7th Grade Math Meets “Shark Tank

One of the tenets of Green Vale’s roadmap for educational excellence, the Portrait of Learning, is “Quest for Connections”, referring to the need to show how topics are interrelated and relevant to the world beyond school. As Alyson Falasco completed 7th Grade algebra’s unit on systems of equations, she introduced a new project with this in mind.

Emulating the television game show “Shark Tank”, students paired to conceive a product/business idea to address a real-world need, as well as a business plan with numerical projections using a system of equations. Students devised equations to simulate various assump tions, from initial investment to operating overhead to cost of goods to break-even units sold to profitability over time. Students began with the most basic business equation: profit equals revenue minus costs.

Contestants pitched their products and business assumptions to teacher judges who decided whether to “invest.” They based decisions on product originality, feasibility, and pricing dynamics. Countless quantitative lessons arose, such as the comparative cost of renting production space in Manhattan vs. Montana.

Winning ideas included Joy Biondi’s all-natural lip gloss ($50,000 for a 40% investment from Mrs. Nastos) and Clarke Beard and Teddy Kenny’s high-heeled shoe that converts to a flat ($15,000 plus free rent for a 12% stake from Mr. Kane, operator of numerous other factories.)

“In the beginning, it is important to figure out who your target demographic will be.

It will become a key point in how you will make your money." — Joy Biondi ‘21

“Shark Tank” 7th Grade Math Meets

“Think about EVERY aspect; where you will make the product, how much will it cost, what will be your price point. It matters." — Busola Babatunde ‘21