This article discusses the rapid growth of telemedicine and the interest of investors in funding this kind of business.

Introduction to the article (perhaps by having everyone read it)

Survey the class to determine if they or anyone in their family has participated in any telemedicine appointments during the pandemic. If so, find out what their thoughts were on the experience.

Subject Area(s) covered

Entrepreneurship, forms of business, IPO

New Terms to explain

IPO

Key things students can learn from this lesson

Students will learn what an IPO is and why investors might buy into an IPO.

Action (here’s how we’ll do it)

• Review with the class how the stock market operates.
• Ask students if they have ever invested in the stock market. Find out what would they look for if they were going to invest.
• Distribute the article for reading.
• As a class, discuss why telemedicine is so popular among investors.
• In pairs, have students research what is involved in launching an IPO.
• Combine pairs to share what they learned.

Consolidation of learning

• Canada has seen a rush of IPOs from the tech sector recently. Why do the students think this is happening?

Success Criteria

• Students understand what an IPO is and why an investor would be interested.

Confirming Activities

• Maple has a strategic relationship with Shoppers Drug Mart. Explain that relationship and how it benefits both parties.

Activities to do together

• Using a pretend amount of money: $10,000, $50,000 or $100,000 develop a portfolio of stock to invest in. Discuss what sectors you think will perform well, identify companies listed in those sectors, research which ones are performing well, are recommended by experts and meet your family criteria.
• On paper, use your “investment” to purchase your portfolio.  Track the portfolio over time, three months, six months and on-going. Make adjustments as you decide. Evaluate your decisions, discuss why you made a particular  decision. Learn together how to invest in the stock market. Once you feel confident in your choices you may want to create a real portfolio, starting with a small amount of money.