How to Introduce Entrepreneurship (Grades 3-5)

Digital download

A first entrepreneurship lesson for grades 3-5

Upper elementary students discover that they can think and act like entrepreneurs right now. Across 185 minutes, students build towers in the Marshmallow Challenge, learn the Entrepreneur Song, analyze everyday products and pitch in a low-stakes game. Start here if your students are new to entrepreneurship.

Grades: 3-5  |  Teaching time: 185 minutes  |  Format: digital download with lesson plans, slides and printables

What's included

• Preparation guide: Setup steps and an easy-to-source supply list.
• Step-by-step lesson plans: Clear instructions with timing and teaching tips.
• Presentation slides: Student-friendly visuals that guide each activity.
• Printable handouts: Challenge sheets and templates students fill in as they work.

What students do

• Entrepreneur Mindset Video and Poster: Students see the mindsets that guide entrepreneurs.
• Paper Tower Marshmallow Challenge: Teams design, test and rebuild a tower.
• The Entrepreneur Song: Students sing their way into saying "I can be an entrepreneur."
• Market Analysis: Students take apart everyday products to see what need each meets.
• The Pitch Game: Students practice speaking up in a fun, low-pressure round.

What students practice

• Students practice growth, grit and empathy.
• Students try, fail and improve a design.
• Students start to see themselves as entrepreneurs.
• Students explain how real products solve problems.
• Students pitch an idea in front of classmates.

Who it's for

Educators use this module in upper elementary classrooms, STEM and innovation blocks, gifted programs, makerspaces, afterschool clubs, summer camps, homeschool co-ops and family nights.

Frequently asked questions

How long does this lesson take?
Plan for about 185 minutes of instruction. You can teach it in one block or split it across several class periods.

Do I need a business background to teach it?
No. The guide walks you through every activity with step-by-step instructions, timing and teaching tips, so classroom teachers, afterschool leaders and parents can all teach it.

What supplies do I need?
The preparation guide lists every material. Most activities use paper, markers and other everyday classroom supplies.

Is the curriculum evidence-based?
Yes. VentureLab documents the research behind this curriculum in our ESSA evidence packet.

How do I get the files?
This is a digital product. After checkout, check your email for the link to download your files.

Can I share the files with other teachers?
The VentureLab curriculum license explains how you can use and share the materials.

Your purchase supports VentureLab, a nonprofit that brings entrepreneurship education to young people in San Antonio, St. Louis and classrooms across the country.