Donned in face masks and anticipation, our 5th-grade Spanish-program students waited in the wings as their teachers welcomed them to the first-ever International School of Denver Dragon Tank. Dragon Tank is our spin on the popular show “Shark Tank” where entrepreneurs pitch their product ideas to potential investors who are looking for the next big hit.

Our students were given three weeks to work in small groups to invent and “pitch” a board game to a panel of “Dragons” - made up of parents, faculty, and staff listening with their best investor ears. Dragon Tank, part of a Primary Years Programme unit exposing learners to design, innovation, and collaboration, was born out of the strong collaboration between Maranda Schwartz and Guillermo Alvarez, our 5th grade English and Spanish teachers.

As a Dragon, I got a front-row seat to see the magic of an ISDenver education unfold. Our 5th-grade students stood with poise and confidence, bouncing with ease between English and Spanish as they presented their fantasy board game prototypes in both languages. The detail and creativity of the games were underscored by the intricate castles and game pieces and die topping the boards, designed and manufactured by the students using the 3D printers on campus.

I listened to six pitches. Each of them absolutely blew me away. Here is why:

• While the majority of our students are on campus this year, some opted for a livestream learning option. Some groups had a remote team member and exercised the same collaboration as those sharing the same space. In the presentations, this was incredibly seamless.
• Students seemed unfazed by the technology as they pitched to a Zoom audience of parents and faculty.
• The presentations were smart and fun and comprehensive. But, what impressed me the most was the students ability to confidently and articulately answer unscripted questions during the Q&A.
• The students were adept and nimble in their mastery of language, moving with ease between English and Spanish.

Dragon Tank is a perfect example of the International Baccalaureate framework brought to life. It started with strong peer collaboration at a faculty level then evolved into a hands-on, transdisciplinary unit of inquiry and learning.

I would love to chat with you about the difference of an ISDenver education. Reach out to the Admissions Team anytime!