Active learning ideas
Innovation is the heartbeat of entrepreneurship, but students often struggle to distinguish a 'cool idea' from a 'viable opportunity.' This topic focuses on the creative-thinking strategies used to bridge that gap. Students explore design thinking, a human-centered approach to problem-solving that begins with empathy. In the Canadian context, this means looking at local problems, such as northern food security or urban transit issues, and applying innovation to solve them.
Activity 01
Groups brainstorm 20 daily frustrations in their community. They then use a selection matrix to choose one 'bug' and apply SCAMPER techniques (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) to generate a unique solution.
How do entrepreneurs identify market gaps?
Activity 02
Students rotate through three stations: one for Mind Mapping, one for Reverse Brainstorming, and one for Storyboarding. At each station, they apply the specific technique to a common problem, such as reducing plastic waste in school cafeterias.
What is the difference between an invention and an innovation?
Activity 03
Students are given a list of products (e.g., the smartphone, the lightbulb, SkipTheDishes). They must individually categorize them as inventions or innovations, then pair up to debate their reasoning before a whole-class consensus is reached.
How can design thinking foster creativity?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
You need a 'Eureka' moment or a brand new invention to be an entrepreneur.
Most successful businesses are innovations on existing ideas rather than brand new inventions. Using a 'Product Evolution' gallery walk helps students see how small, incremental changes create massive value.
A good idea will automatically become a successful business.
An idea is only an opportunity if there is a market willing to pay for it. Peer feedback sessions help students realize that their personal excitement for an idea doesn't always translate to market demand.
Methods used in this brief
Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
Examine the personal traits, skills, and motivations that define successful entrepreneurs. Students will assess their own entrepreneurial potential and risk tolerance.
8 methodologies
The Canadian Business Environment
Analyse the economic, social, and technological factors impacting new ventures in Canada. Students will explore the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the national economy.
8 methodologies