GYSTC GEORGIA YOUTH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTERS

GYSTC Summary Report 2018 Table of Contents

Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers, Inc. Board of Directors 2

The Evolution of GYSTC 3

GYSTC Goals 4

FY 2018 STEM Teacher Academy 5

STEM Teacher Academy Renewable City Designs 7

FY 2018 Innovative STEM Solutions Exhibition Projects 8

GYSTC Teacher and Students Served 17

GYSTC Funding Sources 18

GYSTC Supporters, Member School Systems and Education Partners 19

GYSTC Regional Centers Board Members, Pals, Partners and Sponsors 20

Support GYSTC 22

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PROMOTING INTEREST IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, of GYSTC ENGINEERING, AND MATH FOR K-8 TEACHERS AND STUDENTS Empowering StCdents for STEM Careers 1 2 4 GEORGIA YOUTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTERS, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairwoman: Ms. Tanya Blalock, Georgia Power (Retired) Vice Chair: Mr. Don Barbour, AT&T Secretary: Dr. Kathryn Hornsby, Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Treasurer: Mr. H. Boyd Pettit, III, Attorney at Law Executive Director: Ms. Betsy Green, GYSTC State Office

MEMBERS Ms. Kathleen Atkins Mr. Don Cargill Dr. Judy Monsaas Lockheed Martin J.D. Cargill & Associates Board of Regents Aeronautics (Retired) University System of Georgia

Dr. Judy Awong Taylor Mr. Craig Camuso Mr. James V. Sheahan Georgia Gwinnett College CSX Transportation Siemens Energy (Retired)

Ms. Genelle Betterson Mr. Robert A. Cucchi Dr. Dorothy Zinsmeister IBM (Retired) State Action, Inc. Board of Regents (Retired) Professor Emeritus, Biology Ms. Amanda Buice Mr. Mickey Daniell Georgia Dept. of Education Georgia Power Company Dr. Pam Whitten President Kennesaw State University

STATE OFFICE EMPLOYEES

Dr. Tom Brown, Director of Statewide Initiatives Ms. Melody Chapman, Communication Coordinator Ms. Cheryl Cooley, Center Support Specialist Mr. Aubrey Crook, Director of STEM Programs Ms. Betsy Green, Executive Director Ms. Rhonda Harris, Financial Services Ms. Lynn Larsen, Director of Strategic Initiatives Mr. Cody Richards, Marketing Intern

GYSTC Headquarters at Kennesaw State University 3201 Campus Loop Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 www.gystc.edu [email protected] (470) 578-7592 Follow us on Facebook: @gystc 1 2 4 THE EVOLUTIONTHE EVOLUTION OF GYSTCOF GYSTC

The Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers (GYSTC), Inc. is a not-for-profit educational delivery and support system that promotes interest and enthusiasm in STEM disciplines for kindergarten through eighth- grade teachers and students in typically underserved areas. GYSTC was founded in April, 1989 by local groups of government, education, business and corporate leaders. GYSTC operates across Georgia with headquarters at Kennesaw State University, ten regional centers which are located at seven colleges/universities, two Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) and an aquarium.

GYSTC began as a conversation and evolved into a mission. From its inception, board, staff, teachers, students and supporters have all played critical roles in elevating access and aptitude in STEM disciplines throughout Georgia.

The conversation between Mr. Don Cargill, the late Beverly Golden and Jim Thompson, both of the former Southern College of Technology in Marietta, led to the slow but steady development of the ten regional centers we have today. Over time the conversation expanded to include corporate sponsors like the Woodruff Foundation, Georgia Power Company, Siemens, then BellSouth, the state of Georgia and local public school systems whose combined funds have allowed GYSTC to offer an array of creative STEM training and programs for teachers and students.

The first regional GYSTC center opened in Newnan followed by Cartersville and Metro Atlanta. Some communities had strong interest in launching centers, but couldn’t marshall the combination of personnel and local support to make it happen. Still, growth was steady and hundreds of committed individuals played key roles in the GYSTC success story, particularly in geographic areas where the needs were acute.

As we approach our 30th anniversary year, challenges remain, yet our resolve is stronger than ever to continue offering energetic and innovative programs that will secure Georgia’s place as a leader in the science & technology fields well into the coming decades.

Today, these groups continue to work together to empower students for STEM related careers. This is done by providing content knowledge and research-based teaching methods for teachers and allowing students to participate in hands-on and inquiry based activities while introducing them to various STEM related careers. GYSTC supplements, rather than supplants existing educational resources.

3 4 of GYSTC THE EVOLUTION GYSTC Goals Empowering StCdents for STEM Careers GYSTC programs inspire students not only to appreciate STEM subjects, but also to pursue STEM careers by focusing on four major goals: Promoting interest and enthusiasm for STEM subjects; Encouraging students to enter STEM fields; OF GYSTC Improving the teaching-learning process by enhancing teaching methods and content knowledge; and Providing more and better-qualified employees for our state’s industries.

