Billy Sure Kid Entrepreneur

A Chapter-by-Chapter Teacher Guide

By Marsha Masters
Economics Arkansas

Grades 2-3

Billy Sure is a 12-year-old inventor. Manny, Billy’s

best friend, has a strong mind for business and helps
Billy take his inventions to market as an entrepreneur.

This book introduces students to inventors, entrepreneurship, financial

literacy, and the importance of investing in human capital.

Essential Questions:
Why should everyone learn to think like an entrepreneur?
Why is it important to invest in your human capital?
Why is it important to learn to manage your money in business and
personally?

Culminating Project:
Each chapter presents many opportunities to make economic and
financial literacy connections.

Culminating events might include:

Host an Inventor Pitch Competition

http://simonandschusterpublishing.com/inthemiddlebooks/assets/billy
-sure-activities.pdf

Living Inventor Museum

Students dress as an inventor (ex. Benjamin Franklin) and talk about his
invention(s).

Chapter 1: Backstage at Better Than Sleeping!

In this chapter, we meet Billy Sure, kid entrepreneur, inventor and CEO
of Sure Things, Inc. He introduces us to his family and his good friend
Manny, CFO of Sure Things, Inc. Billy has been invited to appear on
Better Than Sleeping! talk show to share about his hot selling product in
the marketplace, The All Ball. This chapter provides a wonderful
introduction to the concept of human capital (the package of talents,
skills, education, experience, health, and attitudes each person has that
enables them to be a productive worker.)

Billy’s human capital includes being a problem solver, critical thinker,

and creative. Those skills, talents, and abilities made him a great
inventor. Manny’s human capital includes being good with math,
having a strong business sense, and being a marketing whiz. His skills,
talents, and abilities made him a great financial officer in their business.

This chapter introduces readers to inventions, inventors, and

entrepreneurs. Billy says in Chapter 1 that without Manny he would
have a bedroom full of inventions, dirty clothes, and candy wrappers. It
is a great time to point out that inventors do not always know how to
take a product to market. An entrepreneur takes the risk to start a
business. Manny is very helpful with this as he has a good sense for
money and business.

Concepts:
business, CEO, CFO, endorsement, entrepreneur, human resource,
inventor, market, marketing opportunity
Standards:
E.5.2.1 Discuss skills and education that human resources need for jobs
(e.g., human capital)
E.5.2.2. Describe good and services that people in the local community
produce and those that are produced in other communities.
E.5.2.3 Describe ways markets exist in various places.

E.5.3.1 Examine the relationship between human capital and

productivity.
E.5.3.2 Articulate ways entrepreneurs and businesses organize human,
natural and capital resources to produce goods and service in Arkansas.
E.5.3.3 Analyze economic factors in a market.

Lessons, Videos, and Activities:

 Cha-Ching: Entrepreneur Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJXBet--kvg
 How to Be an Inventor Digital Read Aloud Book and Quizmo
https://pbskids.org/martha/stories/truestories/inventor_story.html
 How to Be an Inventor! Kid President Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75okexRzWMk (4:59)
 Outstanding Kid Inventors Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ7FycNIu2E (6:06)
 Think, Create, Invent Free TPT
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Famous-
Inventors-Invention-Unit-Freebie-275112
 10 Amazing Inventions by Kids You Didn’t Know Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWa7xAhM9uU
Quick Assessment Activities:
 Create a list of Billy Sure and Manny’s Good
partner
human capital. Compare and contrast Problem with
Creative
solver Manny
how they are alike and different.
 Dustin Peeler and Carl Bourette were
Billy
also on the same show with Billy. Sure
Challenge your students to identify
the human capital that made them Invents Good
things Likes
stars in their careers. (Dustin could to
at
science
sing, dance, walk on his hands, and tinker

play musical instruments. Carl is

athletic, an outstanding baseball player, physically fit, etc.)
 Use https://www.bls.gov/k12/ to have students research human
capital that is required for different jobs of interest to them.
 Create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting inventors and
entrepreneurs.
 Allow students to research an invention and
inventor with their family and complete a
research form from this downloadable site:
http://inventorsresearch.weebly.com/-
research.html
 Manny was hoping a celebrity might endorse
their product. Challenge students to find
examples of products being endorsed
through social media, print or television.

