Fifth Graders Pitch Winter Inventions in Shark Tank Challenge

On February 28, Mrs. Brennan's fifth-grade class put their creativity — and their persuasive skills — to the test with their own version of Shark Tank. Teachers and administrators took on the role of “sharks,” evaluating the innovative ESTEAM prototypes designed to tackle real-world winter challenges.

But this wasn’t just about inventing — it was about problem-solving with empathy. One team designed a heated shelter to provide warmth for people experiencing homelessness during the harsh winter months, while another created an adaptive snowball launcher, ensuring that differently abled individuals could fully participate in the joy of a snowball fight. Other inventive solutions included a windshield defroster for icy mornings and specialized shoes designed to improve traction on slippery surfaces.

These young innovators didn’t just develop solutions; they learned how to communicate their ideas effectively, using videos, brochures, and persuasive pitches to convince others of their value.

A huge thank you to tech integration specialist Mrs. Burns for guiding students through this incredible learning experience, where creativity, empathy, and entrepreneurship came together in a powerful way!