Active learning ideas
Innovation is the heartbeat of entrepreneurship. This topic explores how entrepreneurs identify gaps in the market and generate creative solutions to meet consumer needs. Students learn the difference between invention (creating something new) and innovation (improving an existing product or process) and the importance of protecting these ideas through intellectual property laws.
Activity 01
Students walk around the school or local community to find three 'problems' or 'annoyances.' They return to the classroom to brainstorm innovative business solutions for these specific pain points.
How do entrepreneurs come up with new business ideas?
Activity 02
Give groups a basic object (like a paperclip or a coffee cup). One group must 'invent' a brand new use for it, while the other must 'innovate' the design to make it better for its current use.
What is the difference between an invention and an innovation?
Activity 03
Show students a famous Canadian invention (like the Blackberry or the Wonderbra). Pairs discuss why a patent was necessary and what might have happened if the creators hadn't protected their intellectual property.
How can a business protect its intellectual property?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Innovation has to be a high-tech invention.
Students often think only of apps or gadgets. Use a gallery walk of 'low-tech' innovations (like a better way to organize a grocery store) to show that innovation is about better ideas, not just better tech.
The first idea is always the best one.
Many students want to stop after one brainstorm. Through an iterative 'innovation lab' process, show how testing and getting feedback (peer critique) usually leads to a much stronger final concept.
Methods used in this brief
Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
Students identify the traits, skills, and mindsets that successful entrepreneurs possess.
8 methodologies
Developing a Business Plan
Students learn the components of a comprehensive business plan and how it is used to secure funding and guide operations.
8 methodologies