Thirty-two students in Newark Middle School Family and Consumer Science teacher Kristen Harper Biz and Bites class, showcased and sold culinary concepts they developed during the year-long course at a lunchtime event in the school’s Large Group Instruction room June 4th.
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Harper explained Biz and Bites is a hands-on, new this school year eighth grade elective that combined financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and basic culinary skills. Students learned about budgeting, managing expenses, running a small business, and working as a team, all while applying these concepts through engaging food-based projects.
“They worked in small groups to create their own businesses, developed a food product based on feedback gathered from their target audience _ other eighth graders and school staff.
During the showcase June 4th, they presented their businesses and served their “best selling items” while aiming to turn a profit using our classroom currency, “Biz Bucks.”
Participating businesses included: Velvet Pop, Fast Fries, MECC’s Deli, MAC N’ SMACKIN CHEESE, Pink Sparkly Unicorns, M.E.M., Pizza Morning, Pasta Power, and Sub Machine.
“In the days following the showcase, students in Biz & Bites are analyzing their results by calculating earnings and subtracting expenses to determine which groups were most successful.,” said Harper. “Before the event, each team created a budget that included grocery costs, equipment rentals, admission fees, and taxes. They also set prices based on an estimated goal of selling at least 45 servings while at the showcase.
“Using a simulated currency called “Biz Bucks,” students gained hands-on experience with real-world financial concepts. They learned that running a business involves more than just selling a product. It requires careful planning, budgeting, and cost management. Many were surprised by how quickly expenses added up and how challenging it can be to make a profit.
“The experience also strengthened teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Groups had to work together to make decisions and adjust when challenges arose. While there is not enough time to repeat the full showcase this year, students will reflect on their outcomes and refine their financial decisions for the future.”
NMS staff, students and Principal Melanie Meyer commented on the event.
“I love how creative the students were with their logos and names. When it came to service all the students were very professional and quick. This was such a great event and made me proud to teach at NMS! – Katie Coons, AIS math teacher
“I absolutely loved the showcase! It was clear how much care and effort each student put into their planning, execution, and serving of the food. Everyone did so wonderful and I’m so proud of the community they built around just project with each other and with the rest of the building! I’ve never heard of a school or class do
anything like this. It was one of my biggest highlights so far this year. – Savannah Taylor, 8th grade math teacher
“I think this showcase is such an amazing idea for the students to show off all their hard work! You could really see some of their creative sides come through - I was so impressed by all the banners/logos, recipes, and menu ideas! Personalized touches were so cute (pinksparklyunicorns, pink coffee sleeves, etc.) and the food was delicious! I'd love to be invited back next year! What a great experiential learning activity for them to see a glimpse of what it's like to run your own business and learn some financial skills! – Hannah Peisher, school counselor.
NMS Principal Melanie Meyer said:
I was so impressed by the amazing work that our students have done and was absolutely delighted to see a year's worth of effort come to life! Ms. Harper is a dedicated, reflective educator who is always pushing herself instructionally. Throughout this year, students planned a restaurant, learned about and created names, branding and slogans, created a menu, obtained customer feedback and ultimately planned, prepped, and cooked enough food to host the showcase last week. We believe in giving kids opportunities to explore their passions, and this is a perfect example of that core belief translating into tangible results. One only had to see the sense of pride on each of our young entrepreneur's face to understand how impactful the event was for them. I'm already looking forward to next year's showcase! “
Student participants said:
“I learned how to take profit from our earnings and understand what we actually make.” -Nevaeh Jewett
“It was fun getting ready for the showcase, even though it took a lot of time. I learned that working as a team makes everything go faster. – Charlotte Parker
“I learned that when something goes wrong, your team has to work together to find a solution,” said Lucianna Humphrey, whose group quickly pivoted after spilling a key ingredient and successfully offered an alternative product.
“The work could be stressful at times, but my favorite part was serving our patrons. They were very kind. – Ameila Borom