Grade Level
7th Grade
Subject
Entrepreneurship / Business / ELA
Duration
60–75 minutes
Key Concept
Analyze data, distinguish symptoms from root causes, design a multi-pillar response plan, and present their solution in a mock press conference.
Materials
5 items included
Includes the Lesson Plan, slideshow, and printable student worksheets.
Lesson Overview
This project-based lesson positions students as the Zolli Candy Executive Team facing a fictional business crisis. They must analyze data, distinguish symptoms from root causes, design a multi-pillar response plan, and present their solution in a mock press conference. This activity builds critical thinking, data analysis, and communication skills.
Learning Objectives
✔ Distinguish between a business symptom and a root cause.
✔ Analyze a case study using data charts and customer feedback.
✔ Develop a solution plan covering PR, Marketing, Customer Relations, and Finance.
✔ Communicate a professional response in a high-pressure press conference.
Activity Overview
1. Instruction – 15 minutes
Use Slides 1–9 to teach crisis response concepts and the 4 pillars.
2. Team Analysis – 30 minutes
Teams read their case files and complete the Prep Packet workbook.
3. Press Conference – 20 minutes
Each team presents their solution and answers 2 ‘tough’ questions from the teacher/class.
4. Reflection – 5 minutes
Teams debrief on what worked and what was difficult.
Total Activity Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Materials
- Crisis Response Slideshow (10 Slides)
- Case Study Files (5 unique fictional crises)
- Executive Team Prep Packet (one per team)
- Crisis Response Rubric (for assessment)
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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