Feltwell Elementary fifth-graders turn learning into business at Lemonade War Expo
FELTWELL, United Kingdom — The cafeteria at Feltwell Elementary School transformed into a lively marketplace Feb. 20 as fifth-grade students showcased their entrepreneurial skills during the Lemonade War Expo, the culminating event of a five-week multidisciplinary learning unit.
Inspired by the novel The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, the project challenged students to apply concepts from literacy, science and mathematics while building a complete business plan and marketing strategy for their own lemonade products. Working in teams, students created business portfolios, designed marketing materials and developed recipes in preparation for presenting their products to families, staff and fellow students.
A key component of the project focused on scientific inquiry. Using the FOSS Mixtures and Solutions curriculum, students conducted experiments to understand how solutes dissolve in solvents, testing different sugar concentrations to determine the point at which water could no longer dissolve additional sugar. These experiments helped teams develop lemonade recipes grounded in real scientific data.
Teacher Lindsay Pierce said the integration of literature and science allowed students to see how academic concepts connect to real-world applications.
“We wanted students to understand that the challenges characters face in the story can mirror real-world situations,” Pierce said. “By combining the novel with our science unit, students were able to apply what they learned through experimentation, problem-solving and teamwork.”
Students also applied mathematics skills as they transitioned from laboratory work to entrepreneurship. Teams maintained detailed financial ledgers to track expenses, calculate revenue and determine potential profits. Through this process, students practiced concepts such as supply and demand, opportunity cost and basic financial management.
Fifth-grade teacher Ashlee V. said the activity helped students see the practical value of math in everyday situations.
“They weren’t just solving equations,” Ashlee said. “They were managing a real product and making decisions that affected their success.”
The project also emphasized collaboration and communication. Students reflected on their teamwork experiences by tracking challenges and successes throughout the project, learning how to navigate disagreements and strengthen cooperation within their groups.
During the expo, teams proudly presented their products and marketing displays to a rotating audience of parents, staff and younger students. Participants competed for honors including Best Tasting Lemonade and Best Marketing Award while practicing presentation and persuasive communication skills.
Educators said the event demonstrated how interdisciplinary learning can help students connect academic knowledge with real-world experiences.
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