Sarah McMaster

McMaster’s innovative teaching project, “Lemonade Wars,” uses the novel The Lemonade Wars (series) to spark an exciting, math-centered reading experience that blends creativity, collaboration and real-world problem solving. Students will move from close reading to hands-on design and entrepreneurship as they plan, build and market their own lemonade creations. According to McMaster, they will read and analyze key scenes to explore character choices, teamwork and problem-solving strategies in the novel. They will also use arithmetic, measurement, budgeting and basic profit/loss calculations to plan recipes, set prices and manage “sales.” Additionally, they will sketch and prototype a food/beverage truck or stand that reflects the students’ brand and target customers, all while developing unique flavor profiles and recipes, measure ingredients precisely and test samples. In the end, students will market and present their brand by creating posters, logos and short pitches to attract peers and collect votes. The Voya grant will be used to purchase patio umbrella and stands, tables, cart, storage, a Cricut, juicers and lemons.