Chapter 2: Catch!
Better Than Sleeping! talk show host, Chris Fernell, interviews Billy in
Chapter 2. Billy explains how he and Manny started Sure Things, Inc.
and began a manufacturing company to produce their product. In this
chapter, readers are introduced to the small and large All Balls. Billy
invented his product to solve a problem. The All Ball takes up less space
because it is 5 balls all in one. Billy claims that it is “the only ball you’ll
ever need.”
Concepts:
consumers, decision making, entrepreneur, goods, invention, market,
product, problem solving

Standards:
E.4.2.2 Explain a decision in terms of costs and benefits.
E.5.2.2 Describe goods and services that people in the local community
produce and those that are produced in other communities.

E.4.3.2 Identify problems, alternatives, and trade-offs involved in

making a decision.
E.5.3.2 Articulate ways entrepreneurs and businesses organize human,
natural, and capital resources to produce goods and services in
Arkansas.

Lessons, Videos, Activities:

 An Entreduction Lesson
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/an-entreduction/
 Not-A-Box Inventions Activity
http://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2014/03/not-box-
inventions.html
 Schoolhouse Rock: Mother Necessity Video (2:59)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQMGLPKoI7c
 Too Many Toys Lesson and Activity
Students are challenged to create their own toy invention for the
market using only a box.
https://economicsarkansasorg.presencehost.net/file_download/i
nline/cba0558b-349d-41c3-9332-60900a7bf6b2
Quick Assessment Activities:
 Have students illustrate and write about what they consider the
best invention ever. Challenge them to be sure to explain how it
solves a problem for them.
 Have students make a list of 5 of their favorite products. Under
each product challenge them to identify a problem it solves for
them.
 Give each student a piece of string, paperclip, and rubber band.
Challenge them to create a prototype of a new product for the
marketplace that solves a problem.
 Challenge students to consider a new good for the marketplace
that morphs like the All Ball but with a different purpose. (ex.
morphing clothes, shoes, books, boxes)

Chapter 3: Seventh Grade Begins

Billy’s first day of seventh grade is much more than he expected.
Everyone greets him as a celebrity. People in the cafeteria at lunch
argue whether $1,000 would fit in his wallet. Students also ask what he
does with all his money. Billy shares that he is putting it in a bank
account for college. This is a good time to discuss decisions related to
financial literacy and roles of banks in helping you manage money.

Concepts:
choice, decision making, money, saving, savings goals, spending

Standards:
E.4.2.2 Explain a decision in terms of costs and benefits.
E.6.2.2 Describe reasons for saving money in banks.

E.4.3.2 Identify problems, alternatives, and trade-offs

involved in making a decision.
E.6.3.2 Explain functions of banks (e.g., saving,
checking, loans, investments)
Lessons, Videos, Activities:
 Big Banks, Piggy Banks Lesson
https://econedlink.org/resources/big-banks-piggy-banks/
 Decisions! Decisions! Lesson
https://www.economicsarkansas.org/file_download/inline/d28a9
7b5-f9b0-46d2-8515-79a9479ced4f
 Ella Saves Today Course Read aloud and Activities
https://www.econlowdown.org/ella_saves_today?p=yes
 Financial Fitness for Life Family Guide Activity
https://www.econedlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/978-
1-56183-698-7.pdf (page 22)
 Hands on Banking: You and Your Money Interactive
https://youth.handsonbanking.org/courses/elementary-school-
you-and-your-money/
 Hands on Banking: What Banks Do Interactive
https://youth.handsonbanking.org/courses/elementary-school-
you-and-your-money/?lesson=fYzVSQ-
F6X3Z5cDfPh_OqbRK87e9BNi5
 Savings and Savings Goal Video (4:21)
https://www.stlouisfed.org/education/exploring-economics-
video-series/saving-and-savings-goals
 This Little Piggybank Went to Market Lesson
https://econedlink.org/resources/this-little-piggybank-went-to-
market/

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Play the Savings Game
https://www.councilforeconed.org/wp-
content/uploads/2011/11/Never-Too-Young-Personal-Finance-
for-Young-Learners.pdf (P. 96-103) (2nd grade)
 Saving and Spending Game
https://www.stlouisfed.org/education/saving-and-spending-game
(3rd grade)
  Have students draw and write about something they are saving
for in the future.
 My Savings Goal Printable Activity Sheet
https://econedlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Personal-
Finance-Printables-Grades-K-5.pdf (page 4 or page 20)
 The ABCs of Saving Printable Activity Sheet
https://econedlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Personal-
Finance-Printables-Grades-K-5.pdf (page 9)
 Share the following scenario:
Juan has really been saving his money for a new video game. He
has worked hard raking leaves and doing jobs around the house to
earn income and has saved money he has received as gifts. Juan
almost has enough money when his friend calls wanting to go to
the movies. Juan really wants to see the movie and likes hanging
out with his friend, but he also wants that video game.

