Teacher Trek Index

Welcome to Teacher Trek

Extension Activities

Welcome to Teacher Trek

An Introduction to the USS Biz Trek —The Coolest Business Education Tool in the Galaxy

The USS Biz Trek is a hands-on, activity-based program that guides students in grades 6-12 through the decision-making and planning process of starting a business. The program can be taught in 30 hours, or expanded to as many as 50 hours by allowing students to do additional research, cybertours of business, and challenge activities.

Each of the 10 lessons covers an important aspect of business ownership. Students begin by using their creative abilities to brainstorm possible ideas for a business venture. They are encouraged to focus on their strengths and abilities to come up with possible endeavors that will be both successful and enjoyable.

As students experience each lesson, they learn business terms and definitions, visit business Websites on the Internet, conduct research, and keep a log of their start-up activities.
Students learn how to utilize resources, speak and interact with others in a business manner, create marketing materials, write a business plan, and work independently to solve problems.
They are also given suggestions on funding their start-up costs, as well as being equipped to handle legal aspects, such as permits and taxes.
Throughout the program, students make real-world decisions with money, learn to negotiate with customers and business associates, and recognize entrepreneurial opportunities in their communities.

Unique Features of the USS Biz Trek Program

The USS Biz Trek is a comprehensive curriculum full of learning experiences that meet the needs of all types of learners and teachers. Additional components of the USS Biz Trek self-study program include:

Over 35 Biz Trek activities that get students up and moving, interacting as a community of learners, and engaged in content
Links to dozens of Websites that provide business resources, government information, and forms for running a business
A cartoon space crew that journeys into the world of entrepreneurship along with the students and introduces the topic of every lesson
Additional challenge-level activities and business resources that will keep budding entrepreneurs returning to the Website again and again
Numerous articles and photos of teens across the U.S. who own businesses
Supplementary activities and information on investing, financial management, and stock market savvy
Quizzes, puzzles, brainteasers, and other fun features that engage even the most reluctant students in an exciting learning experience

Preparing to Teach the USS Biz Trek Program:

Follow the links below to review the suggested agendas and extension activities to go with Biz Trek. You can also access these files from the index bar titled Teacher’s Tips on your main page.

For additional resources and helps for teaching youth entrepreneurship programs, go to the Biz Educator’s page on our Website www.youngbiz.com. Content on this area changes weekly, so visit often!

Resource Materials:

The USS Biz Trek self-study curriculum is based on the book Fast Cash for Kids (2nd edition, Career Press, 1995) by Bonnie and Noel Drew, and EDGE Teacher Training Workshops, founded by Scott Shickler and Juan Casimiro. To order books, check teacher training schedules, or receive a free catalog of youth entrepreneurship and financial education teaching tools, call KidsWay, Inc. toll-free (888) 543-7929, ext.10.