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Making Lessons Fun: Shark Tank Innovation Challenges

August 03, 2025 / Oskar Cymerman

Let's be real, getting my students genuinely excited about research or problem-solving can sometimes feel like trying to convince my cat, Tola to like the vet. Two hours later and two tranquilizers in her, Tola is fully alert ready to rip anyone’s head off should they try to touch any part of her twelve-pound body.

But what if I told you there's a magical potion – okay, a lesson design strategy – that channels the boundless, chaotic teenage energy into productive and competitive brilliance? All you have to do is throw them into a tank full of sharks!

Close your eyes and envision teams of teens frantically designing, debating, and then boldly pitching their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of pretend billionaires. This isn't just a project. It's a high-stakes (ish), low-risk “my thing is better than your thing” battle that leaves students engaged in actual learning.

Here's how to set up the engagement goldmine that is the Shark Tank Innovation Challenge.

Day 1: The Plunge - Identifying the Problem

Day one is all about throwing them into the deep end... of a real-world problem, that is.

The Problem Pitch (10-15 mins): Start with a bang! Present a compelling, relatable, real-world issue that needs a solution. Think local water pollution, designing a truly sustainable community, or inventing a wild new recycling method. Make it feel urgent and important, like the fate of the world (or at least their grade) depends on their ingenuity. "Alright, innovators! Today, we're tackling a problem so big, it makes your Pre-Calc homework look like a chihuahua barking at a grizzly bear.”

Introduce the "Tank" Rules: Explain the "Shark Tank" premise. Students will work in teams, research a problem, design a solution, and then "pitch" it to a panel of "investors" (that's you, maybe a brave colleague, or if you're feeling really adventurous, actual community members). Emphasize that the goal is not just a good idea, but a viable, well-researched, and convincingly pitched one.

Form the Companies (Teams): Divide students into small groups (3-4 per "company"). Give them a few minutes to pick a catchy company name. This tiny act of ownership always boosts engagement. Then, assign or let them choose which specific problem they want to tackle within your broader topic.

Initial Brainstorm & Research Kick-off: Give teams time to brainstorm initial ideas. Crucially, provide a curated list of reputable online resources. "No, TikTok is not a valid research source for global water scarcity. Shocking, I know." This initial research will likely spill into homework, or you could make this a four-day thing.

Day 2: The Deep Dive - Research, Design, and Pitch Prep

This is where the magic aka the organized chaos of genuine innovation happens.

Research Fortification: Students dive deeper into understanding their chosen problem and researching existing solutions (and why they're not good enough). They need data, statistics, and maybe even a few compelling anecdotes. This is where their "Lead Researcher" steps up.

Solution Conception & Design: Teams then brainstorm and design their own unique, innovative solution. Encourage creativity, but stress that it must be grounded in reality (or at least, plausible science). Whether it's a new app, a physical device, or a policy proposal, they need to flesh it out. This is the "Product Development" phase.

Crafting the Killer Pitch: Now comes the salesmanship! Teams need to plan their presentation. Who says what? How will they convey their idea's brilliance in a limited time? They should practice their opening hook, explain the problem, present their solution, justify its viability, and outline its impact. "Remember, investors don't have all day. Get to the point, make it shine, and do not insult the investors' intelligence."

Visual Aids & Prototypes (Conceptual, Usually): Encourage them to think about simple visual aids – a basic diagram, a conceptual drawing, or even a brief flow chart. No need for a working model that sprays glitter, but a clear visual helps!

Day 3: The Feeding Frenzy - Pitch Day!

The moment of truth! Prepare for a flurry of nervous energy, impressive pitches, and surprisingly insightful questions.

Final Touches (5-10 mins): Give teams a brief period for last-minute practice and deep breathing. Remind them of time limits and the "no throwing chairs" rule during the Q&A.

The Pitches Commence: Gather your "investor" panel. Have each team present their solution. Encourage genuine curiosity and critical questioning from the investors and hand them a few starter questions such as “What is the evidence your solution design could work?” or "What makes your solution different or better than what's out there right now?"

Investor Q&A: After each pitch, open it up for questions from the "investors." This is where their research and quick thinking are truly tested. Don't know the answer? Pivot, innovate, or gracefully admit you'll 'get back to them' after more research (a common entrepreneurial strategy).

Debrief & Reflection: After all pitches are done, take a moment to discuss. What made a pitch compelling? What challenges did they face? What did they learn about real-world problem-solving? You can even do a "virtual investment" where students anonymously "invest" imaginary money into the ideas they found most compelling, with extra credit for the "most funded" project. And just like that, the world is (potentially) saved, and you somehow managed the class for three to four straight days with minimal effort. Go you!

