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Manufacturing
Page 18 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Students Bring Big Ideas to Life in ‘Shark Tank’ Style Competition

Continued from Page 15
figuring out ways to get through when you that hadn’t happened yet with the other
don’t know the answer. We’ve had to branch groups. We are bringing the business profes-
out and figure out a lot of specifics on our sional aspect. We felt very comfortable and
own to develop the project. didn’t doubt ourselves.
Lincoln: As a senior, I want to go into the Lincoln: We didn’t necessarily practice much,
business field. I’ve been taking most of the but we did know our presentation really in-
business classes in Pathways. Creating your depth. We also prepared for what questions
own business is cool and something I can could come up. You can practice as much as
take into my future. We’ve had a lot of con- you want, but if you’re only memorizing and
versations with peers to build connections don’t know your product, it will show. During
in the class, with people you wouldn’t oth- the first round we got immediate feedback, so
erwise meet. This has been great preparation we even made quick adjustments right before
for college. the next presentation. Matthew and I shared a
What has it been like pitching to judges? lot of non-verbal communication during their
Matthew: I actually really enjoyed it. At first questioning to decide who could answer the
when I saw where the judges were seated best. It was great we could rely on each other
I thought, ‘Woah, they are close!’ But we in that way.
Hunter C. and Aaron J. present their idea for copper-lined compression braces.
got up there and said what we needed to get
Hunter: Now we’re going to work through competition, which I own for my own glove. through. One feedback moment that stands
the feedback portion from the first round I’ve seen a lot of negatives with the product out to me was getting praised for shaking springlakeparkschools.org
and how to add in relevant aspects. We’re that exists right now, and I thought we could hands at the end of the presentation because
ready to go back and edit our presentation maybe find a way to improve it. At the end of
slides and different parts of our financials. the day, it’s an expensive item so you don’t
want to damage it. It’s like a form of insur-
Finalist #2: Matthew G. and Lincoln S. ance for your glove.
Product: Diamond Cases What has been the biggest learning you’ve had
Describe the product or service you are pitch- in this class so far?
ing and why: Matthew: Figuring out how we work together
Lincoln: Our product is a case for your base- and how to communicate together.
ball glove to help protect it and make it last Lincoln: Finding our own strengths and weak-
longer. It’s essential for a glove to hold its nesses. We had to lean on each other to build
form. The goal is ultimately to reduce the a really great product.
number of gloves you have to buy in a life- How is this class helping you think about your
time. We wanted a case that could be stored future and what you might want to do?
within your bag, which reduces the number
of bags you have to carry while traveling, Matthew: As a junior, I think I want to do
and keeps it safe. business, but I don’t know what area quite
Matthew: I have been playing baseball for 12 yet which is why I signed up for this class.
years now. One of the key points of our It’s been helpful communicating with other
presentation was comparing against the groups too, since there’s a lot of smart people
in this class. I’ve enjoyed problem-solving, Matthew G. and Lincoln S. demonstrate their product, a case for a baseball glove.

A Dynamic Teaching Duo and Cutting Edge Technology at Pine City High School

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modern techniques, his team integrates hand Mr. Eichten’s woodworking classes
tools with laser engraving and 3D printing for (photo at left) are crafting walleye hat racks,
innovative projects. honing band saw skills. Students face chal-
Mr. Eichten’s 7th grade CTE students lenges in cutting smooth curves, resorting to
(photo on page 16) have been working dili- hand filing and sanding. Some opt for laser
gently on the traditional wood duck project. engraving details. They made personal clocks
In 7th grade CTE classes, the students concen- in November, many choosing to engrave
trate on traditional drafting and woodworking whitetail bucks due to it being deer hunting
applications. They do not use computers for season.
drafting, it is all done by hand drawing using
traditional drafting tools. In the woodwork-
ing part of the course, the students do not use
power tools either. The wood duck project is www.isd578.org
cut, filed, sanded, and varnished all by hand.
The students will start using power tools and
computers in 8th grade CTE courses. It is
almost time to let this batch of ducks migrate
to their new homes and start a new flock in the
fourth quarter.