Ashton Faulkner/Rocky View Publishing

Grade 8 student Haleigh Green presents her business concept for the Dragon's Den project, June 19. Green's invention was a small clip to keep socks together in the laundry to prevent them from separating and getting lost.

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Meadowbrook Middle students participate in Dragon's Den project

Students at Meadowbrook Middle School took part in their very own version of Dragon’s Den, showing off their presentation from June 11 to 15.

Dragon’s Den is a reality television show on CBC where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business concepts and products to a panel of business moguls, better known as dragons, who have the cash and the know-how to make their dreams into a reality.

More than 100 Grade 8 students were tasked with creating their own products, specifically ones that increase human efficiency, meet a need or improve how something is done.

Grade 8 teacher Janelle Phillips, who came up with the idea for the project last year after watching the show, said she was impressed by how the students were able to put their inventing skills to the test.

“This is our second year doing the project, and I was very impressed,” she said. “There were some really creative ideas.”

Phillips said that everything from puncture-free tires, which had air pockets so that if you ran over a nail your tire wouldn’t deflate, to solar roadways that would generate power, were presented. Most students did the projects individually, with some choosing to work with a partner.

“When they had their idea, they then had to break down and explain everything from the function of the invention, to the cost, to the environmental impact and the appearance,” Phillips said.

Once the invention was planned out, the students had to create a presentation to show to their classmates and to the panel of five dragons, who consisted of parents, staff members and community members who asked all the tough questions about the inventions.

“I think the project was a good opportunity for the students to come up with an invention, and then work on their presentation skills,” Phillips said. “It teaches them to be on their feet and answer questions and respond to feedback, all of which are important skills.”