Georgia's business leaders need great STEM talent to stay competitive. GYSTC is committed to introducing STEM related careers to students at a young age. GYSTC Locations

ETOWAH GYSTC

Located at: Georgia Highlands College

GYSTC STATE OFFICE

Located at: Kennesaw State University

OCONEE RIVER GYSTC

Located at: Northeast Georgia RESA

GYSTC @ AUGUSTA

Located at: Georgia Cancer Center — Augusta University

MAGNOLIA MIDLANDS GYSTC

WEST GYSTC Located at: East Georgia State College

Located at: University of West Georgia

GORDON AND MUSEUM OF AVIATION GYSTC

Located at: Gordon State College

HEART OF GEORGIA YSTC

Located at: Middle Georgia State University

SOUTHWEST GYSTC CHATTAHOOCHEE –

GYSTC @ ALBANY FLINT GYSTC Located at: ABAC at Bainbridge Located at: Flint River- Located at: Chattahoochee- 3 Quarium Flint RE S A 4 FY 2018 STEM“The Teacher Great Academy American Eclipse”

The STEM Teacher Academy focuses on integrating STEM education content with business-industry practicespractices toto provideprovide teachersteachers withwith real-worldreal-world experienceexperience thatthat cancan bebe utilizedutilized inin their their classrooms. classrooms. The The Academy Academy comprises compris- foures four one-day one-day sessions sessions (approximately (approximately six six hours hours in in duration) duration) on on variousvarious currentcurrent topics selected fromfrom subjectsscience, technology,from science, engineering technology, and engineering mathematics and disciplines. mathematics These disciplines. sessions These occur sessionsduring August,occur during September, August, October Sep- andtember, November October and and are November scheduled and at area location scheduled convenient at a location for theconvenient majority for of theteachers majority who of attend. teachers This who year attend. This year the sessions were held at Georgia College Graduate Center in Macon, GA. The grade levels the sessions were held at Georgia College Graduate Center in Macon, GA. The grade levels are 5th-8th, and are 5th-8th, and separated by the cohorts. Content and pedagogy are integrated throughout the sessions. All separated by the cohorts. Content and pedagogy are integrated throughout the sessions. All curriculum materials curriculum materials are aligned to the current Georgia standards. are aligned to the current Georgia standards. Each participant is expected to develop a lesson for his or her own class. A GYSTC Regional Coordinator vis- Eachits each participant teacher at is theirexpected school to developand provides a lesson them for withhis or one-on-one her own class. assistance. A GYSTC They Regional help the Coordinatorteachers develop visits eachand teachteacher their at theirlesson school developed and provides as an assignment them with of one-on-one the Academy. assistance. Teachers They receive help a thebook teachers of the accumulatdevelop and- teached lessons their from lesson all developedAcademy participantsas an assignment for their of ownthe Academy.use and to Teachers share with receive others a teachersbook of inthe their accumulated school. lessons from all Academy participants for their own use and to share with other teachers in their school. This year’s STEM Teacher Academy focused on Energy with an emphasis on Solar, making “The Great ThisAmerican year’s Eclipse”STEM Teacher a perfect Academy day to beginfocused the on Academy. Energy with Southwire, an emphasis the leading on Solar, manufacturer making “The of Great residential, American Eclipse”commercial, a perfect and industrial day to begin utility the electrical Academy. wire Southwire, & cable, the ho stedleading this manufacturerhistorical day. of Teachers residential, engaged commercial, in andtours industrial of the facility, utility participated electrical wire in hands-on& cable, hosted projects this desig historicalned by day.South Teacherswire personnel, engaged touredin tours Southwire’s of the facility, participatedpremiere 12 infor hands-onLife cooperative projects education designed programby Southwire and were personnel, afforded toured the opportunity Southwire’s to premierewitness the 12 solarfor Life cooperativeeclipse. education program and were afforded the opportunity to witness the solar eclipse. The next three STEM Teacher Academy sessions focused on building math, science and engineering princi- The next three STEM Teacher Academy sessions focused on building math, science and engineering principles ples while incorporating the 3-D Framework for STEM. We were able to share various practical STEM while incorporating the 3-D Framework for STEM. We were able to share various practical STEM

5 6 FY 2018 STEM“The Teacher Great Academy American Eclipse”