Make a list of the benefits and costs of each option for Juan and
help him to understand what his opportunity cost (the
opportunity lost) would be for each choice.

Chapter 4: The Office

Manny loves money, but he rarely spends it. He spends his time
collecting and reviewing sales figures. Entrepreneurs always have to
consider costs of inputs and revenue to calculate profit or loss. What a
great chapter to introduce entrepreneurship! The students in your
classroom may or may not become entrepreneurs, but they all need to
develop critical thinking skills like entrepreneurs. Many ideas are being
considered for a new product for the market such as mud pie seasoning
or a candy brush (toothbrush). One important thing entrepreneurs
must consider is whether their product is something consumers want.
This is called customer discovery. If there is no demand for an item, it
will be hard for an entrepreneur to recognize financial success.
Concepts:
consumer, demand, economics wants,
entrepreneur, market, producer

Standards:
E.5.2.2 Describe goods and services that people in the local
community produce and those that are produced in other
communities.

E.5.3.2 Articulate ways entrepreneurs and businesses organize human,

natural, and capital resources to produce goods and services in
Arkansas.

Lessons, Videos, Activities:

 E-N-T-R-E-P-R-E-N-E-U-R Lesson (3rd grade).
https://economicsarkansasorg.presencehost.net/file_download/i
nline/75a49a69-9c81-4ff4-9e60-2d6de17bd9da
 How to Be an Inventor? Digital book
https://pbskids.org/martha/stories/truestories/inventor_story.html
 Kids Have Great Ideas: 6 Famous Kid Inventions Article
https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/kids-have-great-ideas-6-
famous-kid-inventions
 I Can Be an Entrepreneur Lesson (3rd grade)
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/i-can-be-an-entrepreneur
 Open for Business Lesson (2nd grade)
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/open-for-business/
 Spotlighting Entrepreneurs: The Sweet Success of Milton Hershey
Lesson (3rd grade)
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/spotlighting-
entrepreneurs-the-sweet-success-of-milton-hershey/
 Sweet Potato Pie Lesson (3rd grade)
https://www.kansascityfed.org/~/media/files/publicat/education/
teachingresources/sweet_potato_pie_lesson_plan.pdf
 The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth Activities
 https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/boy-who-invented-tv-
story-philo-farnsworth

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Have students conduct a consumer market survey. Challenge
students to survey 5 family members/friends and ask them if they
would buy a candy brush. Record their information. Share results
with class.
 Use the lesson E-N-T-R-E-P-R-E-N-E-U-R lesson. Have students
research an entrepreneur and create a presentation.

Chapter 5: The Flying Phone

Billy shares in this chapter that the first thing he considers is why
people would want his product. The second thing he does when
creating a product is to create a cool name for the product. This
chapter challenges students to consider student inventions that have
been successful as planned and maybe some who found success by
accident. Some inventors and entrepreneurs produce goods for the
market (All Ball, tennis shoes, restaurants) and others provide services
(movie theater, pet training service, etc.)

Concepts:
consumer, demand, economic wants, goods, market, product, services

Standards:
E.5.2.2 Describe goods and services that people in the local community
produce and those that are produced in other communities.
E.5.2.3 Describe ways markets exist in various places.

E.5.3.2 Articulate ways entrepreneurs and businesses organize human,

natural, and capital resources to produce goods and services in
Arkansas.
E.5.3.3 Analyze economic factors in a market (e.g., supply, demand,
competition, incentives).
Lessons, Videos, Activities:
 Consumers Video and Quiz (1:01)
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/consumers-video-and-
quiz/
 Demand Video and Quiz (3:40)
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/demand-video-and-quiz/
 E-N-T-R-E-P-R-E-N-E-U-R Lesson
https://economicsarkansasorg.presencehost.net/file_download/i
nline/5d17540c-b7df-4f77-8555-00f3ed2462f8
 Entrepreneurs and Inventions Lesson
https://www.kansascityfed.org/~/media/files/publicat/education/
teachingresources/entrepreneurs-and-inventions.pdf?la=en
 History of the Telephone Video and Activity
https://www.atozkidsstuff.com/inventions.html
 Those Shoes Lesson
https://www.kansascityfed.org/~/media/files/publicat/education/
teachingresources/those-shoes.pdf

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Challenge students to consider 3 products in the marketplace and
explain why their name helps promote the product.
 Use the Those Shoes lesson above to conduct consumer market
surveys and then create a new shoe for the market that explains
“why” it is the best new shoe and give it a “cool name.”
 Have students write how their lives would be different if
telephones had not been invented.

