Sixth grade students at Soaring Heights PK-8 recently combined creativity and business strategy through a classroom economics project in partnership with Crocs, Inc., designing custom shoes while exploring key principles of economics. As part of the experience, the winning design created by Olivia Sanders and Taylor Wharry was later manufactured and presented to the students and their teachers.
Before the winning shoe design was chosen, students explored supply and demand, marketing, and pricing strategies. Working collaboratively in teams, they researched buyer trends and considered what kinds of designs would appeal to specific audiences. The students discussed how much their shoes should cost, what features would make their designs stand out from competitors, and how innovation can influence consumer interest.
The project challenged students to think beyond the classroom by combining creativity with real-world business concepts. Melissa Layton, Vice President of Global Communications at Crocs, said the company was impressed by the thoughtful way students approached the process, from identifying their target audience to collaborating on designs that stood out. “Being able to bring the winning design to life and sharing the final product with the students made the experience even more meaningful and fun, and we look forward to creating with them again in the future,” she shared.
As students received the final shoe designs, the partnership highlighted how hands-on learning opportunities can connect classroom lessons to real-world experiences. Through collaboration and problem-solving, students gained a deeper understanding of economics while seeing firsthand how an idea can grow from a concept into a finished product.