activities with the teachersteachers toto bebe usedused inin theirtheir classrooms. classrooms. To To apply apply the the content content they they learned learned in in each each session, session, teachers began aa STEMSTEM DesignDesign ChallengeChallenge duringduring thethe SeptemberSeptember meeting. meeting .The The intent intent was was to to present present a aproblem, prob- andlem, eachand eachsession session would would allow allow the teachers the teachers to complete to complete a step a instep the in Engineering the Engineering Design Design Process. Process. This Year’s challenge was the “Renewable City Challenge”. Each grade-level cohort was charged with de- signingThis Year’s a community challenge wasthat theuses “Renewable 100% renewable City Challenge”. energy. Teachers Each grade-level were informed cohort that was while charged the citywith will designing have severala community neighborhoods that uses and 100% community renewable amenities, energy. Teachers it required were basic informed services that to meetwhile the the needs city willof the have commu several- nity.neighborhoods These services and include:community (1) Fire/Police amenities, Department,it required basic(2) Hospital, services (3) to Grocerymeet the Store needs and of (4) the School community. House. TheseEach building services include:had unique (1) Fire/Policedesign constraints Department, which (2) also Hospital, required (3) varying Grocery amounts Store and of energy.(4) School House. Each building had unique design constraints which also required varying amounts of energy. Overall, this year’s cohort of teachers became well-versed in the 3-D Framework for STEM and learned how to incorporate standards-based activities into their instruction. They engaged in various hands-on activities at Overall, this year’s cohort of teachers became well-versed in the 3-D Framework for STEM and learned how every session that could be replicated and shared at their schools across the state. The graduation ceremony forto incorporate this year’s academystandards-based will be complimentedactivities into theirby a Solarinstruction. Park Tour They in engaged Plains, inGA various and a visithands-on to the activities Alterna- at tiveevery Energy session Program that could at South be replicated Georgia andTechnical shared College. at their This schools provides across a noteworthythe state. The conclusion graduation to ourceremony theme andfor this allows year’s our academy teachers will to explore be complimented and discover by newa Solar pathways Park Tourtowards in Plains, solar energy GA and in aGeorgia. visit to the Alternative Energy Program at South Georgia Technical College. This provides a noteworthy conclusion to our theme and allows• ourSession teachers One to– Southwire,explore and Carrolton,discover new GA pathways towards solar energy in Georgia. • Session Two – Georgia College Graduate Center, Macon, GA • Session Three – Georgia College Graduate Center, Macon, GA • Session• Session Four One – Georgia– Southwire, College Carrolton, Graduate GACenter, - August Macon, 21, GA 2017 • Session• Session Five Two and – SixGeorgia – Individual College ClassroomGraduate Center, of each Macon, teacher GA participating - December in the 4, 2017Academy • Session• Session Seven Three - South – Georgia Georgia College Technical Graduate College, Center, Americus, Macon, GA GA - October 2, 2017 • Session Four – Georgia College Graduate Center, Macon, GA - November 6, 2017 • Session Five and Six – Individual Classroom of each teacher participating in the Academy - November 15, 2017 – February 28, 2018 • Session Seven - South Georgia Technical College, Americus, GA - May 7, 2018 5 6 STEM Teacher Academy Renewable City Designs

The 5th Grade Cohort was charged with designing a Fire or Police Station for the community. The station was designed to house a maximum of 200 people and encompassed the space of one city block. Teachers were provided with $20.00 for materials to construct a three dimensional model of the station. Of note is the use of green infrastructure features to accompany sustainable design features.

The 6th Grade Cohort was tasked with designing a Hospital for the community. This community service required the majority of occupants housed within the structure and spread across two city blocks. Teachers quickly discovered that with such a large capacity, a multi-floored building was required. The three dimensional model budget was $100.00, making it the most costly structure within the Renewable City.

The 7th Grade Cohort designed a grocery store for the community. The store was required to house as many as 500 people but could only cover one city block. Similar to the 6th Grade Cohort, teachers discovered the need for a multi-floored design to house occupants within a small building footprint. With only $50.00 to spend on model materials, this cohort created an innovative design presentation with minimum materials.

The 8th Grade Cohort was charged with designing a school house for the Renewable City. The school was designed to occupy as many as 300 people across two city blocks. With such a large footprint for a small capacity building, teachers used their creativity to design a contemporary structure with green space and additional parking. While this cohort had as much as $30.00 to construct their model, minimum supplies were used.

7 8 Innovative STEM Solutions Exhibition Projects

GYSTC Centers, along with local school systems, colleges, universities and local businesses identified and researched solutions to address real-world problems in various regions in Georgia. The purpose of these projects is to bring awareness to STEM related problems and careers in Georgia and the role they play in the economy. The innovative projects reflect solutions developed by these Centers to address STEM related problems. To mention a few, we featured projects such as introducing young students to poultry science, the STEM related careers associated with it and the 100% job placement rate for poultry science college graduates. Another project illustrated the impact of honey bees and how they help produce the food we eat and how everyone can help to save them from a crisis called Colony Collapse Disorder.

We also introduced students to careers associated with the TV and film industry. TV and film production growth in Georgia has been rapidly increasing, but Georgia has a workforce shortage for this talent. Many of the movies have to be sent to Hollywood for production completion. We are making our students aware of the STEM related jobs associated with TV and film industry so they may consider these career options as they prepare for their future. It is very important to make a relevant connection with STEM related careers and students at a young age. Hopefully they will strongly consider a STEM related career, and Georgia can continue to attract hi-tech industries.

7 8 BUZZING Around the Data

Buzzing Around the Data: Honey Bee Project Year 3 Magnolia Midlands GYSTC

The purpose of this project is to excite students and get them engaged in real world problems, such as the loss of the honey bees. Not only has this been a nationwide problem, it has also been felt in our local East Georgia State College hives. With the interest that has been generated in the last two years for honey bees from this project, students are asking why this is happening. By doing some hive monitoring, hopefully, we will see improving trends. The overall objectives are to engage students during in-class activities surrounding gathering data and analyzing it in a real-world situation and to provide a quality professional development program for teachers on data collection and applying it to STEM. Project plans include having students graph and chart data collected from a local honey bee hive, doing research, analyzing the data, and also having students create their own sensors for gathering data. Project plans also include continuing to take the honey bees out to classrooms, family nights, and community events for awareness projects and continuing the pollinator garden challenge.

