning the tools to the essential elements of launching a business. Students develop a comprehensive business plan that covers five key areas:

1. Product Development: Students refine their prototypes, improving functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. They learn to evaluate their creations critically, identifying the unique qualities that set their products apart.

2. Market Research: Understanding the market is crucial. Students identify their target audience, analyze competitors/similar products, and gather feedback to understand their product’s potential. By the end of this phase, they have a clearer picture of their product.

3. Legal/Ethical Considerations: They also discuss legal and ethical responsibilities—such as sustainability, safety, and ensuring inclusivity in their product design.

4. Marketing & Branding: Students develop their product's branding, working on elements like logos and packaging.

5. Finances: Even at a basic level, financial planning is essential. Students create a simple budget and determine the cost of their product versus their target price point(ROI). They learn about setting reasonable profit margins.

Culminating Event: The Shark Tank-Style Pitch

To bring it all together, students present their final projects in a Shark Tank-style pitch to a panel of adults acting as potential investors. This pitch is more than a presentation; it’s a chance for students to showcase everything they’ve learned and to practice valuable soft skills, such as public speaking and persuasion.

The adults on the panel provide valuable feedback, highlighting strengths, offering constructive critiques, and suggesting real-world improvements. This feedback loop gives students insight into how their ideas would be received in the real business world and lets them experience the exciting (and sometimes challenging) process of securing interest in a new idea.

Student example of their table top flick soccer game with product and logo.

Takeaways and Reflections

Innovative Entrepreneurship has been exciting for students, not only building tangible products but also gaining valuable skills in design, engineering, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. The collaborative, hands-on environment of the makerspace provides a creative outlet, while the business planning phase encourages students to think strategically.

Through this journey, our students learn that becoming an entrepreneur isn’t only about having a good idea—it’s about executing that idea with vision, resilience, and a willingness to learn. By the end of the course, our middle schoolers are not just more confident makers; they’re also innovators with the potential to bring positive change to their communities and the world.