A creative, hands-on project where middle schoolers design ice cream shops while learning computer science, entrepreneurship, data analysis, website creation, and 3D modeling.
Suggested Citation
Sedelmaier, C., Trees, F., & Amiel, D. J. (2025, March 27). Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, and Design – An Enticing Approach! NSTA National Conference in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. https://cesp.rutgers.edu/resource/nsta2025-poster
This fun and flexible middle school project invites students in grades 6–8 to design their own fictional ice cream shop while building foundational skills in computer science, entrepreneurship, and design. Developed through a U.S. Department of Education-funded university-district partnership, the project spans several weeks and includes activities such as logo creation, website development, market research, survey design and analysis, and 3D storefront modeling. Students explore internet safety, data literacy, branding, and more—all anchored in a creative, student-driven context.
The project is fully customizable and adaptable across classroom settings, subject areas, and instructional time frames. Teachers can choose from modular components like graphic design, data visualization, and 3D modeling, or extend the experience with “extra toppings” such as cost modeling, nutrition research, and even custom cone cover design. All materials are free and ready-to-use, making it easy for educators to bring hands-on, interdisciplinary STEM learning to life.