Lesson Plan
Dream to Model Guide
Students will transform imaginative business ideas into a basic business model by brainstorming, sketching on a canvas, peer reviewing pitches, and reflecting to identify next steps.
This lesson builds entrepreneurial confidence and real-world skills—creativity, collaboration, critical thinking—by guiding students from idea generation to an actionable model and reflection.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Guided brainstorming, canvas sketching, peer review, and reflective journaling.
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Review the Dream It Build It Presentation slides to familiarize yourself with prompts and transitions
- Print enough copies of the Business Model Canvas Sketch for all student pairs
- Prepare the Peer Pitch Feedback forms for distribution
- Ensure each student has access to the Next Steps Reflection journal template
Step 1
Introduction & Objectives
5 minutes
- Welcome students and display the first slide of the Dream It Build It Presentation
- Explain the lesson’s goal: turn a dream business idea into a simple business model
- Highlight the session structure: brainstorming, sketching, pitching, feedback, reflection
Step 2
Brainstorming Business Ideas
10 minutes
- Instruct students to individually brainstorm 2–3 business ideas inspired by personal interests or community needs
- Use slides 2–4 from the Dream It Build It Presentation for prompts
- Circulate and support students in refining their concepts
- Have students jot ideas on sticky notes or digital notes
Step 3
Business Model Canvas Sketch
15 minutes
- Pair students and ask each pair to select their strongest idea
- Distribute the Business Model Canvas Sketch handout
- Guide pairs to fill in sections: Value Proposition, Customer Segments, Revenue Streams, Key Activities
- Provide examples and circulate to offer targeted feedback
Step 4
Peer Pitch and Feedback
10 minutes
- Have each pair pitch their business model to another pair (2–3 minutes each)
- Distribute Peer Pitch Feedback forms
- Instruct peers to note strengths, questions, and improvement suggestions
- Rotate so each group both gives and receives feedback
Step 5
Reflection and Next Steps
10 minutes
- Ask students to complete the Next Steps Reflection journal prompts:
- What part of the process excited you most?
- Which section of your model needs further work?
- What is one action you will take next to improve your idea?
- Invite volunteers to share insights
- Conclude by assigning optional extension: develop detailed customer profiles or cost estimates
Slide Deck
Dream It, Build It
Transform Your Business Idea into a Model
Get ready for a high‐energy entrepreneurship journey!
Welcome, everyone! Today we’re going to ______ Dream It, Build It! We’ll turn your creative ideas into a simple business model. Over the next 50 minutes, we’ll brainstorm ideas, sketch on our canvas, pitch to peers, and reflect on next steps.
Lesson Objectives & Agenda
Objectives:
• Brainstorm 2–3 business ideas
• Complete a basic Business Model Canvas
• Pitch and give feedback to peers
• Reflect and plan next steps
Agenda (50 min):
- Brainstorm (10 min)
- Canvas Sketch (15 min)
- Peer Pitch & Feedback (10 min)
- Reflection & Next Steps (10 min)
- Wrap-Up (5 min)
Introduce the lesson objectives and agenda. Point to each bullet as you speak. Make sure students know the time breakdown.
Stage 1: Brainstorm Business Ideas
Individually brainstorm 2–3 business ideas inspired by personal interests or community needs.
Use these prompts:
- What are you passionate about?
- What problems do you see around you?
- How could you solve them?
Explain that each student will list ideas individually. Encourage variety and bold thinking.
Brainstorming Prompt: Passions & Interests
Think about your hobbies, skills, and passions.
Write down ideas on sticky notes or digital notes.
Examples:
• Custom sneaker design
• Home-made pet treats
Show examples to spark creativity and remind students to write quickly on sticky notes or digital notes.
Brainstorming Prompt: Community Needs
What challenges exist in your school or neighborhood?
How could a business help?
Examples:
• Homework help app
• Eco-friendly packaging store
Encourage students to look around their school or neighborhood for real-world problems.
Stage 2: Business Model Canvas
In pairs, choose your strongest idea and fill out the Business Model Canvas Sketch handout. Focus on:
• Value Proposition
• Customer Segments
• Revenue Streams
• Key Activities
Pair students and distribute the canvas sketch handouts. Remind them to focus on the four sections.
Canvas Section: Value Proposition
What makes your product or service unique?
• What problem do you solve?
• Why will customers choose you?
