Showing off her “tornado in a bottle” experiment, Maltby Elementary fourth grader Lilly Parker was one of hundreds of students presenting their science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and art (A) learning at Monroe Public Schools’ annual STEM+A Learning EXPO this week.

Our region is rich in STEM jobs and Washington state ranks #1 in those jobs but only 49th in developing individuals to fill those jobs. Monroe Public Schools is committed to developing STEM+A-literate graduates and this EXPO is one of the many ways used to reach that goal.

Elementary and middle school students demonstrated their STEM+A literacy with a wide variety of projects which visitors were invited to view and quiz the creators about.

Several school music, both instrumental and vocal, and dance groups performed. In addition, high school students were on hand to share opportunities for future learning through courses in math, science and Career & Technical programs available to Monroe Public Schools’ students.