001
Search with quotes & a site: filter
SearchSocial StudiesResearch before any decision
Think: What words would a source actually use?
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Venture Skills Lab
100 paced exercises that turn Google Search, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Calendar, Canva, CapCut and Sites into real school-subject projects — and one real business idea, built one piece at a time.
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Your progress saves automatically in this browser. Keep the work itself in your own Google Drive folder.
How it works
Every exercise runs the same rhythm: Think — a short prompt before opening the tool — then Practice, the hands-on task, then Apply — a line tying it to a Grade 8–12 subject and a business idea.
Foundation
Grades 8–9
One tool at a time, short tasks, close guidance, familiar topics.
Application
Grade 10
Two to three tools combined, more independence, Economics ideas begin.
Integration
Grades 11–12
Full projects and simulations, minimal guidance, real business-plan work.
Set up your portfolio folder first
You keep your own work in your own Google Drive. Set this up once, before Exercise 1, and every finished task has somewhere to go. At the end you send us one link — not a hundred.
- 1
Create one folder in Google Drive
Go to drive.google.com, click New → Folder, and name it "Skills Lab — Your Name". Everything you make lives in here.
- 2
Create your index document
Inside that folder, click New → Google Docs. Name it "Skills Lab Index". This is the one page that lists all your work.
- 3
Add a line for every exercise you finish
In the index, write the exercise number, its title, and paste the link to the file you made. One line each — for example: "#45 Break-even quantity — [link to my Sheet]".
- 4
Keep every file in the same folder
When you make a Doc, Sheet, Slide deck or upload a video, save it inside your Skills Lab folder so nothing goes missing.
- 5
Share the folder so we can open it
Right-click the folder → Share → General access → change "Restricted" to "Anyone with the link", and leave it as Viewer. Then click Copy link.
- 6
Submit that one link below
Paste the folder link into the form below. That's the only link you ever need to send us — your index inside it points to everything else.
If your school account blocks link sharing, ask your teacher to share the folder with Techgazers directly instead.
Skill → Subject → Business map
What each tool actually trains, and where it lands in the curriculum and in a business.
| Tool | Core skill | Subject links | Business skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Search | Query building, source evaluation, lateral reading | English, Social Studies, Basic Science | Market research — competitors, prices, suppliers |
| Google Drive | File organization, sharing/permissions, version history | ICT / Computer Studies | Record-keeping — invoices, contracts, product files |
| Google Docs | Structured writing, formatting, collaborative editing | English, Social Studies/Civics, Business Studies | Proposals, business plans, customer emails |
| Google Sheets | Data entry, formulas, basic charts, budgeting | Mathematics, Basic Science, Economics | Budgeting, pricing, profit/loss tracking |
| Google Slides | Visual storytelling, structuring an argument | English, Social Studies, Business Studies | Investor/customer pitch decks, catalogs |
| Google Meet | Verbal communication, scheduling, live note-taking | Civic Education | Client meetings, supplier calls, check-ins |
| Google Calendar | Time-blocking, deadlines, recurring events | Study/exam planning, all subjects | Deadlines, delivery schedules, content calendars |
| Canva | Visual design, branding, layout, color | Creative Arts, Business Studies | Logos, flyers, packaging, social posts |
| CapCut | Video editing, storytelling through cuts & sound | English (media literacy), Creative Arts | Product demos, ads, behind-the-scenes content |
| Google Sites | Basic web structure, navigation | ICT, Business Studies (e-commerce basics) | A storefront/portfolio page, About & Contact |
Pick your business idea
From Exercise 21 onward, carry one idea through to Exercise 100. Pick a thread below — or use your own in the same shape.
Pacing
Match the cadence to how you'll actually use it.
| Setting | Cadence | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard elective/club, full year | 2 exercises/week | ~50 weeks, one school year |
| Intensive, one term | 5 exercises/week | ~20 weeks |
| After-school club, slow pace | 1 exercise/week | ~2 school years |
Start here
Six steps to move through all 100 without getting lost.
