SHARKS FOUND IN THE HALLS OF WASHINGTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

By TONI-ANN HOM 

Every year, senior Economics classes at Washingtonville High School are given a project based off  the famous television show known as Shark Tank.  Students of Wizard Nation excitedly wait for the chance to participate in this high anticipated project each year.  It is an opportunity to let loose and have fun while also learning a great deal about the business world.  

TONI-ANN HOM FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The concept behind Shark Tank is that contestants pitch business ideas, or invent a product to present to major investors, also known as “the sharks.”  The sharks, who are actually teachers in the building, decide whether or not they want to invest in the product that is being presented to them.  It is an exciting and fun way to challenge students by putting their creativity to the test.  

Each of the sharks have their own ideas about what makes a product effective, so it is up to the students to catch the interest of each of them.  Not only do the students have to present their project in poster or powerpoint form, but they are required to make a prototype. Prototypes are useful because they are able to present a visual for the sharks while allowing for a greater chance that the sharks might actually want to invest in the product.

Ms. Secreto, one of the Economic teachers, shared some of her favorite experiences of Shark Tank. “So far, I have had two favorite ideas ever since we started this project. The first one was this hair clip that included an essential oil as a lice repellent. The other one was a portable all in one safety kit geared towards hikers. It included a fish hook, a razor, a string, and a lot more that would help buyers in the outdoors. Everyone was blown away by these ideas because they were small but had a lot of thought behind them.” 

Although this project seems like a fairly easy one, students actually have a really hard time inventing a product. Students stress about the number of details they have; they always feel that there are never enough.  Stresses aside,  Shark Tank is a worthwhile opportunity for students that plan to start their own businesses one day; it truly helps them obtain an understanding of the process.  

Good luck to all of the students presenting their shark tank inventions this week and next.  Make sure to sell your product and impress the sharks!