Project plans for teachers include covering new standards related to agriculture and bee keeping, related STEM careers, research, and data used as evidence to support claims. The impact of this project will be vast as students in first through seventh grades will be potentially reached along with teachers. Standards from basic plants and pollination to interdependence will be covered.

9 10 BUZZING Around the Data

“Water” You Doing to Keep Our Community Clean? Oconee River GYSTC

Water is an essential component to all life on earth, yet we often ignore the effects of human action on the environment, and how that affects the community. Not only are we polluting our water sources, we are also not preserving this critical resource.

The Nature Conservatory also confirms that we are facing dirtier, unsafe water and more risk of water shortages and scarcity. We must educate our communities, especially our youth, on the effects of our actions, the need for protecting our water sources, and developing alternative methods to reuse water.

Through a strong partnership with the University of Georgia’s Water Resource Management and Northeast Georgia RESA Technology Support Specialist, two Saturday water education events will take place for both students and teachers. Through these events, we are able to expand the scope of STEM integration through the use of technology and problem-solving tough, real- world problems. This project engages students in discovering the issues with our local water sources while exploring how weather, groundwater movement, and stream movement play a role in usable water, providing an impetus for discovering ways we can protect our communities from water pollution and scarcity.

9 10 Riveting Robotics and Computer Coding for Striving Successful Students Chattahoochee-Flint GYSTC

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, in the state of Georgia there are more than 20,000 jobs in STEM/Robotics and coding career fields that remain unfilled because of a deficit of employees with the needed skill sets to perform those jobs. However, according to the United States Census Bureau, the Chattahoochee-Flint GYSTC serves 14 counties with poverty rates that exceed the national average by 6-29%. It is the belief of Chattahoochee-Flint GYSTC that if students are introduced to those skill sets at an earlier age, interest will grow and students will be more likely to pursue those careers in post-secondary institutions.

Chattahoochee-Flint GYSTC is striving to offer students in our 14 county region those educational opportunities to become more involved and have a better understanding of STEM, robotics, and coding. By offering STEM Saturdays, Robotics and Coding STEM Nights, In Class Field Trips including various robotics and coding, professional learning, and a regional wide event, students will become more aware of the career fields that will better not only their own futures, but the future economic growth of our region.

It is our mission at Chattahoochee-Flint GYSTC to educate our students, families, teachers, and communities through these engaging learning experiences with enhanced teaching methods and a better understanding of content knowledge. Chattahoochee-Flint GYSTC will promote interest and enthusiasm for various STEM subject areas and will encourage students to enter those career fields. This in turn will provide better-qualified employees for our states industries in the future.

11 12 The STEM Behind Hollywood GYSTC State Office

Currently, there is a need for well-developed talent in front of and behind the camera along with ways to keep all aspects of TV & Film projects in Georgia that utilize Georgia’s workforce. The state of Georgia offers tax incentives to attract film producers to make movies that are produced in the state. However, there is a shortage of skilled workers who can meet this growing need. The STEM Behind Hollywood Project allows students the opportunity to explore STEM careers and media arts through applied technology and project-based learning that includes audio engineering, commercial and film music composition, computer-generated special effects, 3D printing renderings and CAD technologies that explain why STEM skills are highly valued in the TV & Film industry. Entertainment careers in STEM such as sound and set design, animators, gaffers, and special effect supervisors are all vital roles that are needed in establishing a workforce for meeting Georgia’s growing need.

The City of Duluth currently is not a pedestrian-friendly film city. City council members are looking for unconventional ideas from students to create a pedestrian walkway that leads from one part of the city to the other and bypasses the railroad tracks that would allow for easier mobility around the city. Students will develop substantial prototype models to present to the city council. After the filming, the audio engineering classes will provide post-production work on the recording by incorporating music and sound effects to complete the film so that it is big screen ready.

11 12 Preserving Our Future Southwest GYSTC

According to the UGA Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development, agriculture contributes to approximately $74.9 billion dollars to Georgia’s economy annually. Despite all the changes in society, farming remains the foundation of the state’s economic wellbeing. According to a report from Georgia Farm Bureau, one in seven Georgians work in agriculture, forestry, or related fields. Agriculture immensely affects the population of Southwest Georgia, as well as the conservation and preservation of the Flint River. Georgia’s agriculture industry utilizes millions of gallons of water each year for irrigation purposes. The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission reports that much of the concern with irrigation is with regard to efficiency, runoff, and the capture and collection of runoff. Agriculture uses the largest volume of water in the Flint River Basin. The Flint River helps feed the world, the local economy, and it provides recreation and tourism opportunities. The question is, how can we use it more sustainably? Southwest GYSTC wants to make a difference in rural and underserved communities by teaching sustainable practices that feed people while preserving the environment. We are strategically working to form partnerships dedicated to raise awareness of challenges in water management for humans and nature, the stewardship of our natural resources for future generations, and the exploration of conservation-driven technologies and strategies with a focus that enhances agricultural sustainability. Southwest will fullfil the mission of GYSTC by educating our students, teachers, and community through hands-on learning experiences focused on agricultural and environmental issues. We will implement our plan by working within the school systems and communities giving students the opportunity to take on the roles of engineers and scientists by using integrated technologies and mathematical practices to solve real world challenges while promoting 21st century competencies. Students will prepare for advanced STEM studies, and begin to envision themselves in future careers. Teachers will also gain direct knowledge through an array of professional development activities and lesson plans that can be implemented into most any grade level.

