Grade Level
3rd Grade
Subject
Entrepreneurship + Oral Health + Science
Duration
45–50 Minutes
Key Concept
Successful products combine customer appeal, healthy ingredients, creative branding, and unique features
Materials
3 items included
Includes the Lesson Plan, slideshow, and printable student worksheets.
Lesson Overview
Students become product designers and entrepreneurs while learning what actually benefits teeth. They will learn that successful products combine customer appeal, healthy ingredients, creative branding, and unique features. Through the Candy Creator Lab, students design their own tooth-friendly candy, create branding and packaging, and present their product to peers.
Learning Objectives
✔ Identify ingredients (like xylitol and calcium) and habits that support healthy teeth
✔ Explain what makes a product tooth-friendly vs. cavity-causing
✔ Design a candy product, brand, packaging, and logo
✔ Explain how businesses develop products to solve problems for customers
Activity Overview
1. Introduction & Inspiration (5–7 Minutes)
Students meet Alina Morse, who asked at age 7: “Why can’t we make a lollipop that’s actually GOOD for your teeth?” and invented Zollipops.
2. Direct Instruction (10 Minutes)
Discuss what makes teeth healthy (water, brushing, calcium) and teach the new science concepts:
• The Sugar Problem: Normal sugar feeds mouth germs, which make acid that causes cavities.
• The Smart Sugar Solution: Ingredients like Xylitol and Erythritol are “smart sugars.” They taste sweet, but germs can’t eat them!
• Building Enamel: Calcium helps build strong teeth.
3. Hands on Activity (20–25 Minutes)
Students work independently or in pairs to complete the worksheet. Encourage them to be creative with flavors and candy types.
4. Small Group Share (5 Minutes)
Have students share their designs with their table group. They should explain their product’s name, flavor, what makes it unique, and its tooth-friendly benefit.
Optional: Have each table select one “winning” design to briefly present to the whole class.
5. Closing Reflection (5 Minutes)
Students participate in a Think & Share discussion and complete an exit question.
Total Activity Time: 55 minutes
Materials
- Slideshow: Candy Creator Lab (13 slides, projected)
- Worksheet Page 1: Candy Creator Lab (one per student)
- Worksheet Page 2: Packaging Designer (one per student)
- Colored pencils or crayons (for candy and packaging design)
- Pencils for writing
Ready to teach?
Download all lesson materials in one convenient package.
The downloadable lesson plan includes detailed state standards alignment to help educators connect this lesson to curriculum requirements.
Download Individual Plans Separately
Provided by Zolli® Candy as a free classroom resource.
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