Last Friday, January 30th, the Gowanda Middle School was transformed into a high-stakes boardroom as 6th-grade STEM students participated in the final round of their “Shark Tank” project. The event served as the exciting culmination of weeks of research, prototyping, and pitch preparation.
Innovation in Action
This hands-on project is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By developing original business concepts, students gain essential 21st-century skills in public speaking, financial literacy, and collaborative problem-solving. These exercises foster the confidence and professional spirit necessary for success in any future career path.
The Big Ideas
The student entrepreneurs presented a wide range of creative solutions to everyday problems. Some of the featured pitches included:
- SnackGrip: A reusable, food-safe plastic holder designed by Hector and Xander for cleaner, stress-free snacking (Awarded Best Pitch).
- The Spoot: A versatile tool for all your “spoon needs” presented by Liam B.
- Hoodie Helper: A clever tool to “lock the string and rock the hoodie,” pitched by the “Problem Solvers” team (Chris, Emma S., and Maddie B.).
- Swing Shield: A thick rubber sleeve that protects baseball and softball bats from getting dented, created by Kiley, Addie G., and Layla.
- Everything Folder: A homemade, gold-themed organizational tool for home and school, presented by Tessa, Brynn, Arraya, and Brianna P.
- Pin Pusher: A 3-in-1 compact tool for LEGO lovers to get stuck pins out, designed by Trevor T.
- Snow Stoppers: A seasonal solution from Christine and Eleanor.
- Bendy Buddy: A charger protector designed by Leilene, Izzy, and Sopheyah.
- Stickums: A “Wrap ‘n Snap” product for home and school organization created by Charlotte and Kam.
- The Helmet Switch: A specialized sports accessory pitched by Odin, Jacobi, and Mayson W.
Facing the “Sharks”
To secure a “deal,” students had to impress a formidable—and humorous—panel of guest judges. Coordinated by Melissa Roeser (MC Hammerhead), who served as the Master of Ceremonies and “Full-Time Shark Whisperer,” the panel featured district staff operating under secret aliases with very peculiar professional backgrounds:
- Sir Chomps-A-Lot (Miss. Browning) – Fortune Cookie Writer
- Sharkira (Miss. Clark) – International Pizza Critic
- Ms. Fin (Miss. Phillips) – Popsicle Stick Designer
- DJ Shark Bait (Miss. Silleman) – Water Slide Tester
- Swim Shady (Miss. Hageman) – Windmill Operator
- Ms. Jabber Jaw (Miss. Gangloff) – Drummer for the Neptunes
Awards and Recognition
At the conclusion of the pitches, the Sharks presented special awards to recognize the students’ hard work, including Potential for Most Profitable Product, Most Entertaining Pitch, Audience Approval, and Above and Beyond.
Congratulations to all our 6th-grade students for their bravery and brilliance!