13 14 Alternative Energy Electrifies the Classroom West GYSTC

America’s schools spend more than $7.5 billion annually on energy — more than is spent on textbooks and computers combined. (Source=State of Our Schools 2016) The cost of cooling school buildings, lighting the interior and exterior areas of the schools and all of the plug loads (computers, copiers, and printers) can easily be reduced if students became knowledgeable of ways to use renewable energy in their lives.

In order to expand last year’s innovative grant project, West GYSTC and community partners, Southwire, University of West Georgia Fusion Center, and Carroll EMC would like to provide students the resources and time to engineer alternative ways to make electricity. This year West GYSTC would like to provide authentic problem based learning stations/kits including lessons, materials and equipment through in-class field trips to one middle school from each of the six school systems including: Carrollton City Schools, Carroll County Schools, Haralson County Schools, Heard County Schools, Paulding County Schools, and Oak Mountain Academy. During the months of January — May 2018, Cathy Fontenot, the Coordinator of West GYSTC, will visit six additional classrooms for In-class Field Trips focusing on alternative energy.

For FY 2017, West GYSTC served 832 teachers through professional learnings and 7,402 students through programs such as In-class field trips, STEM nights, Saturday STEM Days, Science Day Camps, and Summer Camps. This Innovative Grant Project will increase our numbers 10% in FY 2018 by increasing outreach with middle school students. Middle Schools request services of West GYSTC fewer times than elementary schools. We will reach out to six new middle schools to bring a Renewable Energy In-Class field trip to the different classrooms.

By providing and executing Renewable Energy In-Class Field trips, using part of the kits and materials from last year’s Innovative Grant and supplementing more materials, we will educate students and teachers on ways to create alternative energy sources to provide electricity. This will also increase the numbers of teachers and students being served by West GYSTC through In-class field trips. 13 14 Engineering in Agriculture Gordon-Museum of Aviation GYSTC

Farming in Georgia plays a major role in the state’s economy, contributing billions of dollars annually. The economic impact of the food, fiber, and related industries has been estimated at more than $56 billion or about 16% of the state’s total economic output. Approximately one in six Georgian’s works in agriculture, forestry or a related field. Agriculture contributes 15% of the state’s employment and 12% of the value added in Georgia’s economy. Gordon/MOA GYSTC’s “Engineering in Agriculture” presentation is no exception. This exciting presentation will expand our reach to the Elementary/Middle Schools. This innovative grant will be included in the fiscal 2017-2018 Family Science Nights activities.” Engineering in Agriculture” will be displayed in the front of the Family Science Nights setup and mentioned in the introduction of the activity stations. Teachers and students will be introduced to Poultry Science and the important role it plays in their community. Teachers will be advised about the unit developed to task students with solving the real world problem of the ethical treatment of chickens in the housing process. Students will study and collect data related to the effects of organic growing methods used in growing chickens in chicken houses. Students will research the benefits of using organic growing methods used in growing chickens verse conventional methods. Students will use Arduino programming kits with sensors to monitor activity within the chicken houses. After this research, students will look for ways to re-engineer methods used in the organic growing process. Students will innovate one aspect of the farming system they see can be done differently. Using the engineering design process, students will create, modify or innovate one of the many engineering concepts used in the growing process on the chicken farm. Areas to be looked at could include: feed delivery, movement, ventilation and the heating process. The culminating activity will be a finished scale model of a chicken grow house. These scale models will be judged by local business professionals for practicality, creativity, and positive community impact. Growing conditions play a very vital role in bird performance and can affect growth rate, feed conversion, meat yield and the development of the immune system. This project will address the problem we have with growing methods and the treatment of chickens while at chicken farms. 15 16 “Internet of Things” in the Classroom Etowah GYSTC

Etowah GYSTC has continued to develop and implement our program that teaches computer programming to K-8 grade levels. We have continued to use the Sphero robots and have developed new and exciting lessons and activities to make coding exciting. This year we intend to extend that coding knowledge to include an electronic space maker in the classroom.

All experts agree that teaching computer coding in elementary and middle schools is very important. It fosters creativity, collaboration, persistence, and abstract thinking. While basic coding to manipulate the Sphero robots is fun and exciting, we want to extend that beyond simple coding into actually ‘’making” stuff. The main goal of this year’s project is to continue to teach programming and these associated skills while also integrating electronics and actually making things. We will accomplish this with makerspace kits based on the Arduino platform. The idea is to introduce the “Internet of Things” concept in the classroom.