Example:
• Fast delivery of fresh smoothies
Clarify that Value Proposition explains why customers will choose their solution.
Canvas Section: Customer Segments
Who are your customers?
• Age, location, interests
• Primary vs secondary segments
Example:
• Busy students aged 13–18
Discuss demographics and psychographics when guiding segments.
Canvas Section: Revenue Streams
How will you make money?
• Product sales
• Subscription fees
• Advertising revenue
Example:
• $5 per smoothie
Explain different revenue models and push them to think realistically.
Canvas Section: Key Activities
What main activities are needed?
• Production
• Marketing
• Delivery
Example:
• Buying ingredients, blending, delivery routes
Encourage listing all critical operations that keep the business running.
Stage 3: Peer Pitch & Feedback
Pitch your business model to another pair for 2–3 minutes.
Use the Peer Pitch Feedback form to note:
• Strengths
• Questions
• Suggestions
Then switch roles.
Explain the pitch process and circulate to keep groups on time.
Stage 4: Reflection & Next Steps
Complete the Next Steps Reflection:
• What part of the process excited you most?
• Which section needs more work?
• What is one action you will take next?
Share highlights with the class.
Hand out reflection journals and guide students through each prompt.
Congratulations & Extension
Great work today!
Optional extension:
• Develop detailed customer profiles
• Estimate costs and pricing
Keep building your dream!
Wrap up by encouraging them to pursue their ideas. Mention the extension if they want to go deeper.
Activity
Business Model Canvas Sketch
In pairs, select your strongest business idea and fill in each section below. Use the guiding questions and examples to develop a clear, concise canvas.
1. Value Proposition
What makes your product or service unique?
- What problem do you solve?
- Why will customers choose you?
Example:
• Fast delivery of fresh smoothies
Your Answer:
2. Customer Segments
Who are your customers?
- Age, location, interests
- Primary vs. secondary segments
Example:
• Busy students aged 13–18
Your Answer:
3. Revenue Streams
How will you make money?
- Product sales
- Subscription fees
- Advertising revenue
Example:
• $5 per smoothie
Your Answer:
4. Key Activities
What main activities are needed to deliver your value proposition?
- Production
- Marketing
- Delivery
Example:
• Buying ingredients, blending, delivery routes
Your Answer:
When you’ve completed all sections, prepare to pitch your model to another pair and gather feedback using the Peer Pitch Feedback form.
Discussion
Peer Pitch Feedback Form
During each peer pitch, use this form to give structured, thoughtful feedback to support your classmates’ business models.
Instructions
- Listen carefully to your peers’ 2–3 minute pitch.
- Fill out each section below, focusing on clear, constructive comments.
- Be specific—cite examples from the pitch.
1. Strengths
What aspects of the pitch or model stood out positively?
- Consider clarity, creativity, and feasibility.
Your notes:
2. Clarifying Questions
What questions do you have to better understand their idea?
- Ask about any details that were unclear.
Your notes:
3. Suggestions for Improvement
Offer at least two actionable suggestions.
- Think about ways to strengthen the value proposition, customer focus, or revenue ideas.
Your notes:
4. Next Steps
Based on your feedback, what should this team consider doing next?
Your notes:
Group Discussion Prompts (Teacher‐Led)
After both teams have pitched and exchanged feedback, discuss:
- Which suggestions were mentioned most often?
- How can the teams prioritize their next steps?
- What did you learn about giving and receiving feedback?
Journal
Next Steps Reflection Journal
Congratulations on completing the Dream It, Build It session! Use this journal to reflect on your learning, evaluate your model, and plan concrete next steps.
1. Reflect on Your Experience
What part of the process—brainstorming, sketching your canvas, pitching, or giving/receiving feedback—excited you the most? Describe why this stage stood out and how it energized your thinking.
Your Response:
2. Evaluate Your Business Model
Which section of your Business Model Canvas (Value Proposition, Customer Segments, Revenue Streams, or Key Activities) do you feel needs the most improvement? Explain the challenge and propose at least one idea for strengthening it.
Your Response:
3. Plan Your Next Action
Based on today’s feedback and your reflection, what is one specific action you will take next to advance your business idea? Include an approximate timeline and any resources or support you’ll need.
Your Response:
Keep this reflection as a roadmap for refining your idea. Revisit it after taking your next steps to celebrate progress and set new goals!