Canton Elementary School STEM Academy has received a $5,000 gift from the Rotary Club of Canton to improve teaching and learning. The donation, which was presented by Canton Rotary at a recent meeting held at Morrison Products in Canton, will be used to develop an aquaponics "splash lab" at the school.

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 Canton Rotary 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.