June 10, 2026 — More than 400 educators traded part of their summer break for hands-on learning experiences—from encounters with live reptiles to experiments with laser engravers—as they prepared to bring innovative STEM lessons back to students this fall.
Those experiences were part of the 12th annual STEMapalooza, Cobb Schools' premier STEM professional learning conference, where teachers explored innovative instructional strategies, emerging technologies, and real-world learning opportunities designed to engage students and strengthen classroom instruction.
This year's event, held at Kell High School, featured 81 presenters, more than 165 breakout sessions, and 27 business and community exhibitors dedicated to supporting STEM education. STEMapalooza brings together educators from across Cobb and beyond to explore how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can be integrated into classrooms of every grade level and subject area.
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From science and mathematics teachers to media specialists and technology educators, participants collaborated to discover new ways to engage students through interdisciplinary learning. "STEMapalooza is about preparing educators for innovation," said Dr. Adam Casey, the Supervisor of STEM, STEAM, and Innovation. "When we invest in our teachers, we're ultimately preparing students for the future."
A hallmark of the conference is its commitment to hands-on learning. Throughout the two-day event, educators participated in interactive sessions that modeled the student-centered experiences they could bring back to their schools. The popular STEM Playground transformed the media center into a hub of exploration where teachers experimented with emerging technologies and maker-centered learning tools. Educators engaged with 3D printers, laser engravers, LEGO-based learning activities, and other innovative resources designed to foster creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Conference attendees also had opportunities to connect with local businesses and community partners that support STEM initiatives across Cobb Schools. These partnerships help expand opportunities for students while providing educators with access to valuable resources and expertise. One particularly memorable experience came from Scaly Adventures, which offered educators an interactive encounter with live reptiles and demonstrated how hands-on experiences can make science learning more engaging and meaningful for students.
The conference plays a significant role in supporting Cobb's growing network of STEM and STEAM-certified schools. Professional learning opportunities such as STEMapalooza help schools maintain certification standards and continuously improve instructional practices. Several Cobb schools are currently pursuing recertification, making events like STEMapalooza an important part of their ongoing growth and development.
This year's theme, "In the Air, On the Land, Under the Water," aligned with district academic priorities focused on biology readiness and life science standards. Organizers intentionally design each conference around key instructional initiatives to ensure learning remains relevant and directly connected to classroom needs. As Cobb Schools continues to expand STEM and STEAM opportunities, STEMapalooza remains a cornerstone of the district's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and future-ready learning.
By empowering educators with new ideas, practical strategies, and meaningful connections, the conference helps create engaging classroom experiences that prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. After 12 years of growth, STEMapalooza continues to showcase what is possible when educators come together to learn, innovate, and inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.
