Lie-detecting contact lenses, glow-in-the-dark bicycles powered by fireflies and a self-sweeping electric broom were just some of the ideas our clever Year 7 students pitched during a Shark Tank-inspired project this week.
Humanities and Social Sciences Associate Dean Linda Thain said the students were asked to work in small groups to develop a new product, research production costs and pitch their idea to potential investors for financial backing.
“It was a creative exercise which allowed them to develop innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills,” Ms Thain said.
“We had some great presentations and thought-provoking products which prompted plenty of interest and questions from their peers.”
Other inventions included a solar-powered smart hat, toothpaste-dispensing electric toothbrush and a magic pen to replace excess stationery.
HASS teacher Mandy Hall wants to develop a similar program for interested Year 11 general students.
“Research indicates that many young people leave school with insufficient development of innovation, critical thinking, creative thinking and communication skills,” she said.
“The importance of having a creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset, capable of recognising opportunity patterns, is an essential part of the 21st-century employee tool kit, and the Year 11 Shark Tank course will help students develop these sought-after skills.”
