Dr. Theresa Paterra, Ed.D., a VentureLab Certified Educator, showcased her entrepreneurial thinking this summer. She holds a key role at Indian Creek Middle School Sycamore Stars, serving as their Grant Data Collection and Analysis Member. She iterated a well-known VentureLab activity – Mooz Diner.
Student Choice & Voice
Another key element to adapting an elementary grade level activity for middle school students was providing a choice board. Students selected the type of materials they used for prototyping and how they presented their work. For materials, the choice was to use real food or maker materials (such as clay, paper, string, etc.). For presentations, the options included diner name, diner picture, diner information, a drawing of a Moozian, the name of 2 main dishes with prices and 3D models, the name of 2 drinks with prices and 3D models, the name of 2 desserts with prices and 3D models, and/or the name of 2 appetizers with prices and 3D models.
Incorporating student choice, like Theresa did, is a cornerstone of effective youth entrepreneurship pedagogy, directly increasing engagement and motivation by validating student perspectives and giving agency as they develop, test, and improve their innovative solutions.
Community Engagement
Community members were invited to become the Moozians and judge the students’ projects on creativity, persuasiveness, clarity, and overall presentation. A flyer for the event was sent to local business owners and organizations with the message
“You are invited to an out-of-this-world VentureLab Mooz Diner. Our students will be creating their own diners for you, an alien race called the Moozians who don’t know what a restaurant is, because you [Moozians] have been cooking food at home for eons. We heard your planet was war-torn by a warring alien armada and you need Earth’s help in providing food. We hope you are willing to try new recipes. You will “taste” and judge the food based on a Pitch Challenge Rubric.”
The Mooz Diner VL Program was a huge success with the students and parents! Thank you for your ongoing support.
At the Mooz Diner Event, students pitched their diner ideas to community members while pretending to be diner owners, marketing their diners, and providing quality customer service.
The students gained a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial mindsets, practiced marketing and customer service skills, participated in a pitch challenge, AND had a ton of fun creating diners for “Moozians”.
ESTEAM® & Career Awareness
VentureLab’s founder Dr. Glangchai started VentureLab to build the courage and confidence in girls and young women, especially in STEM fields. Twelve years later, we see that vision as the young women in this image see themselves and space craft technicians. With consistent and varied opportunities to explore their passions, grow their mindset, and practice entrepreneurial skills, there is no doubt they will be ready for whatever the future holds.
“When students, particularly girls, are exposed to entrepreneurial thinking a profound change takes place. They become aware of opportunities around them. They think more critically & creatively. The result: they become more confident & experimental in their ability to problem-solve & tackle challenges.”
Indian Creek Middle School’s Sycamore Stars afterschool program has been Powered by VentureLab’s Career Exploration and Innovation Program for two years.
One community member at the Mooz Diner Event commented that he was pleased that Sycamore Stars were including the hospitality industry as part of their career fields and job choices.
Curious how VentureLab can spark entrepreneurial thinking in your classroom or program? Schedule a call with Scott Mann, our Director of Education, and let’s explore what’s possible together.
