How to Teach Market Research (Grades 6-12)

Digital download

A market research lesson for grades 6-12

Teens learn to test their assumptions with evidence before they build. In 120 minutes, students define a target customer, find and cite secondary research, run a focus group and write unbiased survey questions. These research and information literacy skills carry straight into college and careers.

Grades: 6-12  |  Teaching time: 120 minutes  |  Format: digital download with lesson plans, slides and printables

What's included

• Facilitation guide: Setup steps, talking points and a supply list for a smooth session.
• Lesson plans: Classroom-tested instructions with teaching tips and flexible timing.
• Presentation slides: Visuals written for a teen audience.
• Printable handouts: Worksheets and frameworks students use during each activity.

What students do

• Describing the Market: Students define and segment an audience to find their ideal customer.
• Market Research Methods: Students compare the tools researchers use to gather data.
• Secondary Research: Students find credible existing data and cite it.
• Focus Group: Students run a focus group to uncover what customers want and why.
• The Survey: Students write clear, unbiased questions and collect responses.

What students practice

• Students interpret data to make decisions.
• Students moderate a discussion and interview with confidence.
• Students judge whether a source is credible.
• Students build products around what customers say they need.

Who it's for

Educators use this module in middle and high school classrooms, business and marketing electives, economics units, STEM clubs, afterschool programs, summer intensives and homeschool courses.

Frequently asked questions

How long does this lesson take?
Plan for about 120 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.

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