FIRST DAY ICE BREAKER with THE SIMPSONS

This is a great first day of school activity for any of the classes that you teach.  It captures the students' attention and gets them interested in Marketing from the first day!

Show the episode of The Simpsons where Lisa and Mr. Berns go into the recycling business together.  Ask students to make a list of any marketing or business references they saw in the episode.

Discussion:

What do the posters say at the Junior Achiever's Club?
Up with Business and I'm High on Capitalism

Mr. Berns tells the Junior Achiever's Club that to be successful in business you must slay 3 demons.  What are the 3 demons he listed?
Family, Religion, and Friendship

What is your opinion of Mr. Berns' comment?
This should generate a lot of discussion!

Lisa agrees to help Mr. Berns on one condition.  What is that condition?
He can only earn money doing good, socially responsible things--nothing evil.

What does it mean to be socially responsible?
Explain through discussion, and provide examples, such as Ben & Jerry's, etc.

What advice does Mr. Berns get from Lisa with respect to getting people to do a good job?
Be nice to them!

Homework:

Write an essay to this question:

Mr. Berns stated that the be successful in business you must slay 3 demons--family, religion, and friendship.  Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Berns' philosophy?  Explain, and provide examples in your response.  Your essay should be typed and double spaced!

Follow up:

At the end of the year, repeat this exercise and ask your students to respond to the same question.  See if their answers have changed since the first week of school.

 

Julie Kandik
Broad Run High School
Ashburn VA