- 1
Read the Overview. Find out which grade band you're in: Foundation (8–9), Application (10), or Integration (11–12).
- 2
Pick your pace. 2/week for a full year, 5/week for one term, or 1/week for a slow club.
- 3
Pick one business idea. Before Exercise 21, choose one of the five threads (or your own). Keep the same one all the way to Exercise 100.
- 4
Work in order. Level 1, then 2, then 3, then 4, then 5. Don't skip a level — each one needs the skills from the one before it.
- 5
Do every exercise the same way. Read Think first. Do Practice in the tool named. Write one line linking it to the subject and your business. Set your status.
- 6
Reach the capstone. Level 5 is one long project, not separate tasks. Keep every file from Levels 1–4 — you'll reuse them.
Show
Level 1 — Digital Foundations
Exercises 1–20
0 / 20 done
One tool at a time. The business link here is the general skill any venture will later need.
002
Fact-check a claim
SearchBasic ScienceVerifying supplier/product claims
Think: Do both sources agree?
003
Build a Drive folder structure
DriveICTKeeping records findable
Think: How will I find this in six months?
004
Share as Viewer and as Editor
DriveICTControlling who can change records
Think: Who should be allowed to edit this?
005
Write a formatted set of notes
DocsEnglishClear written communication
Think: What's the one idea this page must land?
006
Get 3 comments, then resolve each
DocsEnglishTaking feedback on a proposal
Think: Which comment changes my mind, and why?
007
Log a week of money or chores
SheetsMathematicsBasic record-keeping
Think: Where does most of the money go?
008
Turn that data into a bar chart
SheetsMathematicsReading your own numbers
Think: What does the tallest bar tell a stranger?
009
Summarize a topic in 3 slides
SlidesAny subjectSaying one thing clearly
Think: What's the one point, if I only get 3 slides?
010
Add speaker notes and present for 60s
SlidesEnglishPitching without a script
Think: What will I forget if I don't rehearse?
011
Host a 10-minute Meet and take notes
MeetCivic EducationRunning a short client call
Think: What 3 things must this call decide?
012
Screen-share to explain a document
MeetICTExplaining work to a client
Think: What order makes this easiest to follow?
013
Add homework deadlines to Calendar
CalendarStudy skillsNot missing a deadline
Think: Which deadline is easiest to forget?
014
Set up a recurring study event
CalendarStudy skillsBuilding a routine
Think: What time of day do I actually keep?
015
Design a poster: one font pairing, 3 colors
CanvaCreative ArtsFirst brand look
Think: What should someone notice first?
016
Resize the poster for Instagram & print
CanvaCreative ArtsReusing one design everywhere
Think: What has to change when the shape changes?
017
Trim & combine 3 clips into 15 seconds
CapCutEnglish (media literacy)A first product teaser
Think: What's the first second that keeps someone watching?
018
Add music and a text overlay
CapCutCreative ArtsSetting a mood/brand feel
Think: What mood does this music actually set?
019
Build a one-page site
SitesICTA first public presence
Think: What would a stranger want to know first?
020
Add a second page and a nav menu
SitesICTStructuring a storefront
Think: What's the most natural next click?
Level 2 — Connected Skills
Exercises 21–40
0 / 20 done
Two tools per task. Examples name a thread for concreteness — swap in your own chosen thread throughout.
021
Log 3 competitor prices & average them
Search + SheetsEconomicsSunny Bites — pricing
Think: Am I comparing the same size or quantity?
022
Draft a business idea note, store it in Drive
Docs + DriveBusiness StudiesAny thread — idea record
Think: What would make this idea fail?
023
Budget in Sheets, chart pasted into Slides
Sheets + SlidesMathematicsThreadworks — startup costs
Think: What's my biggest single cost?
024
Logo in Canva, added to a pitch deck
Canva + SlidesCreative ArtsAny thread — brand identity
Think: Does this logo work in black and white?
