Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Hosting Hands-On STEAM Day March 14

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum will host its annual STEAM Day on Saturday, March 14, inviting families and students to explore science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum, 22156 Three Notch Rd., and is designed primarily for elementary and middle school students, though organizers say the activities appeal to visitors of all ages.  

Activities throughout the museum will include demonstrations, learning stations and interactive displays connected to aviation, engineering and the arts.

Kelly Figuracion, marketing and outreach manager for the museum, said the event is intended to connect young people with science and engineering through engaging demonstrations and interactive displays.

“It is our way of giving back to the community and the kids,” Figuracion said.

Visitors will find activities throughout the museum, ranging from science demonstrations to aviation displays and robotics. 

“It is a day where kids can come in and we have hands-on activities, everything ranging from a Bernoulli machine to a Tesla coil,” Figuracion said.

Additional attractions include appearances by robotics enthusiasts displaying Star Wars-inspired droids such as R2-D2 and Grogu, along with demonstrations from the Patuxent Aeromodelers featuring radio-controlled aircraft.

The museum’s flight simulators will also be open to visitors, and the full museum will remain accessible throughout the event.

STEAM Day is supported by several community and education partners, including Patuxent Partnership, the St. Mary’s County Arts Council, the St. Mary’s County Public Library and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Strategic Education Office. Colleges participating this year include the College of Southern Maryland, St. Mary’s College of Maryland and the University of Maryland.

Figuracion said the event reflects the museum’s broader mission to encourage learning and curiosity.

“It fits in by sparking curiosity and making learning accessible for everybody,” Figuracion said. “By bringing together science, technology, engineering, mathematics and art through hands-on activities, we give families and kids a chance to explore ideas in fun, interactive ways.”

The museum’s mission also focuses on preserving the history of naval aviation while encouraging interest in science and engineering among younger generations.

“Our museum’s mission overall is to preserve, educate and inspire, and this event does all of that,” Figuracion said.

Attendance has grown in recent years as the event, now running for more than five years, continues to attract additional organizations and families. 

“Over the last couple years, we’ve seen the numbers increase in attendance every year,” Figuracion said. “Last year we had about 400 kids, people and families through the door.”STEAM Day will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, 22156 Three Notch Rd. in Lexington Park. Children will receive free admission with the purchase of an adult ticket.

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