Bulldog Gear Teacher Guide
LMS Bulldog Gear Company
Teacher Implementation & Scope Guide
ADMIN / INSTRUCTOR
Project Concept & Dual-Enrollment Objectives
The LMS Bulldog Gear Company project is a highly integrated, 15-day authentic learning experience. Students collaborate in design-firm cohorts to prototype, finance, and pitch a school spirit apparel brand. By blending Middle/High School financial algebra with Student Council leadership initiatives, students learn that metrics drive creative impact.
Week 1 Scope & Sequence: Brand & Design (Days 1–5)
Focus: Design thinking, visual brand standards, target market surveying, and iterative feedback loops.
Day 1: Brand Blueprint & Mission Core Target: Define Brand Specs
Learning Target: "I can design a brand identity and write a mission statement that reflects our school's core values."
Action: Students analyze existing designs and draft their corporate ethos and typography standards.
Day 2: Digital Market Surveys (MS Forms) Core Target: Forms & Dashboard Data
Learning Target: "I can construct and distribute a Microsoft Forms preference survey and analyze the automated summary dashboard."
Action: Cohorts build 3-question peer interest surveys. Distribute link/QR code to the student body and pull down summary metrics.
Day 3: Physical Blueprinting Core Target: Mechanical Drafting
Learning Target: "I can sketch a technical, proportion-accurate physical design utilizing school color schemes and manufacturing limits."
Action: Draft accurate apparel outlines on structural paper templates, marking precise dimensions for front, back, and sleeve prints.
Day 4: Digital Layouts & Mockups Core Target: Digital Graphic Design
Learning Target: "I can translate physical paper concepts into a standardized vector digital product layout."
Action: Use free CAD or vectors (Canva, Photopea) to construct clear, digital presentation mockups of products.
Day 5: Design Critique & Iteration Core Target: Peer Feedback Loop
Learning Target: "I can critique peer designs constructively using a rubric and iterate on my own based on peer recommendations."
Action: Gallery Walk critique. Teams receive warm and cool feedback slips and document required layout changes.
LMS Bulldog Gear Project Guide Page 1 of 4 SECTION: SCOPE (WEEK 1)
Bulldog Gear Master Guide Weeks 2 & 3 Scope
Week 2 Scope & Sequence: Math & Finance (Days 6–10)
Focus: Sourcing algebra, markup models, variable vs. fixed cost formulas, and break-even thresholds.
Day 6: Sourcing & Unit Costs Target: Calculate Base Unit Rates
Target: "I can calculate and compare unit rates of blank shirts from different wholesale vendors."
Formula: \( \text{Unit Cost} = \frac{\text{Bulk Purchase Price} + \text{Shipping/Setups}}{\text{Total Units Ordered}} \)
Day 7: Markups & Target Margins Target: Determine Retail Selling Price
Target: "I can determine a profitable selling price for a product using markup percentages."
Formula: \( \text{Retail Price} = \text{Unit Cost} \times (1 + \text{Markup \%}) \); \( \text{Profit Margin \%} = \frac{\text{Price} - \text{Cost}}{\text{Price}} \times 100 \)
Day 8: Fixed vs. Variable Costs Target: Algebraic Break-Even Point
Target: "I can calculate the algebraic break-even point in units using linear equations."
Formula: \( Q = \frac{\text{Total Fixed Costs}}{\text{Retail Price} - \text{Unit Cost}} \) (where \( Q \) is the break-even quantity)
Day 9: Capital Proposals Target: Draft Corporate Budget Sheet
Target: "I can synthesize variable costs and initial setup fees to formulate a start-up capital request."
Day 10: Financial Pitch Presentation Target: Pitch to Executive Board
Target: "I can pitch my cohort's financial model and secure launch capital from a board."
Week 3 Scope & Sequence: Campaign & Launch (Days 11–15)
Focus: Integrated promotional schedules, real order collection grids, and community distribution audits.
Day 11: Production Planning Target: Design Logistics Gantt Chart
Target: "I can plan a complex operations timeline detailing production milestones and responsibilities."
Day 12: Campaign Graphic Design Target: Craft Visual Marketing Ad
Target: "I can create an advertisement utilizing graphic space effectively to explain pricing and value."
Day 13: Order Entry & Tracking Target: Implement Tracking Ledger
Target: "I can manage an inventory tracking sheet and calculate running project revenues."
Day 14: Distribution & Impact Target: Leadership Audits
Target: "I can audit our inventory to track order fulfillment and calculate community donation dividends."
Day 15: Post-Project Review Target: Financial Statements
Target: "I can calculate total profits and synthesize project lessons in a final cohort report."
LMS Bulldog Gear Project Guide Page 2 of 4 SECTION: SCOPE (WEEKS 2 & 3)
Bulldog Gear Master Guide Facilitation & Scripts
Key Mathematical Concepts & Instructional Scripts
1. Unit Cost Calculation
Ensure students include setup fees (e.g., silk screen burn fees) and delivery costs in their base price before computing unit rates.