The "Shark Tank" Challenge isn't just about designing cool things; it's about making students own their learning, collaborate under pressure, and channel their boundless teenage energy into something genuinely productive. Plus, it's hilarious to watch them try to sell you on something groundbreaking like a self-cleaning grass-powered backyard dog poop scooper.

So take the plunge. Students will dive deep and feast on the required content knowledge without realizing it. Not a bad trick for someone with no formal Jedi training. May the force be with you always.

Thanks for reading my thoughts! I hope they help you in being more you. Check out my shop (see top) if you need thoughtful (not busy work), engaging (fun), project-based and phenomena-based (the whole NGSS thing) Earth and Space Science lessons. I try to keep the prices decent, but if you cannot spare the $, please email me and I’ll give you whatever you need for free.

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categories / Science, Earth Science
tags / teaching teens, deeper learning, lifelong learning, skills, learning

Making Lessons Fun: Classroom Debates on Controversial Topics

July 27, 2025 / Oskar Cymerman

Classroom Debates are Fun, engaging, and packed with student learning

Let's own it, my teacher brethren. There are times during the school year when we’re less than one-hundred percent and we just want our students to sit down, shut up, and listen. But while this elusive dream sounds serene and exactly what the migraine doctor ordered, the engaged classroom is where students are so thoroughly locked in, they behave like dogs with new squeaky toys. They're so captivated by the learning that they forget they possess opposable thumbs and the dopamine-driven urge to use them to Clash or Brawl.

And while lecturing might achieve our coveted silence, actual engagement often requires letting them talk; argue even. Yes, I'm talking about debates, the intellectual sparring sessions not just for the nerd at heart, but your secret weapon against the dreaded "blank stare" and the even more annoying "I'm done, can I be on my phone now?" questions.

If setting up a successful, intellectually stimulating debate conjures images of trying to lead a herd of hyper baboons through a laser maze, check out this surprisingly simple 3-day structure you can use to transform your classroom into an "Intellectual Thunderdome" without the fear of flying objects (unless you’re debating history of hot air ballooning).

Picture critical thinking, communication, research skills, public speaking, and evidence-supported persuasion all happening while students are too busy trying to "win" to realize they're actually learning. So Jedi of you….

Day 1: Lay the Foundation & Unleash the Research Beasts

Drop a controversial topic into their laps and watch them scramble for facts, like desperate squirrels for the last acorn before ice age buries all.

1. Introduce the Hot Topic

Pick a subject so inherently divisive, it practically begs for arguments. For instance, "What is the absolute best, most perfect, no-other-solution-compares answer for climate change?" is pure gold. Frame it as a grand, global challenge that only they can solve with superior intellect.

2. Explain the "Thunderdome" Rules (Gently, at First!)

Briefly outline that this isn't about whose feelings are hurt, but about whose facts are bigger and better. Emphasize "respect" (which they'll try to adhere to, bless their hearts), "active listening" (a skill rarely seen outside of professional therapy sessions), and the thrilling, primal urge to intellectually dominate their peers (it’s evolutionary! Darwin).

3. Assign Teams & Roles

Divide your class into teams (4-8 per side, depending on your school district’s ineptitude in lowering classroom sizes). Give each team a distinct "stance" or "solution" to champion – even if it's one you know they secretly despise. Assign roles within each team, individual or in pairs (e.g., Lead Investigator, Argument Architect, Rebuttal Assassin – yes, actual titles!). This way everyone has a job and no one can hide in the shadow of their phone.

4. Kick Off Research (and the Long Sighs)

Provide a "Research Starter Pack" – a curated list of reputable sources (think academic institutions, government agencies, established scientific bodies – not just random TikToks or Uncle Drew's Facebook rants). Give them clear guidelines on what kind of evidence they need: cold, hard data, expert opinions, feasibility studies, pros/cons. This will likely consume the remainder of Day 1 and either some homework or next day time. Prepare for the inevitable questions like, "Do I have to read all of it?"

Day 2: Forge Arguments & Sharpen the Swords of Truth

Now that your intellectual squirrels have gathered some acorns, Day 2 is dedicated to turning those scattered nuts (or facts) into a well-oiled, argument-spewing machine.

1. Team Collaboration Power Hour (or Two)

Give teams dedicated time to synthesize their research. This is where the Lead Investigator dumps their findings, and the Argument Architect tries to make sense of it all, structuring an opening statement that doesn't sound like a caffeine-fueled rave.

