Skip to main content

Cooperstown Central School

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Cooperstown 6th Graders Dive into Entrepreneurship at Annual Shark Tank Event

Posted Date: 06/10/26 (01:26 PM)
View Original Post


Coop Logo

Cooperstown 6th Graders Dive into Entrepreneurship at Annual Shark Tank Event

Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Among the Panel of Guest 'Sharks'

June 10, 2026
A group of 6th graders presents a pitch of their original product idea to a panel of “investors”
On Wednesday, Cooperstown Elementary School’s 6th graders put their creativity, problem-solving skills and presentation talents on full display during the annual “Shark Tank” presentations, organized by Mrs. Aiello.
A 6th grader shakes the hand of a panel member after accepting their proposed business deal
A group of 6th graders presents a pitch of their original product idea to a panel of “investors”
Modeled after the popular television show, student teams pitched original product ideas to a panel of “investors” in hopes of securing a business deal and bringing their inventions to market. Throughout the event, students demonstrated innovation, teamwork and persuasive speaking as they shared how their products would solve real-world problems for consumers.
A 6th grader shakes the hand of a panel member after accepting their proposed business deal
A group of 6th graders presents a pitch of their original product idea to a panel of “investors”
Our guest “sharks” included Cooperstown teachers and administrators, including Elementary Principal Amy Malcuria and Acting Superintendent John Evans, as well as Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh and the Clark Sports Center’s Sports and Recreation Director Scott Whiteman.
Panel members sit around a table
A group of 6th graders presents a pitch of their original product idea to a panel of “investors”
The 6th graders worked hard to incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) into ELA (English Language Arts) and identify real-world problems, develop innovative solutions, create business plans and prepare professional presentations.

Among the creative products presented were the Paw Gripper, the Hassle Helper, Bunddle Buddies, the SoleSwapper and Ressalto (Portuguese for “rebound”).
A group of 6th graders presents a pitch of their original product idea to a panel of “investors”
Panel members sit around a table
While the money was fictional, the students' hard work and dedication were very real through this project-based learning experience.

Congratulations to all of our 6th grade entrepreneurs for their hard work and impressive presentations!

A group of 6th graders presents a pitch of their original product idea to a panel of “investors”
A 6th grader shakes the hand of a panel member after accepting their proposed business deal