World Pizza

World Pizza

Author(s):
Courtney Hunt


Grade Level:
5-8
Timeframe: 3-4 class periods
Lesson Description or Explanation In the twenty-first century, we all live in two worlds: the international world connected by media and trade, and the local world of our immediate environment and customs. In this project, students embrace the best of both worlds by first imagining a global pizza with ingredients from all over, and then developing a savvy, sensitive plan to market the product in a very particular place.

Indiana Curricular Standards
Standard 4-The physical and human characteristics of places
Standard 11-The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth’s surface
Standard 13-How the forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of Earth’s surface
Standard 16-The changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources

ISTE Standards
2)Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
a)Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
3)Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
c) Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.
Assessments
Formative/Summative
Formative-For formative assessment I will be taking kidwatching notes. While the students are gathering and organizing data I will be observing how each student participates in the group. I will also conference with students to see how they feel the project is progressing and if they have any concerns about group members or their own participation.
Summative-For summative assessment the groups will be completing their Pizza Plan Excel worksheet. They will also be presenting their pizzas to the class. The class will then vote on the best pizza and marketing skills.

Prior Knowledge -Introduction to Microsoft Excel
-Ability to conduct research using Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Technology

Internet Resources: (please list URLs)http://aboutpizza.com
http://allrecipes.com/default.asp
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~mjw/recipes/pie/pizza
http://www.chachich.com/mdchachi/pizza.html
http://encarta.msn.com

Hardware:

Software: Microsoft Excel file-Pizza plan template

Procedure
Step A- Invent Your Company
-Open the Pizza Plan Excel workbook.
-Decide on a name for your company. Fill this in with the other information on the cover sheet.
-Decide who on your team will focus on each of the 4 basic pizza elements (dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings).
-Start Internet Explorer to check out some of the pizza resources your teacher has placed in Favorites for you.
Step B- Imagine Your Global Pizza
-Each team member should make a short list of possible innovative ingredients to research in his or her particular pizza area.
-Use Internet Explorer and the resources your teacher has gathered for you to begin tracking down where in the world your new ingredients might come from. Here is where Encarta Online may be especially useful.
-Start filling in the innovative ingredients section on spreadsheet.
Step C- Develop Your Marketing Plan
-Decide on the country that you will market in outside of the U.S.
-Now do some brainstorming about target audience for your innovative pizza idea.
-Next focus on Positioning. What is it about your pizza that will persuade your audience to buy it? Note two very strong positioning points in the appropriate cells on the worksheet.
-Now think about distribution. Where will your customers buy your pizza? You may want to do some research before answering this one.
-Finally, think about how you’ll communicate with your target audience so they know your pizza is ready to buy.
Fill in all sections on Excel spreadsheet and save work.
Differentiated Instruction
ESL
To allow ESL students to participate in the project they will be paired with native English students. I will also provide them with internet websites that will translate information for them. To make sure that they are progressing in the project I will be conferencing with them daily to answer any questions or concerns.

Challenge/Extend
To challenge students that are working at an advanced level I will provide them with an independent project, after they have finished participating in their group project. However, since this is a group project I feel that advanced students will stay involved in the activity. If they have finished with their part they can help other students in the group with their part.

Special Needs
Students with special needs will be paired with students that can assist them. They will also be allowed to use drawings rather than writing. I will also provide these students with internet websites that will provide audio assistance for them.