Creator: Junior Achievement | visit site
Grade Range: 8 - 11
This FREE online simulation is designed to give students experience in running a business. Registration is required to participate. Players can take on others in their geographic area, or play against the computer. Using variables like price and production quantity, players allocate their money to particular parts of the business, and consider advice from computer generated stakeholders as they compete against other "businesses" to make a profit. The graphics are fairly rudimentary, but there is plenty of complexity here for students to evaluate as they work through the game. You will need to spend a little time yourself in playing a practice game in order to be able to prepare students to get the best learning experience; otherwise they will just randomly click options without thinking about the impact on their business plan.
In the Classroom
Consider dividing your class into teams, and pit them against each other to design a winning business plan. This is an exercise that could continue over a long period of time, or could be undertaken in a marathon session, but students will need to focus on the variables carefully in order to get the most out of the experience. Have students create a multimedia presentation sharing their business plan and outcome using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools <a href="/content/edge.cfm?c=16">reviewed here</a>.
At Home
A great site for your budding entrepeneur to play against students in their geographic area or the computer. Encourage your student to try this site on his/her own. A great site to learn how to run a business before deciding on career options.
Tags
Subjects
Careers & Guidance, Economics, Family and Consumer Science, Gifted, Math, Social Studies, Social Studies,