The Cobb County School District announced on Nov. 7 that its annual Cobb Tank competition awarded nearly $70,000 to educators for innovative classroom projects. The event, inspired by the television show Shark Tank and organized by the district’s Academic Division and STEM/STEAM & Innovation Department, allows teachers and schools to pitch ideas for funding of up to $10,000 per project.
Cobb Tank is designed to encourage creativity and collaboration among educators while supporting new approaches in science, engineering, literacy, environmental education, and sensory development. Eight schools presented their proposals this year before a panel of six judges known as “sharks,” each bringing expertise from different areas of education.
“Cobb Tank is one of my favorite events each year because it celebrates the creativity and bold thinking of our educators. It’s inspiring to see innovative ideas come to life—from our youngest learners in elementary school to our oldest students in high school,” said Dr. Adam Casey, STEM/STEAM & Innovation Supervisor. “Being able to support these projects and help turn big ideas into reality across Cobb County Schools is what innovation in education is all about and illustrates our priority in the Academic Division.”
Among the winners was Barber Middle School with its “Acworth Clean Stream” project receiving $8,000 for eco-friendly prototypes aimed at protecting Lake Acworth using artificial intelligence tools. Barber Middle School supports Title I initiatives focused on instructional aid, educator development and family participation for higher academic standards according to the official website. The school also engages through a strong Parent Teacher Association promoting family involvement according to the official website.
Other funded proposals included outdoor sensory gardens at South Cobb Early Learning Center; lunar engineering challenges at Sprayberry High School; portable STEAM carts at Durham Middle School; synthetic biology research at South Cobb High School; wildlife observation trails at Pickett’s Mill Elementary; hydroponics labs at Austell Elementary; and digital microscope integration at Pebblebrook High School.
Barber Middle School is part of the Cobb County School District according to the official website, which has been recognized as one of Georgia’s top workplaces with student achievement surpassing state averages across subjects according to the official website. The school aims to provide a secure environment where students can reach their full potential according to the official website and offers after-school programs until 6:00 p.m., providing structured enrichment opportunities according to the official website.
As these funded initiatives begin implementation across classrooms this year, district leaders say they hope such investments will further foster innovation within local schools.
