Inside Sonora Elementary’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Lab, third-grade students are excitedly coaxing tiny spherical robots across thick lines mapped out on paper. The Ozobots blink and stumble as they follow black lines to reach carefully colored-in boxes that indicate the next actions to take. Will Johnson watches his bot closely as it moves forward, its lights flashing blue, red, and green. Classmates Addison Phan and Cedric Padilla softly cheer on the Ozobot as it reaches the finish line. Will smiles broadly, then reaches for the markers. He consults a sheet of color codes. “I’m going to see if I can get it to dance!” he exclaims. 

Sonora Science Specialist Tammy Evans, with the help of Music Specialist Nick St. Royal, leads Sonora students through a program that blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Now in its second year, the program is divided into six-week rotations, allowing every student the opportunity to participate. 

“Sometimes students don’t know they are passionate about something until they have the experience. We’re creating a space where students are using critical thinking and creativity,” Evans said. 

Younger students begin with simple robotics such as Coding Bees and Code & Go Robot Mouse, then move on to programming with Dash Bots, Ozobots, and Osmo’s Coding Awbie. As their skills build, students progress to using Makey Makey kits, which let them turn everyday conductive objects into instruments. By the end of the rotation, students will have created their own mini piano with electrical circuits and learned to play a song, demonstrating the harmony of science and the arts.

In a recent class, second-graders used Osmo blocks to help a character named Awbie through puzzles on tablet screens. Each quest involved students determining the best way to navigate Awbie’s path. If the attempt failed, students were encouraged to try again, with Evans and St. Royal offering advice. 

“These blocks tell Awbie to walk or run or jump, and the numbers tell him how many times to do that,” explained Payton Fenn, as she and Avery Phan worked out a series of commands to help Awbie chase a rabbit. 

“The STEAM Lab is a place where curiosity comes alive. Students are discovering new interests, building confidence, and realizing that learning can be both rigorous and joyful. Watching them cheer on their robots, problem-solve together, and celebrate one another’s successes is a powerful reminder of how hands-on experiences inspire a lifelong love of learning,” said Sonora Principal Mia Doidge.

The STEAM Lab is just one of the many unique experiences that make Sonora an exciting place to learn and grow. Whether it’s robotics, music, art, or innovative classroom projects, students are constantly engaging in opportunities that challenge them, spark creativity, and prepare them for the future. The STEAM Lab is a shining example of how Sonora continues to inspire curiosity and provide advanced learning experiences that help every child discover their potential. It also complements Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s districtwide Project Lead the Way program, which brings hands-on STEM learning opportunities to all schools throughout the district. Together, these initiatives ensure that all students, regardless of school site, are inspired to explore, create, and problem-solve in innovative ways.