Third graders in Math Academy became toy makers and pitched their prototypes and ideas to the Bright Shark Tank. Working in pairs, the students created and made toys using a pretend $80 and considering the audience was families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. They had to determine the appropriate ages for the toy, the retail cost and a promotional speech. "Tired of your kids sitting on the couch and watching TV?" was a familiar refrain in the sales pitches. The sharks listened to all the presentations and then deliberated on the award categories.

Carlos Baleeiro and Christopher Kim created the Straddle, which is a box-shaped rattle for babies. The sharks gave the Straddle the Parent's Choice Award for the ease of use.

Gus Goudelocke and George Simpson made the Slingshot Slasher, which included a slingshot, basket, boomerang-shaped slasher and "bullets." There was a buy one, get one free offer for this toy made for 6-12 year olds. The Slingshot Slasher was given the Money Maker Award.

James Tatum and Reese Finley created the Colorcycle, a colorful swoosh on wheels to be sold for $39.99 and appriopriate for ages 3 and up. It won the Best Value Award.

Alyssa Pashley and Grant Simmons made the Segway Racer, which is exactly what it says -- a quiet two-wheeled vehicle. It was the Kids' Choice Award winner.

Finally, Hank Mossburg and Zohayr Memon created the Super Car, which was a four-wheeled vehicle that moves with magnetic power to be pulled or pushed. It won for Best Design.

The Shark Tank included Head of School O.J. Morgan, Assistant Head of School Christy Lusk, Director of Advancement Kim Brown, and Director of Marketing and Communications Elizabeth Davis. Math Academy is taught by Diane Kemp.

Toy Workshop Teams