Are you kids already bored this summer? Are you trying to figure out how to keep them entertained in a meaningful way? I have just the solution for you! Why not open a ice cream shop? Or, open a bake shop or pizzeria? I have 3 high-interest economics units for project based learning units that your students or your own children can do now and this summer. And, they can learn about economics and experience running their own business. I can't think of a better way to uncover standards, 21st Century Skills, and real-world learning.
Here are a few units that will keep students totally engaged this summer.
1. Open an Ice Cream Shop
This fun unit involves doing research about the history of ice cream. Did you know that ice cream dates back to 54-68 BC and stretches the globe from Sicily to India to even Japan?
Here's a video that your students can watch to get creative ideas and stir up excitement about opening their own ice cream shop.
Students can even visit an ice cream shop to learn about the business, take a survey, design a logo and marketing plan, create a menu, and come up with their own ice cream creation. Teachers have even partnered with their local ice cream shops during the unit. Others have raised money for the school by selling ice cream. Students can even play Build a Sundae dice game.
2. Open a Food Truck
Food trucks are the big craze! There are even shows on the Food Network about food truck competitions. Students can research popular foods in different countries to come up with ideas in opening their very own food truck. I've provided a slideshow of food trucks here in Austin. I can just see children's little minds churning as they watch all the unique food trucks. Students can then design their own model and share their creations and foods with parents or other classes. STEM is incorporated into the unit as they design their own food truck.
3. Mini Golf
What a fun family activity! This activity involves money and measurement. Students can design their own golf course and a model of a mini-golf hole. Students can keep score, evaluate each other's course, and decide on what they offer at the course and prices. Again, I've provided a slideshow that is filled with the course of our Peter Pan Mini-Golf course here in Austin. STEM is also infused into this economics unit for project based learning.
For more economics units for Project Based Learning as well as other PBL ideas, please visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store. And, follow my Pinterest Board for lots of PBL ideas.
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