It is very important that we relate computer coding to real-world scenarios. The “Internet of Things” trend is very hot right now, and kids will be learning about what this means as they progress into more advanced STEM activities in high school and beyond. The goal of this program is to provide an introduction into what can be done with this technology, and to provide a tool for teachers to expand their knowledge of coding, robotics and electronics to offer these activities and programs more widely to their students. 15 16 GYSTC Teachers and Students Served

Consistently, GYSTC strategies have been to implement its mission through Professional Learning Workshops, STEM Teacher Academies, STEM Discovery Camps, Saturday Sciences, In-Class Field Trips, Family STEM Events, and Afterschool Activities

FY 2018 Teachers vs Students

83%Students 51,480

14%Teachers 3% 8,858 Other 1,518

FY 2017 Teachers vs Students

11% 89% Teachers Students 4.035 32,361 17 18 FY 2018 Funding Source

GYSTC operates efficiently. More than 80% of its functional budget is used for programs and program support. GYSTC operating funds come from state and other funds such as private and program income.

$1,400,000 $1,274,505.92 $1,200,000 $1,130,889.00

$1,000,000 OTHE R

$800,000 OTHER

$600,000 E E

$400,000 AT AT ST ST $200,000

FY2018 FY2017

17 18 GYSTC Supporters GYSTC, Inc. Board of Directors would like to thank the GYSTC donors, regional board members, pals, partners, sponsors and employees for their continued support and commitment to empowering Georgia’s students for STEM careers.

Founder Club ($10,000 – above) Innovation Club ($1,000 - $4,999) Georgia Power Janson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Athens Janitor Supply STEM Teacher Club ($5,000 - $9,999) AT&T Visionary Club ($1- $999) IBM Ms. Sally Meadows Cairo Medical Lockheed Martin Mr. JD Dickerson Mr. Boyd Pettit Southwire Dr. Ashley Register

Member School Systems and Education Dougherty County Thomas County Partners Dublin City Thomaston- Upson County Elbert County Treutlen County STEM TEACHER Emanuel County Webster County ACADEMY Floyd County Wheeler County SPONSORS ORGANIZATION Grady County Wilcox County Georgia College –Macon Greene County Worth County EDUCATION PARTNERS Graduate Center Haralson County Georgia Department of IBM Houston County PARTICIPATING Education Kennesaw State University Jackson County SCHOOL DISTRICT Technical College System Lockheed Martin EDUCATION PARTNERS of Georgia, University South Georgia Technical Lamar County Bibb County System of Georgia Southwire Laurens County Cobb County Macon County MEMBER SCHOOL HOST EDUCATION Madison County David Emanuel Academy DISTRICT PARTNERS Marion County DeKalb County EDUCATION ABAC at Bainbridge McIntosh County PARTNERS: Douglas County Chattahoochee-Flint RESA Mitchell County Baldwin County Evans County College of Coastal Georgia Montgomery County Barrow County Fort Valley State University Dalton State College Morgan County Gordon County Bartow County Oconee County East Georgia State College Ben Hill County Oglethorpe County Gwinnett County Flint RiverQuarium Berrien County Paulding County Heard County Georgia Cancer Center Bleckley County Polk County at Augusta University Bremen City Henry County Pulaski County Jones County Georgia Highlands College Brooks County Quitman County Murray County Gordon State College Calhoun County Randolph County Muscogee County Kennesaw State University Candler County Rome City Oak Mountain Academy Middle Georgia State Carroll County Schley County Carrollton City Savannah - Chatham College Social Circle City Southern Regional Technical Northeast RESA Chattahoochee County Stewart County Chattooga County College South Georgia State College Sumter County South Georgia Technical Clarke County University of North Georgia Talbot County College Clay County University of West Georgia Tattnall County Commerce City Taylor County Valdosta State University Toombs County Crisp County Telfair County Vidalia City 19 20 Regional Centers, Board Members, Pals, Partners and Sponsors