Chapter 6: The Next Big Thing

Manny is reviewing sales figures in this chapter, and they look good! He
mentions they are very good in South America. This is a great
introduction to trade, imports, and exports.
Since so many students have ideas for great inventions, Sure Things,
Inc. introduces a competition to see who can create the “next big thing”
for the marketplace. Meanwhile, Billy and Manny are receiving loan
requests to get their idea to market. How does an idea get to market?
Often with financial support from a bank in the form of a loan or
investors who like your idea. Why would someone want to give you
money to start your business? It’s never too early to help students
become responsible borrowers.

Concepts:
bank, credit, export, import,
incentive, loan, market, trade

Standards:
E.4.2.2 Explain a decision in terms of costs and benefits.
E.7.2.1 Describe why people in one country trade goods and services
with people in other countries.
E.7.2.2 Describe products that are produced abroad and sold
domestically and products that are produced domestically and
sold abroad.

E.4.3.2 Identify problems, alternatives, and trade-offs involved in

making a decision.
E.6.3.2 Explain the functions of banks (e.g., saving, checking, loans,
investments)
E.7.3.1 Illustrate the relationships among imports, exports, and global
interdependence.
E.7.3.2 Describe how people in various places and regions that are
affected by trade.

Lessons, Videos, Activities:

 Borrowing Money Poster
https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/Education/Posters/borrowin
g_money_poster.pdf?la=en
  Debt of a Salesman Video(4:28)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aKGc9-kP9U
 Incentives Video and Quiz (1:24)
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/incentives-video-and-
quiz/
 Outstanding Kid Inventors Video (6:00)
https://www.ellentube.com/video/outstanding-kid-
inventors.html
 What are Incentives? Lesson
https://econedlink.org/resources/what-are-incentives/
 Where in the World Were These Goods Produced? Lesson
https://economicsarkansasorg.presencehost.net/file_download/i
nline/5d17540c-b7df-4f77-8555-
00f3ed2462f8https://economicsarkansasorg.presencehost.net/fil
e_download/inline/5d17540c-b7df-4f77-8555-00f3ed2462f8

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Invite a banker to class via a virtual visit. Have them share how
and why people apply for loans and why they allow people to
borrow money.
 Have students create a list of supporting evidence as to why they
would be a responsible borrow.
 So many students have ideas for “the next best thing.” If Billy
asked your advice, which would you choose to attempt to create?
(The PBJ Knife, All-Shoes, Flying Skateboard, Singer Device, or
would you pitch your very own idea?) What would it look like?
Create a prototype.
 Manny mentioned that people in South America were buying the
All Ball. People trade for goods all around the world. Have
students examine where their shoes or t-shirts were made. Point
out on a world map where items are made. Challenge them to
explain the following statement: Trade makes buyer and seller
happier as a result of the exchange.
Chapter 7: Motor Beds and Super Sleds
From the start it has been evident Emily and Billy Sure sometimes don’t
get along. In this chapter, Billy finds a job for Emily. As the chapter
begins, Manny and Billy are previewing countless videos competing for
the “next big thing!” and quickly realize they don’t have enough time to
watch them all. That’s where Emily comes in. Billy offers to pay Emily
to preview the videos and sending her comments to them. Turns out
she is very productive and much faster in her grading system. Emily
provides a very valuable service to Sure Things, Inc.

Concepts: competition, specialization, interdependence, productivity,

income, goods, services

Standards:
E.5.2.2 Describe goods and services that people in the local community
produce and those that are produced in other communities.
E.5.K.2 Discuss ways producers use human, natural, and capital
resources in the production of goods and services.

