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Extreme Classroom Makeover

Teachers, what would you do with $25,000 in technology upgrades?

ORAU launched Extreme Classroom Makeover in 2008 to help improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in public schools across East Tennessee. The concept played off of home makeover shows that were trendy at the time—one teacher, one classroom and $25,000 in new technology.

In the years since, Extreme Classroom Makeover has become so much more than that. Technological advancements are an everyday occurrence. Most children today are digital natives, seemingly born with smartphones or tablets in hand. Still, some schools do not have the budgets to keep pace with changing technology. Keeping up with current demands seems like a luxury.

That’s where Extreme Classroom Makeover comes in. Our annual competition awards deserving STEM teachers with a room full of the latest educational technology.

In this section:

Extreme Classroom Makeover winning class

Watch the classroom reveal at West View Elementary!

In April, ORAU presented West View Elementary School teacher Patrick Pollock with a $25,000 technology makeover during a surprise classroom announcement. In July, we revisited Mr. Pollock's new classroom technology!

West View’s Patrick Pollard wins 2018 Extreme Classroom Makeover

Patrick Pollard, teacher at West View Elementary School in Knox County, was interrupted mid-class by a robot that asked Patrick to take a walk across the hall. Watch the video to see what happened next.

2016 Extreme Classroom Makeover winner Rhea Carmon and ORAU President Andy Page

How do I qualify for Extreme Classroom Makeover?

  • Teach a STEM subject for 3rd through 10th grade
  • Work for a public school within 50 miles of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
  • Submit a 3-4 minute video creatively illustrating the need and potential uses of technology in their classroom.

The next Extreme Classroom Makeover launches in the fall of 2018. Contest guidelines outlining the submission process will be posted soon.

2018 Winner's Entry Video - West View Elementary School (Knox County)


2017 Winner's Entry Video - Rutledge Middle School (Grainger County)


2016 Winner's Entry Video - Austin-East High School (Knox County)

Knoxville teacher Jordan Haney with his Extreme Classroom Makeover winning students

Where are they now: Extreme Classroom Makeover winners

“I won Extreme Classroom Makeover more than eight years ago, and the items I won are still impacting my students’ education today.”

Jordan Haney, a teacher at Rocky Hill Elementary School in Knoxville, won the Extreme Classroom Makeover grand prize in 2010. Among the items Haney bought to outfit his classroom were a Promethean Board, which is a type of interactive white board, and iPads to be used by each of his students. He says Extreme Classroom Makeover is still making a difference in his classroom.

Contact us

Want to learn more about Exteme Classroom Makeover? Email us at extreme.classroom@orau.org.