025
Recurring meeting with a Meet link & agenda
Calendar + MeetCivic EducationBright Occasions — team coordination
Think: What decision needs the whole team?
026
Research a competitor, write a comparison
Search + DocsBusiness StudiesAny thread — competitor scan
Think: What do they do better than my idea?
027
Edit an intro video, embed it on a Site
CapCut + SitesICTClipWorks Media — showreel
Think: What's the one shot that explains the service?
028
Agenda in Docs, live notes during a Meet
Docs + MeetEnglishStudyBuddy Tutors — client intake
Think: What 3 questions must this call answer?
029
Average price of 3 materials, cost per unit
Search + SheetsMathematicsSunny Bites — ingredient cost
Think: Which material swings the cost most?
030
Design a banner sized for a Site header
Canva + SitesCreative ArtsAny thread — storefront look
Think: What size does this header actually need?
031
Present a 5-slide pitch live, get feedback
Slides + MeetEnglishAny thread — pitch rehearsal
Think: What question am I most afraid of getting?
032
Organize a budget, price list & schedule
Drive + SheetsICTAny thread — recordkeeping
Think: Could someone else find these in 10 seconds?
033
Research 3 palettes, build a moodboard
Search + CanvaCreative ArtsThreadworks — brand look
Think: What feeling do these colors share?
034
Turn key dates into a timeline table
Calendar + SheetsMathematicsBright Occasions — event countdown
Think: What happens if one date slips?
035
Write a script, turn it into slides
Docs + SlidesEnglishAny thread — pitch outline
Think: What's the one sentence per slide?
036
Export a video, organize the versions
CapCut + DriveICTClipWorks Media — version control
Think: Which file is actually the final one?
037
Turn survey data into a simple infographic
Sheets + CanvaMathematicsStudyBuddy Tutors — demand check
Think: What number should jump out first?
038
Research before a Meet discussion
Search + MeetSocial StudiesAny thread — informed pitching
Think: What fact would change someone's mind?
039
Write ad copy, design a matching post
Docs + CanvaEnglishAny thread — promotion
Think: What's the one line someone will remember?
040
Add hours to a Site matching Calendar
Sites + CalendarICTBright Occasions — booking info
Think: What happens if the site and calendar disagree?
Level 3 — Subject-Linked Mini Projects
Exercises 41–60
0 / 20 done
Three or more tools, each project anchored to a named subject. You should be working your own chosen thread by now.
041
Survey, compute stats, present, conclude
Sheets + Slides + DocsMathematics (statistics)Testing real demand
Think: What would change my mind about this idea?
042
Persuasive About Us + banner + Site
Docs + Canva + SitesEnglish (persuasive writing)First public storefront
Think: Why should a stranger trust this business?
043
Compare 3 locations, recommend the best
Search + Sheets + SlidesSocial Studies (geography)Choosing where to sell
Think: What matters more — foot traffic or rent?
044
Price-vs-quantity table, explain it
Sheets + DocsEconomics (supply & demand)Setting a first price
Think: Would I still buy this if it cost more?
045
Calculate the break-even quantity
SheetsBusiness StudiesKnowing when you turn a profit
Think: How many units is 'success' this month?
046
Track a variable for a week, present findings
Sheets + SlidesBasic Science (data logging)Quality control
Think: What pattern shows up after day 3?
047
Deliver a 2-minute pitch, log feedback
Slides + Meet + DocsCivic Education (public speaking)Rehearsing the ask
Think: Which line landed, and which fell flat?
048
Write a formal supplier inquiry letter
Docs + DriveEnglish (formal writing)Supplier relationships
Think: What exactly am I asking the supplier to confirm?
049
Calculate profit margin & markup
SheetsMathematics (percentages)Pricing strategy
Think: Which product actually makes the most money?
050
Compare 3 suppliers on cost & quality
Search + SheetsBasic Science / sourcingChoosing suppliers
Think: Is the cheapest option actually the best value?