E.5.3.2 Articulate ways entrepreneur and businesses organize human,

natural, and capital resources to produce goods and service in
Arkansas.
E.5.3.3 Analyze economic factors in a market (e.g., supply, demand,
competition, incentives)

Lessons, Videos, Activities:

 Increasing Productivity Lesson
https://econedlink.org/resources/increasing-productivity/
 Lean on Me-We Depend on Each Other Lesson
https://econedlink.org/resources/lean-on-me-we-depend-on-
each-other/
 Outstanding Kid Inventors Video (6:00)
https://www.ellentube.com/video/outstanding-kid-
inventors.html
  Project Kool Biz Kids Video (1:36)
https://bizkids.com/clip/profile-project-kool/#videoWrapper
 What is Competition? Lesson
https://econedlink.org/resources/what-is-competition/
 Zollipops Biz Kids Video
https://bizkids.com/clip/zolipops/#videoWrapper (2:10)

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Challenge students to write a paragraph explaining which
character in this chapter (Billy, Emily, or Manny) they are most
like and explain why.
 Challenge students to explain why specialization improves
productivity in a business.

Chapter 8: The Inventor Who Became a Zombie

Billy is experiencing a scarcity of time as he works to create a successful
prototype of the Sibling Silencer. Scarcity occurs when there is less of
something than is desired. In this case, there is not enough time to get
his product ready for market. Manny is investigating new markets both
in the United States and around the globe. In this chapter, Billy shares
with Manny that he didn’t really create the All Ball. Billy considers his
scarcity of time and makes solving the blueprint mystery as the most
important priority.

Concepts:
choice, decision making, opportunity cost, scarcity

Standards:
E.4.2.1 Discuss the importance of scarcity in relation to
choices and opportunity cost.
E.4.2.2 Explain a decision in terms of costs and benefits.

E.4.3.1 Illustrate examples of scarcity and opportunity cost within

the local community and different regions of the state.
E.4.3.2 Identify problems, alternatives, and trade-offs involved in
making a decision.

Lessons, Videos, Activities:

 Cancel My Reputation Video (4:11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV9Hf01EETE
 Decisions! Decisions! Lesson
https://www.economicsarkansas.org/file_download/inline/d28a9
7b5-f9b0-46d2-8515-79a9479ced4f
 Decision Making Video and Quiz (2:22)
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/decision-making-cost-
benefit-analysis-video-and-quiz/
 Need Help as You Decide: Use the PACED Decision Making Guide
Lesson
https://economicsarkansasorg.presencehost.net/file_download/i
nline/c9e54b09-67ac-408e-955b-16982ec5948a
 So Few of Me Lesson
https://www.stlouisfed.org/education/so-few-of-me
 The Marvelous Thing that Came from a Spring Curriculum Guide
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Marvelous-
Thing-That-Came-from-a-Spring/Gilbert-Ford/9781481450652

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Use the decision making apron from Decisions! Decisions! Lesson
above and scenario cards to make a decision. (2nd grade)
 Use the So Few of Me lesson assessment as students make
decisions about time and identify their opportunity cost.
 Share the following scenario:
Todd really needs to make a good grade on his upcoming science
test. He decided to study this afternoon, but his friends called.
They are getting together to ride bikes, and he loves riding bikes.
What would you advise Todd to do? Justify your choice. Identify
the opportunity cost.
Chapter 9: Manny with a Plan
Manny is using decision making strategies to solve the blueprint
mystery. Billy and Manny consider several alternatives for capturing the
antithief. One option is to hang a cage in the room to trap the antithief.
Another alternative is a bell. After considering the costs and benefits of
each, they decide the alarm is the best trap.

Concepts:
alternatives, benefits, consumer, costs, decision

Standards:
E.4.2.2 Explain a decision in terms of costs and benefits.
E.4.3.1 Illustrate examples of scarcity and opportunity cost within the
local community and different regions in the state.

E.4.2.1 Discuss the importance of scarcity in relation to choices and

opportunity cost.
E.4.3.2 Identify problems, alternatives, and trade-offs involved in
making a decision.

Lessons, Videos, Activities:

 Choices, Costs and Benefits Lesson (pages 30-35)
http://www.councilforeconed.org/wp/wp-
content/uploads/2011/11/Never-Too-Young-Personal-Finance-
for-Young-Learners.pdf
 Learn, Baby, Learn Video (3:56)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0mOcLil0Mg

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Have students decide which trap they think would be best for
catching the antithief. Allow them to cast their vote.
 Design a trap to catch the antithief. Have them justify why they
believe this is the best solution to the problem.
Chapter 10: An Antithief in the Night
The alarm goes off, and the blueprints appear for the Sibling Silencer.
The designs are perfect to start production! Billy spends much of this
chapter considering if his dad, Emily, Mom, or Philo actually dropped
the blueprints on his desk. Manny calls and encourages him to come to
the office quickly. This is a great chapter to help students understand
the importance of blueprints in creating a prototype for the market.
Although Billy’s plans are always top secret, we can identify a few of
the productive resources. The blueprint is a capital resource. The
machines to produce his products are also capital resources. Manny,
Billy, Emily, and the factory workers are human resources. Natural
resources are the gifts of nature used in the production of goods and
services.