SCRIPT: "If 50 shirts cost $300 to buy, plus a $50 screen setup fee and $25 shipping, our total cost is $375. Divide $375 by 50 to get a unit cost of $7.50."
2. Markup & Margin Logic
Correct the common misconception that a 50% profit margin equals a 50% markup. Selling an item for 100% markup generates a 50% profit margin.
SCRIPT: "A 50% markup on a $10 cost means we sell it at $15. Our margin is profit ($5) divided by selling price ($15), which is a 33.3% margin!"
Key Socratic Questioning Framework
- On Pricing: "If we double our selling price to maximize profit, how does that impact customer purchase intent? Will total revenue go up or down?"
- On Break-Even: "If we select a vendor with higher fixed costs but lower unit costs, does our risk level change? At what sales volume does this switch pay off?"
- On Community Impact: "How can our school brand support inclusion? What percentage of margin can we donate back to community initiatives while remaining solvent?"
Facilitating Constructive Leadership Peer Feedback Loops
Student Council cohorts require structured rubrics for Day 5 (Design Critique) and Day 10 (Financial Pitch). Instructors must model and enforce the "Warm Feedback, Cool Critique, Actionable Step" (W-C-A) loop:
Warm (Positive)
"The varsity typeface aligns beautifully with school brand guidelines."
Cool (Critical)
"Your front graphic is highly detailed and may exceed the 2-color screen limit."
Actionable Step
"Consolidate the gradients into solid vector fills before submitting."
LMS Bulldog Gear Project Guide Page 3 of 4 SECTION: PEDAGOGY & INSTRUCTION
Bulldog Gear Master Guide Assessment Rubrics
Master Integrated Grading Rubric (100 Points Total)
This dual-focus rubric grades mathematical accuracy and business/leadership skill concurrently.
| Category & Points | Excellent (9–10) | Satisfactory (7–8) | Needs Focus (5–6) |
|---|
| Mathematical Cost Models | | | |
| Sourcing, bulk discounts, shipping, unit cost equations. (20 pts) | Calculates exact unit cost and analyzes multi-tier wholesale bulk price discounts flawlessly. | Calculates base unit cost correctly but omits or miscalculates shipping or setups. | Frequent arithmetic errors in unit cost equations and sourcing calculations. |
| Profit & Break-Even | | | |
| Markup margins, algebraic linear break-even formulas. (20 pts) | Flawless algebraic derivation of break-even quantities; sets precise retail margins. | Calculates break-even margins with minor errors; understands general margin math. | Fails to distinguish markup from profit margins or cannot state break-even targets. |
| Design & Production | | | |
| Technical sketching, school branding compliance. (20 pts) | Stunning high-quality physical & digital mockups; matches school color/asset specs. | Polished layouts but minor infractions on screen limits or brand coloring. | Incomplete or messy drawings; lacks cohesion with school branding rules. |
| Student Leadership | | | |
| Collaboration, peer feedback, pitch presence, surveys. (20 pts) | Leads active peer surveys; provides excellent feedback loops; commands the pitch. | Participates in loops; presents and drafts clear data graphs. | Weak alignment with team; ignores peer design feedback and survey data. |
| Daily Reflections & exit tickets | | | |
| Workbook entries, exit slips, data ledgers. (20 pts) | All 15 daily reflections and calculations complete, thoughtful, and analytical. | Most exit tickets filled out; complete, readable, and mostly accurate. | Missing multiple workbook entries or exit slips; reflections lack substance. |
Launch Day Preparation Checklist
- Acquire school graphic vector assets (logos, colors)
- Gather coloring supplies (pantone markers, rules)
- Print the Student Business Workbook pages
- Coordinate survey approvals with administration
LMS Bulldog Gear Project Guide Page 4 of 4 SECTION: ASSESSMENT
Bulldog Gear Student Workbook
My Bulldog Gear Co.
My Brand Design & Business Lab Journal
MY STARTUP LAB
My Name
My Design Crew / Team
Today's Date
Day 1: Building My Brand Identity
Our Cool Brand Name Pick an exciting, short name kids will love!
Our Brand Colors
#1
#2
#3
Select maximum 2-3 colors to keep costs low.
Our Brand Mission & Purpose
How will your apparel help students feel included and show school spirit?
Our Spirit Mission Statement:
The Rules of the Game: Designing Within Limits!
The Ink Rule Keep your design under 2 ink colors so screen setups are affordable.
The Size Rule Make sure your artwork fits within a standard 12" x 12" block.
Bulldog Gear Company Portfolio Page 1 of 6 SECTION 1: IDENTITY
Day 3: My Design Sandbox
ROUGH SKETCHES
Grab some coloring markers! Use the templates below to draw your product designs. Write where you want logos printed and which ink colors you will use.
Option A: Pullover Hoodie 12" x 12" Print Area
Draw Hoodie Design Here
Print Placement
Colors to Use
Option B: Classic T-Shirt 10" x 12" Print Area
Draw T-Shirt Design Here
Print Placement
Colors to Use
Day 5: Team Feedback Loop!
