Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Learning Objective:

The main objective for the technology and engineering projects is to develop critical thinking skills through research, experiential learning, collaboration, and presentation. Projects will be critiqued, and youth will be expected to seek, evaluate, and utilize feedback to improve their work. Youth will have the opportunity to recreate the engineering design and manufacturing process while reinforcing the scientific method through hands-on learning and field research by working through multiple iterations of designing, prototyping and testing. Youth will learn and participate in the engineering design process, digital fabrication, electronics, coding, and understanding systems.

Environmental Education

Environmental Education Learning Objective: Youth will be encouraged to cultivate their curiosities and will develop an awareness, knowledge and appreciation for the natural environment. Through observing, measuring, and classifying, youth will use the scientific method to develop critical thinking and evaluation skills.

The natural resource project area is usually divided into three major areas: fishing, forestry and wildlife. The aim of this project area is designed to teach youth about the conservation and management of natural resources in the U.S.

  • General lesson plans for all natural resources major project areas as well as fair guidelines can be found at Oklahoma State University Extension’s site.
  • Washington State University Extension has three natural resource units on ‘Air and Water’, ‘Forest Parks and the Land we Use’ and ‘Water and Marine Life.' Each activity in the curriculum is divided into beginning, intermediate and advanced skill levels.
  • 4-H Million Trees is a community service project focused on tree planting.
  • Rangeland Management can also be considered a natural resources project
  • Forests of Fun is a three level curriculum on forestry from National 4-H Council

  • The Solar Clovers pilot program is about introducing Cloverbuds and older 4-H youth to create innovative solar energy projects. Youth entered their solar fountains into the Pima County fair in 2018.    
  • This 4-H@Home activity is a good introduction to solar thermal energy for youth aged 8-12. 
  • Dr. Ed Frankin, UA Associate Professor of agriculture education and engineering, has created many factsheets explaining solar technology in easy-to-understand terms. Here is the first in the factsheet series, find the rest in the publications section of UA cooperative extension website.  
  • The University of Arizona Extension's Greenhouse SEED project engages youth in designing a greenhouse using renewable energy Please check back soon for more Arizona 4-H solar curriculum! 

  • The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension’s Project WET delivers Arizona-specific water education and has many education resources
  • National 4-H Council's 4-H at Home activities on Drought and Water Pollution
  • Texas A&M Extension has an extensive list of water resource curriculum
  • Utah State University Extension’s Wonders of Water Curriculum

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation Learning Objective: There are many physical and mental wellness benefits of outdoor activities, but STEM is also a key component that is essential to participation in outdoor recreation projects. The main objectives for outdoor recreation projects are for youth to enhance their critical thinking skills and self-confidence through exploring and enjoying nature. Utilizing technology such as a compass or geospatial mapping will also further develop mathematical skills. Youth must also demonstrate an understanding of outdoor safety, emergency preparation, and first aid. Youth will become stewards of the environment through gaining an understanding of effective range management, wildlife, and fisheries.

Typically, there are three levels of Outdoor Adventure Projects in Arizona. Planning a hiking adventure with family and friends is featured in Level 1. Youth determine what to take, how to pack a backpack, read topographic maps and practice trail etiquette. Level 2 provides the challenges of pitching a tent, planning a menu, cooking outdoors, and practicing the principles of Leave No Trace Behind. Level 3 features multi-day back-packing trips; planning your trip, selecting and adjusting backpack equipment, selecting a backpack tent, choosing food for your adventure, sharing camping responsibilities and how to train for your backpacking event. To complete this project you must complete a minimum of six activities per level.

  • Beginning level wildlife and fisheries activities
  • Extensive wildlife curriculum from Purdue Extension
  • Backyards & Beyond is a national 4-H initiative created by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to connect youth with the outdoors in natural areas near where they live.
  • Insect Studies is a great way to connect with wildlife almost anywhere.

  • University of Florida extension sport fishing project resource fact sheet

Technology and Engineering

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Learning Objective: The main objective for the technology and engineering projects is to develop critical thinking skills through research, experiential learning, collaboration, and presentation. Projects will be critiqued, and youth will be expected to seek, evaluate, and utilize feedback to improve their work. Youth will have the opportunity to recreate the engineering design and manufacturing process while reinforcing the scientific method through hands-on learning and field research by working through multiple iterations of designing, prototyping and testing. Youth will learn and participate in the engineering design process, digital fabrication, electronics, coding, and understanding systems.

What is a Fab Lab?

A Fab Lab is a workspace, open to the community it serves, with the technology and tools to allow users to make almost anything. Fab Labs have a core inventory of machines and tools and participates in the global network of other Fab Labs around the world to share information, ideas, and to support all Fab Lab users in their creative enterprises. Fab Labs anywhere should be able to reproduce processes and create products in a similar way using the same basic set of tools and equipment.

The Fab Lab concept is a creation of Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Bits and Atoms.

Building a 4-H Fab Lab

Starting a FabLab Guide

Navajo County 4-H Fab Lab

University of Arizona Navajo County Cooperative Extension 

Blue Ridge Eight-Grader Presents at Town Council

The 4-H and Blue Ridge district operate a fabrication laboratory, or Fab Lab, located in Pinetop. The facility is an “open door open source educational resource” that includes several classrooms designed for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) work. The Fab Lab is home to a collection of digital fabrication equipment and electronics platforms. 

