Second Grade Abuzz About Honey Business

Shorecrest's second grade plants and pollinators unit continues this semester to include exploring the beekeeping business. After an introduction to economic concepts from Ilaria Belloni, Associate Director of the Ross Roeder Institute, including scarcity of resources, bartering and the role of currency in trade – the Chargers learned exactly what bringing a product to market entails - in this case, honey jars for sale.

The classroom transformed into a marketing agency as students tackled target audiences, brand identity and competition analysis. After practicing their creative skills by picking soundtracks and color palettes for various businesses, it was time for the "sweetest" launch of the year. Through democratic voting, the students reached a consensus on everything from company names to label designs for their honey jars.

The most spirited part of the week was a lively debate on production costs versus profit as the students worked together to set the perfect selling price. The fruits (and honey!) of their labor - jars of locally-harvested honey from the Shorecrest campus hive, complete with student-designed labels - went home for families to enjoy.