Board Chair: Ms. Sharryse Ms. Ava Sue Dryden CHATTAHOOCHEE- Henderson Robins AFB – FLINT RESA Mr. Jerri Knowles Lockheed Martin Ms. Janie Downer (Treasurer) Ms. Darlene McClendon Webster County Northwest Georgia Perry Area Chamber Schools Credit Union of Commerce 121 E. College Street Mr. Roger Hatcher Ms. Rhonda Sosebee Ms. Chrissy Miner P. O. Box 1150 Columbus State (Secretary) Georgia Museum of Aviation Ellaville, GA 31806 University Highlands College Dr. Melanie Thornton Dr. Gregory Ford Georgia Highlands Board Chair: Columbus Technical College College HEART OF Ms. LaTonja Turner Dr. Rebecca Short Mr. Louis Byars GEORGIA Taylor County School Georgia South Western Rome City School YSTC District State University District Mr. David McCurry Mr. David Kuipers Ms. Debbie Downer Rome City School Chattahoochee County South Georgia Middle Georgia State District School District Technical College University Ms. Holly Amerman Ms. Johnnie Grimsley Mrs. Nancy Fitzgerald 1100 Second Street, SE Rome City School Clay County School South Georgia Cochran, GA 31014 District Technical College District Mr. Jim Linderman Board Chair: Dr. David Mims Mr. Dwight Jones Chattooga County Dr. Steven Miletto Crisp County School Eaton Lighting School District District Mrs. Jennifer Morton Ms. Jennifer Thomas Mr. Steve Smith, Mrs. Jean Thompson Flint Energies Houston County School Bleckley County School Mr. Don Porter Dooly County School District District Georgia Power Dr. Fred Williams, District Ms. Cheryl Thomas Mr. Richard McCorkle Houston County School Dublin City School Mr. Marc Maynor Chattahoochee- Flint District District Macon County School RESA Ms. Ashante Y. Childs Mrs. Julie Childers District Ms. Grace Pless (Treasurer) Newton County School Wilcox County School Mr. Glenn Tidwell Chattahoochee-Flint District District Marion County School RESA Ms. Dana Wiggins Mr. T. Michael Hillard District Dr. Melissa Roland Houston County School Dodge County School Ms. Victoria Harris (Secretary) District District Mr. Len Harrelson Quitman County School Chattahoochee-Flint Ms. Ava Sue Dryden Telfair County School District RESA Robins AFB – Lockheed Martin District Mr. Glenn Tidwell Mr. Jim Langley Schley County School Ms. Darlene McClendon Dr. Mark Davidson Randolph County School Wheeler County School District Perry Area Chamber of District District Ms. Dory Bernard Commerce Mr. Adam Hathaway Mr. Hugh Knight T aylor County School Ms. Chrissy Miner Montgomery County Schley County School District Museum of Aviation District Ms. Jennifer Thomas School District Dr. Valerie Roberts Houston County School Dr. Cheryl Conley Treutlen County School Stewart County School District Ms. Cheryl Thomas District District ETOWAH Houston County Dr. Julie Alligood Dr. Torrance Choates GYSTC School District Laurens County School Sumter County School Ms. Ashante Y. Childs District District Newton County Mr. Jody Rogers Dr. Jack Catrett School District Earl Rogers CPA Mr. Kennon Graham Talbot County School Georgia Highlands College Ms. Dana Wiggins Citizens Bank and Trust District Heritage Hall Houston County Mr. Henry Whitfield 415 E. 3rd Avenue School District Ms. Jennifer Albritton Middle Georgia State Rome, GA 30161 Taylor County School University 19 District 20 MAGNOLIA MIDLANDS GYSTC OCONEE RIVER Mr. Carrol Gay (Past Chair) Magnolia GYSTC Dr. John M. Jackson Jefferson County East Georgia State College Midlands GYSTC School District 131 College Circle Mr. Michael Williams Swainsboro, GA 30401 East Georgia State College Northeast Georgia RESA Madison County Mr. Jack Hill 375 Winter Street School District Board Chair: Mr. Kenny State Senator Winterville, GA 30683 Dr. James Woodard Griffin Dr. Noris Price Morgan County School District Dr. John Barge Baldwin County Board Chair: Mr. Paul Dr. Jason Branch McIntosh County School District Chambers, AT & T School District Ms. Jean Schwabe Oconee County School Dr. Bob Boehmer Sudie A. Fulford Dr. Chris McMichael Ms. Beverly Levine East Georgia State Community Learning Barrow County School Oglethorpe County College Center District School Dr. Larry Calhoun Dr. Toni Terwilliger Dr. Joy Tolbert Mr. John Chittom Georgia Southeastern Emanuel County Commerce City School Athens Janitor Supply Technical College School District District Dr. Keith Everson Dr. CaDeisha Cooper Dr. Carla Waters Dr. Chris Houston Northeast Georgia Candler County Tattnall County Greene County School RESA School District School District District Mr. Nathan Bartlett Dr. April Howard Georgia Power Jackson County School Dr. Demond Means District Clarke County School Mr. Chuck Bell Mrs. Susan Daniel Elbert County School Noramco, Inc. District Dr. Todd McGee Social Circle City Schools

