By: Madelyn Moore 

Math class has become more than just solving equations at Salem High School. In Keigan Fetz’s Bridge class, students are applying math to hands-on projects. 

The class’ current project is centered around the concept of the hit television show “Shark Tank.” Students must create a product or service and pitch it to the class, similarly done in the show. 

The show itself is about driven people who have hopes of creating a business or service. They pitch their business and the judges decide whether they would be willing to help fund the business in return for a certain percentage of the profit. 

“This project was chosen as a way for students to understand how a business starts,” Fetz said. “From the creative aspect, it aids in understanding market research, as well as learning about the capital that it takes to break into a specific industry of their choice.”

Students must ask themselves questions and apply them to their project. Some questions include “What makes your business unique?” and “What are your starting costs going to be?” They must then consider a reasonable starting budget for their business, analyze necessary tools and equipment and decide what job positions their business would need. 

Fetz explained that the project relates to mathematics through addressing principle economics and how much it takes for a business to succeed. 

“This, coupled with understanding the possible growth/decay of their hypothetical project and the overall market’s growth/decay, will help them understand how to read trends,” Fetz said. 

Seniors Maggie Gibson and Maddie Morgan teamed up to create their business for the project.     

Gibson explained that their service is an app that helps college students find a roommate. To think of this, they considered problems they currently may face as incoming college students. Morgan decided that finding a roommate had proved to be an issue.

“I think our service is beneficial because it will help college students who are struggling to find the perfect roommate, find their perfect match,” Morgan said. 

She felt their service was important. She said that with their service, they would have the opportunity to make college students’ lives less stressful. It is difficult for some students to find a roommate that meets their needs or requirements. 

“I think it is a great idea, but I would not pursue it as a business,” Gibson said. “The first step would be getting funding, as developing an app is expensive.” 

Senior Sarah Snelling, doing her project individually, is creating a “chip pet,” which is a Dorito meant to be a pet. 

“I am creating my product for entertainment purposes, as well as happiness,” Snelling said. 

Fetz explained that if each group’s individual dedication to their project shows through in the final product, then he would be more than happy to continue with the project next year.“I cannot wait to see what interesting and revolutionary ideas the students come up with while completing this project,” he said.