In a response to a grant application, the Caterpillar Foundation donated $20,000 to the Griffin-Spalding County School System to start a STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at two elementary schools.

The funds will provide LEGO Mindstorm robotics kits for Jackson Road Elementary School and Cowan Road Elementary School. In addition, a K'Nex simple machine, roller coaster and bridge-building sets and crime scene investigation lab kits will be purchased to engage science learners with real-world applications. These kits and sets integrate engineering and technology into physical, earth, life sciences, and mathematics instruction.

The Elementary Science Enrichment Center will receive math manipulatives and LEGO and K-Nex resources to enhance the district-wide elementary robotics program. These resources will be used to continue building a presence for STEM.

The school system received the Caterpillar donation on July 10, 2012. Left to right: Denise Burrell, GSCS Deputy Superintendent; Natalie Wood, Principal of Cowan Road Elementary; Barbara King, Coordinator of the Elementary Science Enrichment Center; Rodney Shurman, Manager of the Caterpillar Griffin Plant; Lisa Adams,  Caterpillar Griffin Plant; Sara Jones, Director of System & School Improvement; and Ashley Crawford, Director of PreK - 12 Curriculum and Instruction.

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