Rotary Donation Funds 'Splash Lab' at Canton Elementary School

Photo: Celebrating the gift are, from left to right: Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo, Canton Elementary STEM Academy Assistant Principal Tammie Anderson, Principal Beth Long and Rotary Club of Canton President Hugh Beavers. Credit: Cherokee County School District

Canton Elementary School STEM Academy this week is celebrating a $5,000 gift from the Rotary Club of Canton to improve teaching and learning.

The donation, which was presented by the club at a meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Morrison Products in Canton, will be used to develop a so-called aquaponics ’splash lab’ at the school, the Cherokee County School District said in a press release.

The lab, which will be established in an unused classroom, will allow students to learn about sustainable agriculture by growing plants in water (hydroponics) that also serves as a habitat to farm tilapia (aquaculture).

The hands-on lessons in this lab not only will connect to the school’s mission to develop greater interest and knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, but also will expose students to potential career opportunities in this field.

The gift is the latest contribution by the club to the school, which together have forged a successful Partner in Education agreement that has included club members donating their time and talents as volunteers at school events and the presentation of a $2,000 grant to provide enrichment field trip opportunities for students who otherwise could not afford them.