Vend

 


The bustle of business fills the halls, foyers, and gymnasium. Almost any open space large enough to display wares is buzzing with exchange and rife with tantalizing aromas.

From January through May, my Econ students operate businesses they have created.

Pet Rocks, Italian Sodas, Love Letters, Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches, Freshly Baked Bread, Custom Key Chains, snacks for pet rocks, and so much more are available at the MicroMarket. The ingenuity is impressive!



  • Resources

  • Supply and Demand

  • Capital

  • Investment

  • Risk

  • Competition

  • Elasticity

  • Inventory

  • Factors of Production

  • Profit and Loss

  • Labor

  • Price

  • Exchange

  • ROI

  • Opportunity Cost

  • Analysis

  • Margin

  • Interest

  • Decision Systems

  • Market/

  • Paradox

  • Homo Economicus

  • Advantage

  • Optimization


These terms leap off the pages of the text and into students’ everyday vocabulary.




                                     Examples of Student Marketing

 






The MicroMarket has become a fan favorite not only for Econ students but for the entire school. As Anticipation for the next MicroMarket day grows, so conversations about inventory, differentiation, cost, and value assessment waft through the class. 

Evaluations are conducted. Plans are made. Deals are struck. The energy is contagious.

Chatter about flavors, colors, and orders weaves through the halls and playground. "We have to get there first" is mutually decided among young consumers. But the real dividends fill the coffers of my heart when those conversations shift from what they are buying to what they will be selling when they take Economics.


                                                                                                                         


 

 

 


 

 

 

Comments

  1. RileyJuly 22, 2025 at 11:38 AM

    Hi Robin, this sounds like an awesome thing for all students to participate in and for positive, overall school culture! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Frances A. DavisJuly 28, 2025 at 2:39 PM

    This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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