Student Inventions Inspired by Shark Tank: Cultivating Innovation in Education

Inspired by the popular TV show "Shark Tank," educators are increasingly using mock "Shark Tank" experiences to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving skills in students of all ages. These programs encourage students to identify real-world problems, develop innovative solutions, and present their ideas to panels of judges, simulating the high-pressure environment of the show. This article explores various examples of "Shark Tank" inspired student invention initiatives and their impact on education.

Project-Based Learning and Real-World Application

Cody Young, a sixth-grade science teacher, implemented a "Shark Tank" project to engage students in cross-curricular learning. Students studied famous inventors and the impact of their inventions on society. They then conceived inventions to address inconveniences in their own lives and created commercials using iMovie to market their products to classmates. The students presented their market research to a panel, including manufacturing costs, first-year sales projections, potential competition, target audience, and marketing strategies. This approach allowed Young to cover the curriculum in an engaging way.

Addressing Challenges Faced by Peers with Disabilities

Steve Randall’s computer science technology class at Redmond’s Obsidian Middle School hosted a "Shark Tank" event where student inventions aimed to assist peers with disabilities. This program, part of a larger initiative, involves students with disabilities discussing the challenges they face in school with middle school students. The tech students then design prototypes for devices to improve accessibility. After presenting their designs, they have a week to incorporate feedback before handing the projects over to a high school CTE class at Ridgeview High. Wendy Burkhardt, High Desert Assistive Technology Specialist, emphasizes the importance of design thinking skills in these projects.

Empathy as a Foundation for Design

Burkhardt introduces the program with an "empathy day," where students experience tasks with impaired abilities, such as writing with oven mitts or accessing lockers while blindfolded. This exercise helps students understand the challenges their peers face and informs their design process. The Stanford design process, which includes empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing, forms the curriculum's foundation.

Curriculum Development and Expansion

A team of middle schoolers presented their prototypes at a state conference in Salem. The ATM/CTE curriculum was co-created by Carey Kraybill, a design and modeling instructor at Pacific Crest Middle School; High Desert Education Service District’s Assistive Technology Department; and the district’s CTE/STEM programs - with start-up funding from High Desert’s innovation arm, i4Education. There are plans underway to expand the program throughout Oregon.

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Integrating Multiple Skills

These "Shark Tank" inspired projects integrate various skills, including:

Math Skills: Adding the cost of materials and labor and subtracting from the retail price to determine profit.
Design Thinking: Following the design cycle of "Investigate - Plan - Create - Evaluate" to ensure the product meets the intended vision.
Prototyping: Creating beta versions of apps and interactive mockups.

The goal is to ensure that competition doesn't overshadow the design process.

Creating a Shark Tank Experience in the Classroom

Lindsay Lord, a GT teacher in St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana, shared her students’ successful "Shark Tank" experience. Her students studied economics and entrepreneurship, culminating in a "Shark Tank"-style event with community members as potential investors. They even received advice from Mark Cuban. Lord introduced the concept of entrepreneurship as a way to make an impact, emphasizing the importance of solving problems students are passionate about. She shared videos of young entrepreneurs who have presented in "THE TANK" to inspire her students.

Key Steps to a Successful Shark Tank Project

Problem Identification: Encourage students to identify problems they genuinely want to solve, focusing on challenges they’ve experienced or observed.
Research: Students explore existing products or services similar to their ideas, honing their research skills and learning about intellectual property.
Prototyping: Students create physical or conceptual prototypes using available materials, such as digital design tools or recycled items.
Informational Essay: Students write an informational essay connecting to the specific topic or problem their product addresses, forming the foundation of their pitch.
Business Plan: Students develop a simple business plan covering the product’s purpose, target audience, and potential costs and revenue, integrating math and economics skills.
Expert Advice: Reach out to local entrepreneurs or national figures for advice and inspiration.
Event Day: Set up a "Shark Tank" style environment with judges who ask critical questions and negotiate deals with students.
Follow-Up Activity: Have students write a reflection or create a short video about what they learned.

Elementary School Innovation

Fourth-graders at Richland’s Jason Lee Elementary School presented inventions devised as solutions to everyday problems. Examples included Mop Shoes and a toothbrush-comb combination. Panels of judges, including engineers, retired teachers, and scientists, assessed the students' inventions. Teachers noted that students often think "way outside the box" compared to adults.

Assessment Criteria

Along with the prototype and posters describing their invention, students had to answer questions about its cost, use, and target market.

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Examples of Inventions

Mop Shoes: Shoes with mop attachments to clean while walking.
Switch Brush: A toothbrush-comb combination.
Light Paws: A dog collar with a headlamp for nighttime walks.

Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Motivation

Some students were humbled by the judges' feedback but became more motivated to improve their ideas. This experience provides valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability.

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