2. Crafting the Core Arguments (and Avoiding Logical Fallacies)

Guide teams to develop 2-3 main arguments that powerfully support their assigned stance. For each, they need strong, evidence-based points. Encourage them to think about why their solution is the undisputed champion of all solutions.

3. Anticipate the Blows (Rebuttal Prep - The Fun Part!)

This is where the real competition happens. Have each team brainstorm what the other teams might argue. What are the gaping holes in their own brilliant solution? What unexpected strengths might the opposition possess? This foresight allows the Rebuttal Assassin to prepare devastating counter-arguments that have opponents whimper for mercy…. or at least blush.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice (Because Winging It Rarely Works)

If time allows (and you have the patience), encourage teams to practice their opening statements and initial rebuttals. Running through it helps them refine their language, identify awkward pauses, and get comfortable speaking under the terrifying gaze of their peers. Plus, it's a great way to use up that extra class time.

Day 3: Unleash The Thunderdome

The moment of truth has arrived! May their arguments be strong and their Google slides minimally embarrassing!

1. Quick Rules Review (Just in Case)

Before the first gavel (or ruler) falls, quickly remind everyone of the debate decorum: no personal attacks (you know who you are), stick to facts (it's hard, I know), respect time limits (or face my wrath), and listen actively (what the frick is that?).

2. Run the Debate

Follow a structured debate format (e.g., opening statements, alternating rebuttals/cross-examinations, closing statements). You'll serve as the stern, impartial moderator, keeping time and ensuring fair play. Witness the magic as students passionately (and hopefully factually) defend their positions. You'll be amazed at the sophisticated arguments they can construct when their pride is on the line.

3. Debrief & Reflect (The "Learning" Part)

After the intellectual dust settles, bring everyone back together. Ask:

What did you learn about the complexity of the topic?
Did your understanding of any solution actually change? (Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you admitted to being swayed by logic.)
What was challenging about defending a position you might not personally agree with?"

This is where the true learning solidifies, as they move from competitive yelling to actual comprehension. Venisti. Vidisti. Vicisti. Yes, you did.

Implementing a 3-day debate lesson might require a bit more upfront planning and a stronger than usual cup of coffee, but the payoff in student engagement, critical thinking, and genuine (and performative) learning is immense. So, choose your topic, assign your teams, and prepare to be impressed by the intellectual prowess and competitive spirit of your students. They might just surprise themselves and you! Especially you.

Thanks for reading my thoughts! I hope they help you make learning more fun for you and your students. Check out my shop if you need fun science teaching lessons or classroom swag. I try to keep the prices decent, but if you cannot spare the $, please email me and I’ll give you whatever you need for free.

BOOKS & TOOLS

EQUITY Poster

$1.50

Sale

Introduction to Earth and Space Science - 5 Phenomenon-Based Projects

$10.00 $15.00

Sale

Back 2 School Classroom Bundle of 8 Posters

$5.00 $8.00

Climate Change Debate: The Earth Science Intellectual Thunderdome

$4.00

Anthropogenic Phenomenon Investigation

$3.00

Buy on Amazon

Sale

Earth Science: Create a Computer Simulation of an ESS Concept

$2.00 $3.00

[Earth & Space Science] Cosmic Scene Investigation: A Case of the Kilonova

$4.00

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categories / Science, Earth Science
tags / teaching teens, deeper learning, lifelong learning, skills, learning

Making Lessons Fun: CSI-Style Classroom Mystery Investigations

July 20, 2025 / Oskar Cymerman

Tired of the “whatever bro” stares when you hand out another worksheet? And then the copying aka “we were working together on this” thing. if you just opened your mouth, stuck your tongue out, and placed a finger into the gaping cavity towards the back of your throat, I get it. Apathy in the classroom is gross.

Fortunately, more inventive ways of coercing your students into learning exist. And, thankfully, they do not involve physical or psychological harm. One such way leads to students having actual fun while poring over evidence and passionately debating theories, all while learning core concepts. Enter the CSI-style mystery activities – dynamic and engaging learning experiences that transform your student collective into the CIA - Classroom Investigation Agency.

And this approach isn't just fun; it's a powerful way to bring out critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills by using real-world phenomena and scenarios.

Here's how you CSI your teaching and their learning:

Step 1: Craft A Compelling Mystery

Start with an open-ended, intriguing problem that directly connects to your curriculum. Forget hypothetical scenarios; make it feel real! Think about a "mysterious disappearance," an unexplained phenomenon, or a puzzling anomaly.

Examples:
- Science: The lab equipment scavenger hunt (it might be fun to place a few non-glass pieces around school) or a mysterious cosmic event in a distant galaxy.
- History: An unsolved historical puzzle or a historical "who done it?"
- Math: A budgeting crisis for a fictional event or a design flaw in a model.
- ELA: An author's true intent behind a cryptic passage or a book character's perplexing actions.

