October 22, 2026 | Roselle Park, New Jersey. Four elementary school students from New Jersey have turned a creative idea into a statewide championship, developing a safety invention designed to help children during fire emergencies.
The students from Robert Gordon Elementary School in Roselle Park won first place in the elementary school division of the 2026 STEAM Tank Challenge, held October 21 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
Meet the Young Inventors
The four students, Daniella, Valentina, Victoria, and Harper, created an innovative project called Fire Safe Teddy.
Their invention is a fire and smoke emergency kit designed to help children stay safe and escape a burning building.
The project combines a familiar childhood object, a teddy bear, with an important safety concept, making emergency preparedness more approachable for younger children.
Competing Against Students Across New Jersey
The annual STEAM Tank Challenge, organized by the New Jersey School Boards Association, encourages students to develop creative solutions to real-world problems using science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
The 2026 competition began with 680 teams from across New Jersey.
Of those, 330 advanced to regional competitions, while 50 teams reached the final round in April.
Three elementary school teams ultimately competed for the championship in Atlantic City.
Robert Gordon Elementary School took first place with Fire Safe Teddy, followed by Valley View School in Lebanon Township with Spring Stick and Oak Valley School in Deptford with Aqua Armor.
A Community Celebrates Its Young Champions
The Roselle Park School District celebrated the victory and congratulated the four students for their creativity, dedication, and achievement.
The district also recognized Mr. Linfante, who guided and supported the students throughout the competition.
The celebration extended beyond the classroom.
On Wednesday evening, the Roselle Park Fire Department organized a special welcome for the young champions, inviting residents to join in celebrating their achievement.
Small Inventors, Big Ideas
Fire Safe Teddy demonstrates how young students can apply classroom knowledge to practical problems that affect families and communities.
The invention also highlights the importance of encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and scientific problem-solving from an early age.
For Daniella, Valentina, Victoria, and Harper, the victory represents more than a trophy. Their project shows that even elementary school students can develop ideas with the potential to improve safety and protect lives.
Their accomplishment is a reminder that meaningful innovation can begin at any age.
Sources: Roselle Park School District | AIA New Jersey | New Jersey School Boards Association
By NJ RADAR Team