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Newton County Schools and Amazon open 'Think Big Corner' STEM lab at STEAM Academy
Summary
Newton County Schools and Amazon launched an Amazon Think Big Corner at the Newton County STEAM Academy, an interactive STEM mini‑lab whose materials will be shared across the district; staff said the resources could reach about 20,000 students.
Newton County Schools and Amazon on Monday unveiled an Amazon Think Big Corner at the Newton County STEAM Academy, a dedicated, interactive STEM mini‑lab intended to expand hands‑on learning opportunities across the district.
S1 (Presenter) said the Think Big Corner "is an interactive STEM mini lab equipped with cutting edge tools" that will let students "build, experiment, and explore real world problem solving through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics." The presenter framed the space as part of a strategic partnership between Newton County Schools and Amazon intended to expand equitable access to STEM education.
S2 (Staff member) said the resources will not be limited to the STEAM Academy campus. "Although we're housed here at the STEAM Academy, what we're gonna do is we're gonna have some of our coaches go ahead and take some of those supplies and be able to bring it to classrooms all over the district," the staff member said, adding the initiative "won't only benefit the thousand students here, it's gonna benefit the 20,000 students in Newton County Schools." The staff member also said students could use the space to "tinker with toys, new, exciting, cutting edge materials" that were previously unavailable in local public libraries or classrooms.
S3 (Presenter) described the operational model: install STEM equipment in a welcoming space so students, teachers and community members can "experience STEM, experience all the magical things that can happen, play with equipment, and learn about the STEM activities, STEM careers," he said.
Speakers did not record any formal votes or motions during the announcement. The district characterized the project as a partnership with Amazon and said supplies and coaching will be shared across classrooms to broaden reach. The presentation closed with S1 stating the district aims to "turn vision into action" to ensure learners have exposure and experiences that help prepare them for a digital future.
No budget figures, launch dates for shared classroom visits, or contract details with Amazon were specified in the remarks.
