Grandview Elementary fourth graders put their creativity, teamwork, and presentation skills to the test in a classroom edition of Shark Tank on Sept. 26, 2025. The project was inspired by their reading of Experts Incorporated and Kids in Business, which explore entrepreneurship and problem-solving.
Working in groups of three, students were challenged to invent a product that could solve a real-world problem. Each team had to name their product, identify the problem it addressed, and explain how it worked. They also created a diagram, determined their target audience, and outlined how they would use a $10,000 investment from the “Sharks” to launch their business.
The Shark Tank panel featured Principal Midge Simmons, Counselor Brian Hiatt, and Instructional Coach Kelsey Brobst. After each group presented, students answered follow-up questions from the judges—giving them hands-on practice with speaking and listening standards in an authentic setting.
The inventive projects included:
Squeeze Squeeze – a device that helps open things
Robo Cleaner – a tool that cleans various items
Robo Feeder – a machine that cleans and prepares food and drinks
Croos – shoes designed never to fall off
Infinite Phone Battery – a battery that never needs charging
The Perfect Pillow – a pillow with adjustable hot, warm, or cold settings
Friend Finder – a robot designed to help people make friends
After careful consideration, the judges named Friend Finder as the winning project.
“When it comes to overall social-emotional well-being, this product would have the most bang for the buck,” said Counselor Brian Hiatt when the winner was announced.
The day ended with excitement, encouragement, and pride as fourth graders experienced what it’s like to pitch an idea and think like entrepreneurs.