W   =

 Students will be introduced to the lesson by discussing the risks and rewards of owning one's own business.  They will also be provided with expectations for the creation of a poster and will preview a rubric that will assess their product.

H   =

 This lesson will capitalize on the fascination that students have with famous people by introducing famous entrepreneurs and having students assess their shared qualities and traits.

E   =

 Students will explore entrepreneurship through a variety of activities including reading Once Upon a Company. After exploring and defining the traits of an entrepreneur, students will have the opportunity to research an entrepreneur of their choice and develop a poster reflecting how that person's life/attributes represent entrepreneurial characteristics.

R   =

 Student discussion and reflection will occur during initial brainstorming activities as well as discussion about the student reading.  Finally, as students share their posters with regard to their chosen entrepreneurs, they will have the opportunity to further dialogue with each other regarding the traits of entrepreneurs.  This will allow them to refine their understanding of these traits.

E   =

 Student discussion and the creation of a poster will provide students with the opportunity to express their understanding of the qualities of entrepreneurs.  This will also allow them to begin to consider which of these traits they possess and which need to be further developed.

T   =

 
Differentiation for this lesson may include the provision of auditory directions/materials in conjunction with written materials.   In addition, the rubric may be adjusted for students based on need.

O   =

 The progression of this lesson allows students to "construct" their own perception of entrepreneurship and refine it through teacher-guided facilitation.

Strategy

Outline

Resources/Equipment

Performance Standard 1

Introduction

Discuss and review with the class what it means to be an entrepreneur.  Make certain that each student understands the definition of entrepreneur in terms of:

• risk
• new business
• new products

Use the overhead transparency to guide the discussion.

Related Academic Skills: 1.1.3F

Resource #1

Equipment #1

Assignment

Have students write a definition in their own words for the term entrepreneur and use it in a sentence.  Hand in the paper for evaluation.

Hand out the entrepreneur list to the students.  Conduct a class discussion about the question “What does each of the people on the list have in common?”  List the comments on the board for future reference.

Related Academic Skills: 1.1.3F; 1.6.3D

Resource #2

Activity

Have students read the story “Once Upon a Company: A True Story” and identify the businesses started in the story.

After reading and discussing the story, assign students a name from the entrepreneur list.  Using the data sheet and internet, have students research the assigned entrepreneur and complete the requirements of the data sheet.

Related Academic Skills: 1.2.3A

Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Information A, D

Resource #3

Resource #4

Equipment #2

Project

Using their completed data sheet, have students create a poster about their assigned entrepreneur.  Before they begin, review the poster rubric with the class.

Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Information B, C

Resource #4

Resource #5

Equipment #3