Each year, students are tasked with creating their own commodity and selling it to their fellow students and staff members. Students oversee the entire process: idea generation, product development, pricing, and every detail in between.
The project pairs perfectly with third-grade economics curriculum. Third-grade Teacher Brittany Loney said students learned about the assembly line and got to experience this innovation during the Ford Rouge Factory Tour at the Henry Ford Museum.
“It was really nice to connect to Henry Ford and see all the cars he made,” Loney said. “We went from that small starting point of learning about resources that inventors need and connect it to all the entrepreneurs out there in the past and today.”
This inspired students, who Loney said were as invested as ever this year. They made a variety of fun products and engaging services. Some of the highlights this year include:
- Nail painting booth
- 3D-printed monster figures
- Acrylic bookmarks
- Football toss game
- Photo booth
Loney said this community feeling is one of the many reasons Market Day is such a popular project at the school.
“Everybody can be a part of Market Day,” Loney said. “No matter what you have going on, there’s excitement in coming down to the gym and seeing all the hard work students have done. Staff members are also eager to give extra support and motivation, and I love seeing that. It’s really nice that everyone really enjoys it.”
The money made from Market Day is pooled together and will be used in many ways. The funds will help complete the school’s outdoor classroom, brighten the outside space, and the top three sellers choose a charity to donate to.
Market Day highlights the school’s feeling of community while connecting students with their curriculum in an engaging way. No wonder it’s such a popular project for everyone at school.
“This is the ninth Market Day I’ve done, and I really love how it brings our school community together,” Loney said. “Our students are so creative, and they have such amazing imaginations. It’s amazing to see 8-10-year-olds use their creativity and have no fear selling them to older students or even staff members.”
What a great project! Way to go, Mrs. Loney and all of Plymouth Scholars!
About Plymouth Scholars
Plymouth Scholars is a tuition-free, public charter school in Plymouth, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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