A Year of Wonder: What Our Students Taught Us in 2025

Reflecting on the Curiosity, Courage, and Creativity
That Defined This Year, PopSmart Academy

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re not just reflecting on lessons taught—we’re celebrating the wonder that came from what our students taught us.

At PopSmart Academy, every program—from science and writing to public speaking and debate—is rooted in the belief that learning is a two-way street. We guide, yes. We teach, we design, we scaffold. But the magic? The wonder? That always comes from the students.

This year, that magic was everywhere. In their questions. In their mistakes. In their bold ideas, whispered brainstorms, and “aha!” moments that made a regular Tuesday feel extraordinary.

Here’s a look back at some of the most unforgettable moments from 2025—moments that reminded us why we do what we do.

When Curiosity Took the Lead

In one of our science classes this year, we asked: “What would happen if the xylem and phloem were switched in plants?” The responses were full of creative logic, playful what-ifs, and insightful thinking.

One student wrote, “If the xylem tried to carry sugar, the whole plant might panic. I think the leaves would throw a protest.” Another imagined a slow, confused plant “unlearning” its pathways, only to evolve into a new species entirely.

None of the essays were exactly correct in a scientific sense—and that wasn’t the point. The point was that our students wondered. They applied knowledge to imagine something new. And that’s the heart of all learning.

When Writing Turned Into Brave Storytelling

This year, our creative writing students tackled prompts like:

• “Rewrite a fairy tale from the villain’s point of view”
• “Invent a new season between winter and spring”
• “Write a letter to your future self 10 years from now”

We saw students open up in ways that surprised even themselves. One fifth grader wrote, “I used to think writing was just spelling and grammar. But now it’s where I put everything I notice about the world.”

That’s the wonder of writing—it helps students make sense of themselves and the world around them. It teaches them that their voice has weight.

When Voices Found Their Strength

From first-time speeches in class to our Future Leaders Debate Championship, we witnessed dozens of students go from hesitant speakers to confident communicators.

One 11-year-old, who once whispered her arguments during practice, stood tall during the final round of our debate event and said:

“I know not everyone agrees with me. But I’ve done my research, I’ve listened to the other side, and here’s what I believe.”

That moment didn’t just win points—it earned respect, and it showed us that confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build, one word at a time.

When Experiments Didn’t Go as Planned—and That Was Perfect

In our science and engineering classes, failure was part of the plan.

From elephant toothpaste that didn’t turn up the way we wanted to flame tests that showed the wring color due to the presence of impurities, students didn’t always succeed on the first try. But they reflected, redesigned, and tried again.

One student, after a particularly messy group experiment, said, “Well, we definitely learned what not to do—but now I really want to figure it out.”

That's ‘growth mindset’ in action. That’s real science. And that’s the kind of persistence we hope every student carries with them long after they leave our classrooms.

When Leadership Meant Listening

This year, we challenged students not just to lead but to listen—to understand perspectives that were different from their own.

In our empathy-based writing workshops and debate rebuttals, students practiced the often-overlooked leadership skill of active listening.

One 7th grader from our public speaking class put it best: “It’s not just about winning the argument. It’s about being the kind of person someone wants to argue with.”

That kind of wisdom? That’s what gives us hope for the future.

A Few Favorite Moments (That Speak for Themselves)

• A debate student fist-bumping their competitor after a challenging round
• A writing student editing their own story after peer feedback—by choice
• A science team erupting in laughter after their baking soda rocket launched sideways
• Parents clapping as shy students stood up and read their writing aloud for the first time
• Our students winning the Regional Science Bowl competition, and multiple medals at the Science Olympiad

These aren’t just feel-good moments. They’re learning moments. The kind that stay with you.

What Our Students Taught Us

If there’s one thing 2025 made clear, it’s this: wonder doesn’t come from a textbook. It comes from curiosity, risk-taking, effort, and connection.

Our students taught us:

• That big ideas often start with silly questions
• That creativity grows when you let go of perfection
• That voice matters more than volume
• That learning is most alive when it feels like play—and a little bit like magic

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we look to the year ahead, we’re not just planning new prompts, new programs, or new events (although we have some exciting ones in store!).

We’re making room for more wonder.

More “What if?”

More “I don’t know—but let’s find out.”

More moments where kids surprise us with their insight, humor, and heart.

Because at the end of the day, we don’t just teach students—we learn from them. And we can’t wait to see what they teach us next.

Ready to empower your child’s critical thinking? Explore our science programs and discover how PopSmart Academy can help your child reach their full potential. Book a FREE trial class here.