ACTON — Robot ring-toss, AI demos and hands-on tech drew more than 500 students and families to DiscoverSTEM 2025 at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School on Friday, November 7, for a career exploration night.

Hosted by AB STEAM, DiscoverSTEM featured 48 exhibitors including tech companies, university research labs, industry experts, non-profits and student robotics teams who demonstrated innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). Designed like a professional trade show with a twist—the expo paired student volunteers with engineers and scientists who guided and mentored them. The student volunteers then helped explain the technology to attendees.

What’s Happening on August 19

• 4:00 PM — Meet at Gardner Field in West Acton for FREE ice cream and a short introduction to the Hackathon.

• 5:00 PM — Join a guided tour of a local flood-prone area: the Heath Hen Meadow Trail, at the very back of Mount Hope Cemetery, 166 Central St., Acton.

Along the way, we’ll explore the big question:

How can we reduce flooding in Acton in ways that are economical, sustainable, and friendly to both people and the environment?

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day—a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the only home we have. What began in 1970 as a bold environmental movement has grown into a global call to action, uniting over a billion people each year to stand up for the planet. As we reflect on over five decades of progress, challenges, and resilience, this milestone invites us not just to celebrate, but to recommit—to cleaner air, greener energy, and a more sustainable future for generations to come. Photo: 2025 Spring Nature Walk at Acton Arboretum

AB STEAM sponsored an annual Science Family Night on November 22.

Join Acton Conservation to learn about the constellations through a walk in the woods.

You can borrow an Acton Nature Guide from the Acton Memorial Library or the West Acton Citizens' Library or you can purchase an Acton Nature Guide guide at Pedal Power on Route 2A in Acton or Unicorn Books in West Acton.

Nature Walk with Tom Tidman