SOUTHWEST GYSTC Dr. Kermit Gilliard Dr. Bronwyn Ragan- Martin Grady County School District Early County School Ms. Marvalynn Carroll District ABAC at Bainbridge First Port City Bank Dr. Yolanda Turner 2500 East Shotwell Street Dr. Steve Golladay Calhoun County School Bainbridge, GA 39819 J.W. Jones Research Center District Dr. Melanie Chavaux Ms. Christy Wray Thomas County School Mitchell County School Board Chair: Mr. John Monk, District District Bank CEO (Retired) Dr. Tim Cochran Mr. Marian Monk (Retired Mr. Robert Adams Decatur County School Accountant) Mitchell County School District District Ms. Laura Elliot Dr. Mark Hughes Bainbridge State College Grady County School District Retired Biologist Dr. Daniel Oldham Dr. April Aldridge, Dr. George Kornegay Thomasville City School Decatur County School District Thomas County School District Ms. Sherica Harvey, District Ms. Jennifer Brown Calhoun County School Mr. Rob Starner Early County School District Grace Christian District 21 22 GYSTC MAGNOLIA WEST PALS & MIDLANDS GYSTC EMPLOYEES GYSTC OCONEE RIVER Mr. Carrol Gay (Past Chair) Magnolia GYSTC Dr. John M. Jackson Ms. Delisa Gledhill, GYSTC PALS Ms. Cathy Fontenot Jefferson County University of West Georgia Oak Mountain Regional Coordinator East Georgia State College Midlands GYSTC School District Dr. Roneisha Worthy 131 College Circle College of Education Academy Ms. Betsy Green Mr. Michael Williams Kennesaw State Swainsboro, GA 30401 East Georgia State 1601 Maple Street Ms. Sarah Graham, University Executive Director College Northeast Georgia RESA Madison County Carrollton, GA 30118 Paulding County School District Ms. Heidi Goodin Mr. Jack Hill 375 Winter Street School District GYSTC EMPLOYEES Regional Coordinator Board Chair: Mr. Kenny State Senator Winterville, GA 30683 Dr. James Woodard Board Chair: Mr. Victor Dr. John Green Dr. Tom Brown Ms. Rhonda Harris Griffin Dr. Noris Price Morgan County School District Rundquist, Southwire, LLC Carroll County Financial Services Dr. John Barge Baldwin County Director of Statewide Board Chair: Mr. Paul Dr. Jason Branch Education Collaborative Initiatives Ms. Lynn Larsen McIntosh County School District Chambers, AT & T Mrs. Anna Clifton (Vice Oconee County School Mr. Martin Smith Ms. Melody Chapman Director of Strategic School District Ms. Jean Schwabe Chair) Carrolton City Carroll Electric Dr. Chris McMichael Ms. Beverly Levine School District Communication Initiatives Dr. Bob Boehmer Sudie A. Fulford Membership East Georgia State Community Learning Barrow County School Oglethorpe County Mrs. Donna Armstrong Coordinator Ms. Tammy Nowell District School Cooperative College Center (Secretary) Lackey, Ms. Cheryl Cooley Regional Coordinator Dr. Joy Tolbert Mr. John Chittom Dr. Karen Strickland Dr. Larry Calhoun Dr. Toni Terwilliger Carrol Tomorrow Center Support Mr. Cody Richards Commerce City School Athens Janitor Supply Carroll County School Georgia Southeastern Emanuel County & Carroll County Specialist Marketing Intern District Dr. Keith Everson District Technical College School District Chamber Mr. Aubrey Crook Ms. Erin Youmans Dr. Chris Houston Northeast Georgia Dr. Brian Ridley Dr. CaDeisha Cooper Dr. Carla Waters Mr. Lealon Anderson Director of STEM Regional Coordinator Greene County School RESA Haralson County School Candler County Tattnall County (Treasurer) United Programs Dr. Robert Young School District School District District Mr. Nathan Bartlett District Dr. April Howard Georgia Power Community Bank Mr. Will Dodd Regional Coordinator Ms. Kathy T. Yates Jackson County School Dr. Demond Means of West Georgia Regional Coordinator District Clarke County School (Retired) Georgia Power Mr. Chuck Bell Mrs. Susan Daniel Elbert County School Noramco, Inc. District Dr. Todd McGee Social Circle City Schools Support GYSTC SOUTHWEST GYSTC The Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center (GYSTC), Inc. is a not-for-profit Your support will help us continue to build educational organization designed to increase interest in and enthusiasm for science, Dr. Kermit Gilliard Dr. Bronwyn Ragan- Martin teachers and students’ interest in STEM Grady County School District Early County School technology, engineering and math (STEM) as subjects for study among elementary educational organization designed to increase subjects and related careers. Your generous Ms. Marvalynn Carroll District and middle school teachers and students in typically underserved areas in the state. interest in and enthusiasm for science, contribution is tax deductible and no ABAC at Bainbridge First Port City Bank Dr. Yolanda Turner technology, engineering and math (STEM) mattter how large or small, will aid GYSTC 2500 East Shotwell Street Dr. Steve Golladay Calhoun County School Your support will help us continue to build teachers and students’ interest in STEM J.W. Jones Research Center District as subjects for study among elementary and in achieving its important goals. Bainbridge, GA 39819 subjects and related careers. Your generous contribution is tax deductible and no Dr. Melanie Chavaux Ms. Christy Wray middle school teachers and students in matter how large or small, will aid GYSTC in achieving its important goals Thomas County School Mitchell County School typically underserved areas in the state. Board Chair: Mr. John Monk, District District Bank CEO (Retired) Dr. Tim Cochran Mr. Marian Monk (Retired Mr. Robert Adams Decatur County School Accountant) Mitchell County School District District Ms. Laura Elliot Dr. Mark Hughes Bainbridge State College Grady County School District Retired Biologist Dr. Daniel Oldham Dr. April Aldridge, Dr. George Kornegay Thomasville City School Decatur County School District Thomas County School District Ms. Sherica Harvey, District Ms. Jennifer Brown Calhoun County School Mr. Rob Starner Early County School District Grace Christian District 21 22 GYSTC Partners