The key is to create a scenario that requires students to apply the concepts you want them to learn to solve the mystery.

Step 2: Gather The Evidence

This is where the real magic happens. Brainstorm various forms of "evidence" that will help (or sometimes mislead) your student detectives. Interpreting this evidence might require the use of the Internet and should necessitate the use of the skills and knowledge you're teaching.

Think diverse formats:
- Data: Graphs, charts, tables, measurements, statistics.
- Clues: Written notes, diagrams, sketches, "photographs" (even if they're just printed images).
- Interviews/Testimonies: Fictional "witness statements" or "suspect interviews" (which could be pre-written texts or even short audio clips).
- Artifacts: Physical objects (if safe and appropriate), like a "broken" item or a "sample" to analyze.
- Observations: Descriptions of a scene or event.

Remember to include some misleading information (red herrings) to encourage critical analysis and prevent simple solutions.

Step 3: Design the Investigation Process

How will your student detectives work? Small groups are often ideal for fostering collaboration and discussion. The first two to three times, you will need to outline the steps they'll need to take. Afterwards, they will be able to do this:

Evidence Analysis: How will they organize and interpret the clues? Will they use graphic organizers, notebooks, or a digital platform?
Hypothesis Generation: Encourage them to formulate initial theories based on early evidence.
Collaboration: How will groups share findings and challenge each other's ideas? Will there be specific times for whole-class discussions or cross-group sharing? I usually, have a debrief session and a next day bell ringer follow-up to discuss key content students needed to use and learn.
Deduction and Conclusion: What's the process for them to arrive at their final conclusion? Will they need to present their findings, write a report, or solve a final puzzle?

Step 4: Facilitate, Don't Dictate

During the mystery investigation, your role shifts from dictator (okay, maybe that one’s a ‘lil intense) to facilitator. Circulate, listen to group discussions, and ask probing questions to guide their thinking, especially if they’re starting to lean toward the alien abduction solution. Here a a couple examples:

What evidence led you to that conclusion?
Are there any other ways to interpret this clue?
What data are you missing?
How does this connect to what we learned about [topic]?

Resist the urge to give away the answer! Let them wrestle with the problem. The argument about the spectral analysis of a suspicious stain (‘cause every high school has the tech to do this….) is exactly what you want – it means they're deeply engaged and applying their knowledge.

Step 5: The Grand Reveal & Debrief

Once groups have reached their conclusions, bring everyone together for the Grand Reveal. Ask each group to pick a spokesperson to present their findings, explain their reasoning, and defend their conclusions. This is a crucial step for metacognition and solidifying learning; just make sure each talk is brief by giving some parameters. I usually prompt my students to first name the culprit (event, solution, outcome) and then briefly discuss one to two pieces of evidence that led them to their final conclusion.

Step 6: The Debrief

Finally, debrief the experience. Discuss what they learned, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they used to solve the mystery. Connect the learning back to your curriculum objectives and how these skills apply beyond the classroom.

In addition, consider reinforcing the content learning by using a bell ringer that prompts your students to discuss the key topics they lerarned why investigating the previous day’s mystery.

Final Thoughts

Designing a "CSI: Classroom" mystery takes some planning, but the payoff in student engagement and deeper learning is undeniable:

Student Research and Investigative Skills Get a Turbo Boost: Your students won't just be reading about how to analyze evidence; they'll be elbow-deep in it. Their research and other investigative skills will go from zero to Sherlock Holmes in no time.
Students Become Content Wielding Warriors: Forget the passive sit-and-get information absorbing sessions. The CSI setup molds your proteges into content-wielding ninjas, who, instead of using kitanas to separate their opponents from their limbs, slice and dice information needed to solve the case with their… brains. They'll be applying concepts faster than you can say "Chuck Norris roundhouse kicking one neutron star into another to cause a kilonova that forms a relativistic jet-launching supermassive black hole.”
SEP-tacular Action! The. Best Part. The constant use of science and engineering practices is like a wise and stealthy ninja master, weaving its way through every single step his pupils take. From planning investigations to analyzing data and constructing explanations, it's all happening, all the time.

So stop your silly excuses and get to work. CSI your classroom to CIA your students. Because the world of education needs more acronyms. And ninjas.

Thanks for reading my thoughts! I hope they help you in leveling up your teaching game and bringing out the best in your students. Check out my shop if you need some science teaching help or swag. I try to keep the prices decent, but if you cannot spare the $, please email me and I’ll give you whatever you need for free.