Hoffman Estates chemistry students get a lesson in business

Chemistry students at Hoffman Estates High School recently participated in a lab that had them building experience in marketing, public speaking and presenting, as well as the scientific process.

At the start of the class's polymer lab, students were given two types of polymers and were allowed to experiment by altering one variable.

They were then tasked with designing a potential consumer product of their own design and had to reproduce it while working on a budget.

Following the scientific work, the students had to develop a presentation for potential investors, which included overviews of their research, development budget and commercial advertising.

"I love so many things about this lab," said Hoffman Estates High School chemistry teacher Tanya Katovich. "First, students plan their own experiments, which truly helps develop their scientific skills. They put many science concepts that we've learned into action.

"Second, the lab involves skills needed in the workforce. They need to stay within their budget, which is a skill taught by our business teachers. They need to present professionally in front of their peers, which is a skill taught by our English teachers."

At the end of the two weeks, the students presented their products in front of fellow students and teachers, who evaluated both the product and presentation.

One product was a soft rubber ball that could be thrown around in a group. The team that created it included sophomore Charlie Walsh, who said his favorite part was building the advertisement.

"It was a fun process putting our ideas together," he said. "Working with my teammates, Paige and Lucca, was great. Everyone worked hard, and we worked very well together."

He added that doing a project that spanned multiple classes was very helpful.

"I think it helps learning how to speak with other people," he said. "It's one thing to gather the information and put it together. It's another thing to present it so that people remain interested."

Kerri Largo, Hoffman Estates High School Business Department chairwoman, was one of the teachers who evaluated the presentations. She said the inclusion of the overall presentations can have lasting effects on the students.

"I think this project is fantastic," she said. "The students are seeing the business side of a chemistry project, such as cost analysis, marketing, and customer needs," Largo said.

"It's great that they can see these practical applications. Some of these students may be future entrepreneurs. They can take this experience and use it to help them build their own business."

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