Shark Tank: Designing Solutions for Real-World Problems

As part of the unit How The World Works, Grade 5 students investigated real-world problems within the ISD community. They interviewed support staff to identify workplace challenges and understand their impact. Working collaboratively, each group selected a specific issue to address and applied the design cycle to develop practical solutions.

Guided by their design teachers, students maintained journals documenting their goals, achievements, and reflections throughout the design process. These journals became integral to their learning journey, helping them prepare for a ‘Shark Tank’-style pitch. Students presented their ideas and journals to parents, receiving valuable feedback to refine their solutions.

The unit culminated with a final presentation to a panel of judges, where students showcased their creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate innovative ideas. This engaging experience not only highlighted their growth in design thinking but also emphasized the importance of community, collaboration, and meaningful solutions.