At Newport Heights Elementary, students bring classroom learning to life through the school’s Shark Tank program, where technology supports creativity, collaboration, and academic expression.

The Shark Tank pairs credentialed teacher Amie Tang with classroom teachers to design projects that align with the classroom curriculum. Together, they provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their understanding through multimedia projects that reflect the material they are studying across various subjects.

In third grade, students presented Google Slides on California’s four coastal regions. After learning about climate, habitats, and water sources during social studies, students worked in the Shark Tank to develop a presentation. Each student contributed a slide, researched information, shared ideas, and worked together to create a cohesive final product.

Fifth graders explored history through video production. 

“During the Age of Exploration, explorers traveled in search of items to trade,” said Ford, whose group focused on Marco Polo. “In the Shark Tank, we research, write our script, film, and edit the video. It’s fun to create something together.”

Sage, also in fifth grade, said the process has been especially meaningful. “I am the reporter in our video about Amerigo Vespucci. I love collaborating with other kids. It’s a great way to get to know each other better and learn each other’s strengths.”

Younger students also benefit from the program’s hands-on approach. First graders Amaya and Adrian recently visited the Shark Tank to record a partner-play video using a green screen. They selected roles, practiced lines, and watched their ideas take shape through visuals. 

Amaya, pretending to be a bear, while her classmate Adrian played a moose, said, “The green screen can change to pictures from around the world.”

Westley, a first-grader who helps support Shark Tank sessions each week, enjoys contributing behind the scenes by setting up the learning centers. 

Careful planning and collaboration guide every project, Tang said. “I meet with classroom teachers to look at what students are learning and find creative ways to extend that learning. Students are involved in every step, from researching and writing to filming, editing, and sharing their work.”

Tang’s favorite project this year involved second graders creating heritage postcards that connected classroom learning with their family stories. Students took a questionnaire home to document their family backgrounds, then wrote scripts and recorded audio reflections. Each postcard included a QR code to access the recording. Families were invited to campus to share a cultural dish and scan the codes, creating a meaningful community experience. 

“The heritage postcards are just one example of how Shark Tank projects are designed,” said Principal Terri Clarke. “Every project has an audience, allowing students to share what they’ve learned with classmates, families, and the broader community.”

Through the Shark Tank program, Newport Heights Elementary students enhance their classroom learning in a fun and engaging way while building communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. By blending technology with curriculum and collaboration, the program encourages students to creatively express themselves, build confidence, and connect their classroom learning to the world around them.