Arlington Summer Program Brings Art And Science Together

The program was held at Saint Agnes School on 39 Medford St.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 18, 2026 2:21 PM EDT

Campers built motorized boats and cars, designed robots, used microscopes and created original artwork. (J-M Leach)

ARLINGTON, MA — Children built robots, launched rockets, met live animals and turned their ideas into working inventions during Da Vinci Jr.'s first summer program in Arlington.

The three-week program, held from July 20 through Aug. 7 at Saint Agnes School, brought together children entering kindergarten through eighth grade for hands-on projects combining science, art and robotics.

Campers built motorized boats and cars, designed robots, used microscopes and created original artwork. They also took part in an outdoor foam party during the program's Messy Day.

Da Vinci Jr. founder Rick Martin, a STEM teacher at Saint Agnes School, said the program was designed to encourage children to experiment, learn from mistakes, and work together.

"Art and engineering belong together," Martin said. "Leonardo Da Vinci isn't a mascot; he is our inspiration to be curious, try something new, and get kids excited to learn."

Da Vinci Jr. offers science, art, and robotics programs in Arlington and Quincy. Earlier this year, the organization participated in the NextGen STEMFest at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation in Waltham, where children interacted with Code, Da Vinci Jr.'s robot dog.

Campers also met with scientists, artists, and local professionals throughout the summer program. Arlington Environmental Planner David Morgan spoke about stormwater runoff, flooding and community resilience, while the Mystic River Watershed Association taught campers how pollution travels through a watershed.

Animal Adventures Family Zoo and Rescue Center brought live animals to the program for an interactive presentation, and operatic soprano Simeng Wu led a music workshop introducing campers to group singing and opera.

Campers also spoke live with a deep-sea scientist aboard a research vessel in the Pacific Ocean after tracking the ship and learning about its research.

Each Friday ended with a family showcase where campers demonstrated their robots, experiments, and artwork. Campers also received individual awards recognizing achievements in collaboration, creativity, perseverance, and engineering design.

"Da Vinci Jr. was a highlight of our child's summer," one parent wrote. "It was the perfect balance of fun and learning, and he ended the week feeling proud and confident in his new skills, which we've seen show up immediately in his play."

Martin plans to continue developing Da Vinci Jr. programs combining science, art, and engineering throughout the school year.