051
Define the 4 Ps, design a matching post
Docs + CanvaBusiness Studies (marketing mix)Shaping the offer
Think: Which of the 4 Ps is weakest right now?
052
Scale a plan from 10 units to 100
SheetsMathematics (ratios)Planning for growth
Think: What breaks first if demand triples?
053
Edit an ad, explain the techniques used
CapCut + DocsEnglish (media literacy)Advertising
Think: What technique am I using, and is it honest?
054
Write & publish a community commitment page
Docs + SitesSocial Studies (civic responsibility)Building trust
Think: What would I be embarrassed to leave out?
055
List 3 alternative uses of the budget
Docs + SheetsEconomics (opportunity cost)Budget discipline
Think: What am I giving up by choosing this?
056
Pie chart of expenses, line chart of sales
Sheets + SlidesMathematics (statistics/charts)Financial visibility
Think: Which chart would worry an investor?
057
Write a SWOT, design a visual version
Docs + CanvaBusiness Studies (SWOT)Strategic planning
Think: Which weakness is actually fixable this month?
058
Interview a real small business owner
Meet + DocsEnglish (interview skills)Learning from real experience
Think: What question got the most honest answer?
059
Write a short digital-safety/privacy policy
DocsICT (digital citizenship)Customer trust
Think: What customer data do I actually need to collect?
060
Compile Level 3 work into one Drive folder
Sheets + Slides + Docs + SitesCross-subject reviewGetting organized for Level 4
Think: What's still missing before this looks real?
Level 4 — Business Simulations
Exercises 61–80
0 / 20 done
Each exercise builds one working piece of a real business, all on your chosen thread. Tasks stand alone but assume earlier outputs exist.
061
Write a one-page business plan
DocsBusiness StudiesThe founding document
Think: Who exactly is this for, by name if possible?
062
Build a 12-month sales & expense forecast
SheetsMathematicsFinancial planning
Think: Which month is the riskiest?
063
Design a full brand kit
CanvaCreative ArtsConsistent brand identity
Think: Would this look right on a tiny phone screen?
064
Build a 3-page cross-linked Site
SitesICTA working storefront
Think: What does a first-time visitor do first?
065
Create a 60-second promo video
CapCutEnglish (media literacy)Paid-ready advertising
Think: What's the hook in the first 3 seconds?
066
Run a 10-response customer survey
SheetsMathematics (statistics)Customer research
Think: What surprised me in the answers?
067
Build a pricing model with 3 price points
SheetsEconomicsProfit optimization
Think: Which price maximizes profit, not just sales?
068
Host a mock investor pitch
Slides + MeetCivic EducationRaising money
Think: What's the toughest question an investor would ask?
069
Build a 30-day launch plan
CalendarStudy/project planningLaunch execution
Think: What has to happen before anything else can?
070
Draft 5 customer-service email templates
DocsEnglish (formal writing)Customer service
Think: Which email is hardest to get the tone right on?
071
Design a 7-post weekly content calendar
CanvaCreative ArtsSocial media marketing
Think: What's the one post people would actually share?
072
Build an inventory tracker with an alert
SheetsMathematics / ICTStock management
Think: What happens if I run out mid-week?
073
Build a competitor comparison matrix
Search + SheetsBusiness StudiesCompetitive positioning
Think: Where do I clearly beat the competition?
074
Record a behind-the-scenes video
CapCutEnglish (media literacy)Building trust
Think: What would make someone trust this business more?
075
Write & publish a Terms/FAQ page
Docs + SitesEnglishReducing support load
Think: What question do customers always ask first?
076
Build a break-even & profit dashboard
SheetsMathematicsFinancial visibility
Think: At what point does this stop being a hobby?
077
Run a live team stand-up
Docs + MeetCivic EducationTeam management
Think: What's blocking the team right now?
078
Design packaging or delivery visuals
CanvaCreative ArtsProduct presentation
Think: Does this visual match the brand kit from #63?
