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Montgomery Academy's Steamfest 2025 Showcases Student Innovation in Robotics and Arts

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 7:55 GMT by WSFA

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Steamfest 2025: Montgomery Academy’s Elementary Students Bring Arts and Sciences to Life

On Saturday, November 12 , 2025, the modest‑sized campus of Montgomery Academy became a vibrant hub of curiosity, creativity, and learning when the school’s annual Steamfest opened its doors to the public. The event—designed to showcase the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in the elementary grades—offered a snapshot of how modern education can blend rigorous inquiry with imaginative expression.

The event was held in the school’s main auditorium and adjacent classroom spaces, and ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendance exceeded 300 people, including students, parents, local educators, community volunteers, and several scientists from nearby research institutions. The high turnout was a testament to the growing enthusiasm for STEAM initiatives in the region.

A Glimpse of the Show

Robotics in Action
One of the most talked‑about displays was a row of small, programmable robots built by fourth‑grade students using LEGO® Education kits. The robots were programmed to navigate obstacle courses, detect color-coded signals, and even play short musical tunes. Teacher Ms. Angela Rivera explained that the project was part of a new “Robotics & Coding” unit that aims to give students a hands‑on understanding of algorithms and mechanical design. “Our kids are no longer just learning how to code on a screen; they’re building things that move and respond,” Rivera said, waving a micro‑controller board to a curious parent.

Hands‑On Science
The science portion of the festival showcased experiments such as Volcano Eruptions with Baking Soda and Vinegar, Solar-Powered Car Races, and a “Build Your Own Cloud” station where students learned about humidity and condensation. A local high school chemistry teacher, Mr. John Harris, who volunteers for the school’s STEM outreach program, guided a small group of fifth‑graders through the cloud‑making activity, emphasizing the real‑world relevance of atmospheric science.

Art Meets Math
The arts section highlighted student projects that fused mathematical concepts with visual creativity. Fifth‑grade students created intricate mandalas that used the Golden Ratio to achieve harmonious proportions. A younger group painted large murals that incorporated fractal patterns, with each child explaining the concept of self‑similarity in nature. The project was supported by the school’s art teacher, Ms. Linda Choi, who has been working with students to demonstrate how geometry underpins design. “When children see the math behind the patterns they love to create, it reinforces their confidence in both disciplines,” Choi remarked.

Music & Technology
A small stage set up in the gym allowed students to demonstrate their newfound music‑tech skills. Third‑graders performed songs on looped synthesizers and used MIDI controllers to remix beats. The set-up was a collaboration with the local community choir, which offered professional guidance to the students. The highlight of the music session was an impromptu rap battle where students used rhythm and rhyme to explain scientific facts—a creative way to make science memorable.

Community and Partnerships

The success of Steamfest would not have been possible without a network of community partners. The Montgomery Academy’s board of trustees provided logistical support, while the local science museum—The Montgomery Museum of Science and Technology—donated a portable microscope for a “Microscope Maze” activity. A volunteer from the Montgomery County Library led a “Storytelling & STEM” session where students shared science‑themed tales they had written and illustrated.

One of the event’s key messages, emphasized by the school’s principal, Mr. David Thompson, is that STEAM is not a separate track but a culture of learning. “Our goal is to demonstrate that inquiry, creativity, and collaboration are inseparable,” Thompson said. He pointed out that many of the projects were cross‑curricular: a robotics challenge also involved math planning, while an art project required scientific research on light and color.

Student Reflections

Perhaps the most powerful part of the day was when students shared what they had learned. In a “Future Scientist” panel, a seventh‑grade student, Jamal Rivera, spoke about the inspiration he drew from watching the solar car race. “I want to design a car that runs on wind instead of gas,” he declared, and the audience applauded. In a separate, quieter corner, a group of kindergarteners demonstrated a simple “plant‑growth” experiment by watering seeds and recording daily changes. The children’s excitement underscored the school’s focus on early exposure to scientific thinking.

A heart‑warming moment was when a third‑grader with a speech impediment, Aisha Khan, used a custom speech‑to‑text app to give a short speech about her favorite science experiment. Her classmates cheered, and Ms. Rivera noted that the use of assistive technology showcased how inclusive education can broaden participation.

Lessons and Take‑aways

The event’s breadth of activities illustrates several best practices for schools seeking to enhance their STEAM programs:

1. Integrative Curriculum – Students see how math, science, art, and technology converge on real projects, reinforcing interdisciplinary thinking.

2. Community Involvement – By engaging local experts and organizations, schools gain resources and authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom.

3. Hands‑On Learning – Manipulatives and interactive displays keep students engaged and make abstract concepts tangible.

4. Student Agency – Allowing students to design, execute, and present projects builds ownership and confidence.

5. Accessibility – Use of assistive technology ensures all students can participate and contribute meaningfully.

What Comes Next

Following the success of Steamfest, Montgomery Academy plans to expand the program. The school is currently applying for a grant from the Montgomery County Office of Education to buy a more advanced robotics kit and a portable 3D printer. They also intend to launch a summer STEAM camp that will invite students from neighboring schools.

The school’s leadership hopes that the event’s momentum will encourage parents to take an active role in their children’s learning. “Parents are our partners in education,” Ms. Rivera stated. “If they see the progress our students can achieve with the right tools, they’re more likely to support future STEAM initiatives.”

Final Thoughts

Steamfest 2025 proved to be more than just a showcase—it was a celebration of curiosity, a model for integrative learning, and a beacon for community collaboration. For elementary students at Montgomery Academy, the day was an opportunity to step out of the textbook and into the realm of discovery. For parents and teachers, it was a reminder that the future of education lies in fostering an environment where creativity and inquiry walk hand in hand. As the event drew to a close, the echoes of robot whirs, music loops, and enthusiastic chatter lingered, promising that the spark ignited that day will fuel many more STEAM adventures ahead.