Whiz Kid Investor- An 8th grader just like you!

When you were younger, you may have had your own lemonade stand.  Maybe you made $20 and proceeded to go to the toy store and purchase your favorite toy.  This young man decided to do something more with his profits.  If you have ever thought about owning your own business one day, perhaps you should watch this video about John-Paul Pigeon.  He will give you some tips to start your financial life out right.  It's never too early to start thinking about your future!

If you were to open your own business one day, what would it be?  What product(s) would you sell?

Are you interested in becoming a babysitter?

One of the most common ways middle school students make money is by babysitting.  It can be a fun job, but you must know the responsibility that comes with it.  The most important rule in babysitting is to keep the child safe.  Here is a helpful video that shows "The Bad Babysitter vs. The Good Babysitter" through several scenarios. 

What are other situations that you may encounter when babysitting?  How should they be handled?

Free Sewing Patterns Galore!

If you have taken the Apparel Merchandising module, you have already learned how to use a sewing machine and made your reuseable shopping bag.  If you haven't, please take a class in high school such as Fashion Design or Sewing that will teach you this valuable skill.  Here are some free sewing patterns that can help you get started!

http://www.allfreesewing.com/Sewing-for-Teens#

If you want to practice sewing at home, here are a few basic items to purchase:

• Sewing machine w/basic stitches (Can be purchased for under $100, or maybe you have one collecting dust in your attic!)
• All purpose cotton thread
• Sharp pair of scissors and shears
• Seam ripper
• Sewing chalk/pencil
• Ballpoint pins

 What kinds of sewing projects would you like to learn how to make?  (apron, pajama pants, duffel bag, etc.)

Gobbledy Goop Recipe

In class, we are learning about kitchen measurements.  A favorite cooking lab for my students is making Gobbledy Goop.  This recipe does not contain real measurements (such as teaspoons or cups).  The recipe uses made up measurements, so every group's goop is unique!  The real lesson in this lab is finding out why we need measurements in recipes.  So why do we need accurate measurements in recipes?  It's so the product turns out the same every time!

If you would like to make this at home, here's the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 3 dribbles light corn syrup
• 1/2 dit-dot salt
• 2 scoops brown sugar
• 1 large blib peanut butter
• 5 blobs crisp rice cereal
• 2 handfuls cornflakes, slightly crushed
• 5 smidgens semisweet chocolate pieces
• 1 itsy-bits vanilla extract

 Directions:
1. Boil corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Stir in peanut butter and remove from heat.
3. Add cereals, chocolate pieces and vanilla.
4. Glump onto a plate and let stand on counter or
chill in the refrigerator.

There are many variations you can make to this recipe.  To make it healthier, use a whole grain cereal, and use nuts instead of chocolate pieces.  You can also substitute oatmeal in place of the cereal for a different texture. 


What will you add to this recipe to make it your own?

How to eat healthier at lunchtime

Eating lunch is something we all do 5 days a week at school.  It's very important to eat the healthiest foods because they give you the proper nutrients needed to function and learn throughout the day.  I know many middle school students have to purchase lunch in the cafeteria, but that shouldn't stop you from eating healthy!  Here are some suggestions on what to eat in the cafeteria:

• Salad w/grilled chicken
• Submarine sandwich w/lots of vegetables
• Piece of fruit (apple, banana, or orange)
• Low-fat milk or water
• Carrots w/low-fat ranch dressing
• Celery w/peanut butter

If you would like to check out the school's cafeteria menu, click here. 
Please comment on what you like to purchase in the cafeteria that is healthy and nutritious!