079
Organize every asset in a Drive structure
DriveICTOperational readiness
Think: Could a stranger run this business from this folder alone?
080
Swap simulations, leave 5 mentor comments
Docs + DriveEnglishPeer review
Think: What's the one change that would help most?
Level 5 — Capstone Ventures
Exercises 81–100
0 / 20 done
One continuous project, not independent drills: each milestone builds on the last, toward a real pitch.
081
Finalize the idea, write a justification
DocsCapstoneCommitment
Think: What's the honest reason I want to build this one?
082
Validate the idea with 5 interviews
Search + Meet + SheetsCapstoneValidation
Think: Am I asking a real question or a leading one?
083
Update the financial model with feedback
SheetsCapstoneFinancial realism
Think: What did the feedback actually change?
084
Research registration & ethics rules
Search + DocsCapstoneCompliance
Think: What rule would I break without realizing it?
085
Finalize the brand kit
CanvaCapstoneBrand
Think: What's still not quite right about the current look?
086
Publish the polished 4-page Site
SitesCapstoneWeb presence
Think: Does every page earn its place?
087
Plan & create pre-launch posts
Calendar + CanvaCapstoneGo-to-market
Think: What's the one post that starts the conversation?
088
Produce a 90-second pitch video
CapCutCapstonePitch asset
Think: Would this convince someone who's never heard of the idea?
089
Compile the complete business plan
DocsCapstoneThe full plan
Think: What section would a skeptic attack first?
090
Build the final financial dashboard
SheetsCapstoneInvestor numbers
Think: What number would I show an investor first?
091
Write a risk & contingency plan
DocsCapstoneRisk management
Think: What's the risk I keep avoiding thinking about?
092
Host a mock board meeting
Meet + DocsCapstoneGovernance
Think: What question do I not have a good answer to yet?
093
Build the final investor deck
SlidesCapstoneThe deck
Think: What's the one slide that can't be cut?
094
Deliver the live pitch
Slides + MeetCapstoneThe ask
Think: What am I most nervous about, and why?
095
Summarize feedback, list 3 changes
DocsCapstoneIteration
Think: Which feedback stings the most — and is it right?
096
Build the master portfolio folder
DriveCapstonePortfolio
Think: Could someone judge this business from the folder alone?
097
Write the cross-subject reflection
DocsCapstoneReflection
Think: Where did a class topic actually change what I did?
098
Teach a skill to a younger student
MeetCapstoneMastery
Think: What did I not fully understand until I had to explain it?
099
Publish a Meet the Founder page
SitesCapstoneFounder story
Think: What's the story behind the idea, not just the idea itself?
100
Present at the showcase, close with reflection
Sites + Slides + CapCut + SheetsCapstoneShowcase
Think: Starting over today, what's the first thing I'd change?
Assessment & reflection
Score each exercise out of 16. 12+ means ready to advance; below 8 means repeat with support.
| Criterion | Points | Proficient looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Tool skill | /4 | The tool feature is used correctly and on purpose |
| Think prompt | /4 | The reflection question is answered with a reason, not a guess |
| Subject/business link | /4 | The student can explain the connection in their own words |
| Presentation/care | /4 | Work is labeled, organized, and readable by someone else |
Capstone rubric (Level 5), 25 points: Idea clarity /5 · Research depth /5 · Financial realism /5 · Communication & pitch delivery /5 · Reflection quality /5.
Submit your portfolio link
One link to your shared Google Drive folder or index Doc — the one you set up at the top of this page. No account needed; just tell us who you are so we can reply.
Your one-page skills resume
Built automatically from the exercises you've completed. Copy it, paste it into a blank Google Doc, and you have a one-page record of what you can actually do.
Mark an exercise as Submitted or Approved and your resume starts building itself here.
Want guided support through all 100?
Techgazers courses, mentors and 1-on-1 tutors can walk you through the Skills Lab step by step — with feedback on every submission.