SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (AP) — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is offering a $1,000 grant for elementary school teachers who show exceptional innovation in teaching life sciences.

Officials said Wednesday the grant is available to third, fourth and fifth grade teachers in public and private schools. Department officials say the grant is funded by the Environmental Resource Network, a friends group of the department's Nongame Conservation Section.

DNR officials say the Nongame Conservation Section protects the state's native animals, plants and their habitats.

The deadline to apply for the grant is Sept. 15 and the winner will be notified in October. More information on the program may be found online.