Concepts:
blueprint, market, productive resources, prototype

Standards:
E.5.2.2 Describe goods and services that people in the local community
produce and those that are produced in other communities.
E.5.2.3 Describe ways markets exist in various places.

E.5.3.2 Articulate ways entrepreneurs and businesses organize human,

natural, and capital resources to produce goods and services in
Arkansas.
E.5.3.3 Analyze economic factors in a market (e.g., supply, demand,
competition, incentives).

Lessons, Videos, Activities:

 Architect Blueprint Song Video (1:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UYwp-gMCQU
 Jelly Belly Candy Factory Video (7:44)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3eqMnrgd2s
 John Deere, That’s Who Lesson
 https://vcee.org/elementary-school/reading-makes-cents/2019-
2020-featured-books/
 Meet ‘Shark Tank’ Kid Entrepreneurs Mikaila Ulmer and Mo
Bridges Video (7:01)
https://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/meet-shark-tank-kid-
entrepreneurs-mikaila-ulmer-mo-45727329
 The Inventor’s Secret Lesson
https://www.kansascityfed.org/education/resources/the%20inve
ntors%20secret

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Challenge students to create a prototype for a new item for the
market (a new type of shoe, a new toy or game, a new piece of
sporting equipment).
 Have students design a blueprint of their bedroom or the
classroom. Encourage them to identify challenges with creating a
blueprint. Ask them to respond to why a blueprint is vital to an
inventor.
 Review the Rotary 4 Way Test. Cite examples of each question
through the book.

Chapter 11: The Antithief Revealed

Manny outsmarts Billy by setting up a video camera. The video revealed
that Billy was the blueprint master. Billy was surprised to learn that he
sleep invents. Billy contacts Abby to share the good news of the Sibling
Silencer being one step closer to production. Billy spends this chapter in
research as he tries out his latest design on Emily. Manny locates a
manufacturer who guarantees his product will be ready for Billy’s next
talk show appearance. This is a great time to look at target markets.
Manny wouldn’t want this product because he has no siblings, but the
two talk show hosts love the products as they both have siblings.

Concepts:
decision, economic wants, markets, consumer, producer, demand
Standards:
E.5.2.2 Describe goods and services that people in the local community
produce and those that are produced in other communities.
E.5.2.3 Describe ways markets exist in various places.

E.5.3.2 Articulate ways entrepreneurs and businesses organize human,

natural, and capital resources to produce goods and services in
Arkansas.
E.5.3.3 Analyze economic factors in a market (e.g., supply, demand,
competition, incentives).

Lessons, Videos, Activities:

 Mind Your Own Business Lesson
https://www.kansascityfed.org/~/media/files/publicat/education/
teachingresources/mind-your-own-business.pdf
 Shark Tank Your Life: Kid-Preneur Edition Video (5:57)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XKXe41X-Pc
 The Crow and the Pitcher Lesson
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/the-crow-and-the-
pitcher/
 What’s Your Angle? Lesson
https://www.econedlink.org/resources/whats-your-angle/

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Have students share whether they would want a Sibling Silencer
and explain their answer.
 Identify a product in the market they would want that other ages
groups wouldn’t want. Then have them identify a product
marketed to babies and adults.

Chapter 12: Success!

Sales figures skyrocket for the Sibling Silencer. Billy and Manny will
have to consider what the next “big thing” for the market will be. In the
meantime, a mysterious email from Billy’s mom leaves Billy trying to
solve another mystery.

Concepts:
Review all concepts throughout the story.

Standards:
Review all standards.

Quick Assessment Activities:

 Challenge students to consider all the inventions in the book.
Have them draw a picture of their favorite and explain why they
would purchase it as a consumer.
 Create the next best invention for Billy to consider. Draw a
prototype. Name your product. Create a video to submit to Sure
Things, Inc.
 Give students one of the following sentence stems:
One thing I learned from the book is __________.
My favorite part of the book was _____________.
 Implement one of the culminating events suggested at the
beginning of the guide.