21st Century Themes Teacher Resources

Is farming the greatest innovation in all of history? Watch as modern technology and advancements are traced back to the invention of farming in the Neolithic Revolution. The video illustrates how agricultural surplus led to division of...

Students examine and identify the rudiments of a business plan. They locate and use resources about business plans on Internet.

Students discuss hypothetical problems associated with price and profit. They discuss the fairness of profit, how it should be measured, and the consequences of setting acceptable levels of profit.

The students, in groups of four, establish a profitable business in the community. They complete research and conduct presentations.

From scarcity and supply and demand to entrepreneurship and the stock market, here you'll find a multiple-choice assessment that includes 34 questions covering all the major concepts of a traditional economics course. 

Some kids know exactly what they want to be when they grow up. This careers lesson plan aids upper graders in considering who they are as artists and how they can profit from their art, making a career out of something they love. This is...

Students explore entrepreneurs of Nebraska. In this business and social studies instructional activity, students research Nebraska entrepreneurs to discover the history of their successful company.

What do a beauty salon and a McDonald's hamburger have in common? They both began the revolution of the franchise, one of the most successful business models that exists today. Discover how the franchise actually originated with female...

Discover how innovations can help your school and community. In the three-part STEM lesson, scholars learn the meaning of innovation and brainstorm innovations in their schools. They identify issues in their communities and think of...

Three college classmates cooked up a scheme to create a "fast-casual" chain of restaurants. See how they combined their talents, and guided by Kaizen (the Japanese term for continuous improvement), have served up a sushi menu in their...

High schoolers explore the concept of entrepreneurs. In this entrepreneurs lesson, students read an article about entrepreneurship and whether or not it is an inherent trait or a learned skill. High schoolers discuss why entrepreneurship...

Ask your class to consider a #2 Pencil to show how inventive thinking can be stimulated by making innovations to an everyday object. There is also an interesting extension included that refers to a book about the history of the pencil....

There are so many way to get to school. Grover shows us how children get to school all over the world. This would be a good clip to show as an introduction to a lesson on compare and contrast, transportation, or global awareness.

Planes, trains, and automobiles ... the abundance of today's transportation options comes at a hefty price. Using the fifth and final lesson plan from the WE Are Innovators—High School Modules set, pupils explore how modern...

How does transportation affect the environment? Using the fifth and final activity from the WE Are Innovators—Elementary Modules series, scholars explore sustainable transportation. Pupils work in small groups to create innovative ways...

Before pupils discard anymore of their uneaten vegetables, they may want to learn more about food waste. Here's a resource to help them do just that! Using discussion and video, scholars discover how innovators are tackling the issue. As...

Advances in packaging and refrigeration help keep food fresher longer. That's just one of the ways science is addressing global food waste. With the third of five lessons from the WE Are Innovators—High School Modules set, scholars use...

Eighth graders describe the entrepreneurial process and how it relates to the economy. They work together in small groups to answer questions and participate in small business groups. They use the internet to gather information as well.

Fourth graders experience how businesses are started. In this goods and services lesson, 4th graders learn the story of an Indiana man who started his own chocolate business. Students watch a video about his life and discuss the goods he...

Students read an autobiography of John Johnson and discuss how he rose from poverty to be a successful businessman. After reading excerpts of other autobiographies, they brainstorm a list of characteristics of those who were successful...

Studnets discover how the Industrial Revolution came to be in the United States. In this technological advancements lesson plan, students research creations by Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers, and Thomas Edison. Students create...

Students examine the Hajj preformed by the Muslims. They discover the five pillars of Islam and the Koran. They examine the major differences between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Delve into the idea of small businesses and get reading to find out how they grow. THe class reads an article about Steve Gotty, a who made his small business grow and discuss the setbacks he faced. They also discuss ways for a company...

Students describe the meaning of entrepreneurship and list three characteristics of entrepreneurship. They discuss the disadvantages and advantages of being an entrepreneur. They identify potential entrepreneurship opportunities in the...