Warm Feedback (What looks awesome?)
Cool Feedback (What can we improve?)
Bulldog Gear Company Portfolio Page 2 of 6 SECTION 2: PROTOTYPE
Day 2: Digital Market Surveys
MICROSOFT FORMS PRO
Let's go digital! Plan your custom Microsoft Forms survey below, generate your share link/QR code, then check the automated dashboard tab to read your real peer feedback.
Our Forms Survey Builder Map
Question 1: Favorite Apparel Type (Multiple Choice) Options: Hoodie, T-Shirt, Hat, Socks
Question 2: Target Price Range (Multiple Choice) Options: $10 - $15, $15 - $25, $25 - $35
Question 3: Open-Ended Brand Slogan / Slogan Idea
Share Your Forms link Generate and sketch your team's survey shortcode or QR code.
QR Code Frame
Automated Responses Dashboard Review your Microsoft Forms summary page and enter the report metrics.
Total Answers
__________
Average Budget
\( \$ \)________
Votes per apparel type (from Forms bar report)
Bulldog Gear Financial Slides
WEEK 2: MONEY MATH LAB
BUDGET BOOTCAMP
MONEY MATH &
PROFIT POWER!
Let's learn how to find bulk deal prices, set smart selling points, and solve the ultimate break-even math puzzle!
LMS Bulldog Gear Company Slide 1 of 4
THE BLANK APPAREL HUNT
FORMULA: TOTAL COST ÷ QUANTITY
Finding Your "True" Cost
Buying the blank shirt is just the start! We also have to pay once for shipping and the custom print screen.
Add those fees to your bulk cost first, then divide by the total number of shirts to get your unit cost!
Let's Try One Together!
50 Blanks @ $12 each: $600
Print Screen Setup Fee: $50
Squad Delivery/Shipping: $25
Result: $675 Total / 50 = $13.50 per shirt!
Bulldog Gear Business Academy Slide 2 of 4
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
MARKUP VS MARGIN
What is a Markup?
The Markup %
This is how much extra you add to your wholesale cost to find your final selling price.
Price = Cost + Profit Add-on
What is a Margin?
The Profit Margin %
This is the percentage of your final price that is pure, keepable profit for charity donations!
Margin % = (Profit Made ÷ Price) \(\times\) 100
FUN TRICK: Selling a shirt for $15 that cost you $10 is a 50% markup, but a 33.3% profit margin!
Bulldog Gear Business Academy Slide 3 of 4
SOLVING THE SALES PUZZLE
GOAL TARGETS
The Break-Even Challenge
How many shirts does our squad need to sell to pay off the fixed screen setup fee? Once we hit this target, every sale after is 100% real profit!
Shirts to Sell = Setup Fees ÷ Profit Made Per Shirt
Let's Try This Challenge!
Find the magic target quantity given:
Setup Fee: $100.00
Profit Per Shirt: $10.00
(Selling Price - Wholesale Cost)
Our Goal Target: 10 shirts!
Bulldog Gear Business Academy Slide 4 of 4
Bulldog Gear Pitch Slides
WEEK 3: TEAM PITCH DECK
BOARD PITCH TIME!
Introducing Our Custom School Spirit Project
OUR BULLDOG GEAR
LAUNCH PITCH!
Use this presentation template to show off your awesome designs, explain your startup budget numbers, and prove your community impact!
LMS Student Council Leadership Project Slide 1 of 4
PART 1: OUR BRAND
SQUAD PORTFOLIO
Our Brand Concept & Design
Introduce your custom team logo! Connect your branding choices back to the survey votes you collected from school friends in Week 1.
- Explain your Brand Name and custom Color Scheme.
- Show how your artwork fits our screen-printing limits.
[ DROP MY DIGITAL EXPORT HERE ]
Replace this placeholder with your finished vector design layout.
Bulldog Gear Business Academy Slide 2 of 4
PART 2: OUR MONEY MODEL
PROJECTED SALES DATA
Our Business Math
Prove your clothing line is financial magic! Show how our bulk sourcing discounts keep wholesale costs down to maximize our spirit margins.
"Our algebraic calculations prove exactly how many shirts we must sell to cover initial setups!"
Our Financial Metrics
Unit Cost of Shirt $[ __.__ ]
Our Selling Price $[ __.__ ]
Our Profit Margin [ __ ] %
Our Break-Even Goal (Q) [ __ ] Shirts
Bulldog Gear Business Academy Slide 3 of 4
PART 3: OUR IMPACT
GIVING BACK
Our School & Community Campaign
True student leaders support their community! We will use our clothing profits to make a real-world difference in our school neighborhood.
Show how exactly 20% of net company profits will fund winter blankets for our local shelter partners.
How We Get It Done!
1
Gather pre-orders using our Live Sales Ledger
2
Place our batch order with our wholesale supplier
3
Distribute gear and donate blanket dividends to charity!
Bulldog Gear Business Academy Slide 4 of 4