Contact: Meghan Penrod, Assistant 4-H Agent

Videos

About the 4-H FAB LAB:

Made possible by Arizona Cooperative Extension and the Levin Family

Pima County 4-H’s long-awaited FAB LAB (Fabrication Laboratory) is now open! In 2019, Pima County 4-H and the Hopi Reservation Extension Office were awarded $90,000 from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to split and create a mini FAB LAB at each location. Despite the setbacks from the ongoing pandemic, supply chain interruptions, and staff turn-over, the FAB LAB opened in November 2021. It is fully equipped with a laser cutter that can engrave and cut glass, wood, and metal; a 3D printer; a large color banner maker; a large vinyl cutter; and a podcasting studio.

With the help of AmeriCorps members to set up, test, and create written user guides for each machine, the lab is now ready for outside groups to use! Groups will be able to independently reserve the lab and bring in materials to create as they please in this space. 4-H clubs can create banners, contest awards, and come in to teach youth CAD skills on provided computers. Thanks to the grant funding used to equip the lab and a generous donation from the Levin Family, starting this fall, 4-H volunteers will be able to be trained in use of the FAB LAB machines and be able to bring in youth for STEM education for many years to come.

Location:

Pima County 4-H FAB LAB is located in the Wetstone building, located SE of the main Pima County Extension Office Building in the back courtyard.

4210 N Campbell Ave
Tucson, AZ 85719

Current FAB LAB Resources:

Thank you to Elijah Parent and Edward Palmenberg for their work on creating these easy-to-follow guides for the machines available for use by groups in the FAB LAB.

3-D Printer Instructions

Laser Engraver Instructions

Podcast Suite Instructions

  • The Cross Reality (XR) Floating Farm Project is a hands-on computer science, software-based activities that engages and guides 4-H members through the world of augmented reality. Youth explore and learn the basics of AR, it’s incomplete history, and learn to create a virtual farm using free online software; Tinkercad, Vuforia, and Unity incorporating their cultural perspectives.
  • 4-H at Home computer science activities
  • 4-H STEM YOUniversity has several other projects related to computer science

  • University of Illinois Extension drone discovery site that has many resources for drone projects. 
  • Introduction to drone use in agriculture lesson plan and resources from Oregon State University Cooperative Extension

Current County and Tribal Extension Metal Working Programs in Arizona

Annual Leader's Blacksmithing Training 

Coconino County 4-H Agent Josh Farella offers an annual blacksmithing training to 4-H leaders and staff in Flagstaff, Arizona. Topics covered include toolmaking, startup equipment for new programs, and safety in the shop. Participants will spend most of the time forging their own set of toolmaking tools, learning how to heat treat steels, and learning how to safely teach youth blacksmithing. For more info and the date of the next training contact: Joshua Farella, farella1@arizona.edu, 928-773-6106. 

Resources

  • AZ 4-H Blacksmithing- Program Overview Guide  
    • This document is intended to provide a brief overview of the blacksmithing program, instructional resources, equipment, and learning resources for beginning 4-H blacksmithing instructors. There are infinite rabbit holes that a beginning blacksmith can go down, and this project is an excellent means to support youth in finding their own spark. The information below is a general introduction to strategies for safe and educational youth experiences, the types and purposes of tooling used by smiths, locations to purchase equipment, and some good resources for learning to make your own tools and projects.
    • To download the AZ 4-H Blacksmithing-Program Overview Guide please complete the survey and a website will be provided at the completion of the survey. 

4-H STEM YOUniversity

https://sites.google.com/view/4-hstemyouniversity/home

Support Arizona 4-H

Upcoming Project

Arizona 4-H STEM YOUniversity is excited to offer the Cross Reality (XR) Floating Farm Project, January 13 through March 24, 2022.

We are having a Cross Reality (AR/VR) Competition! Click here to learn more.

Project Overview

The Cross Reality (XR) Floating Farm Project is a hands-on computer science, software-based activities that engages and guides 4-H members through the world of augmented reality. Youth explore and learn the basics of AR, it’s incomplete history, and learn to create a virtual farm using free online software; Tinkercad, Vuforia, and Unity incorporating their cultural perspectives. Youth are able to build their confidence in computer science while working collaboratively in small groups, building relationships with friends and peers and opening their eyes to careers in STEM. XR places virtual objects and features onto a physical surface using a camera. The XR Floating Farm Curriculum is designed for twenty-four hours of student engagement and can be delivered in a variety of modes. This curriculum can be implemented in a variety of forms including in-person, virtual and or a hybrid approach. We have implemented int in eight, approximately three-hour in person class sessions and have also delivered the project in eight to ten online one-hour sessions supplemented by participants working two-hours on their own or in groups to complete assignment on building their floating farm.

Previous Projects

Highlight of 2022 Arizona 4-H STEM YOUniversity is excited to offer the Cross Reality (XR) Floating Farm Project, January 13 through March 24, 2022.

XR Floating Farm Flyer

2019 Spring Highlights

Youth were engaged in learning about augmented reality (AR) by creating a virtual Floating Farm. The Floating Farm was a 6-Saturday workshop series pilot program offered during the spring of 2019 at the UA main campus where five youth learned about AR, a “physical” real-world space and applied virtual graphics or objects to it. Students designed and created their own farms in AR and at the student showcase shared with parents, family, and friends their AR Floating Farm. Andie Rodriguez a master student in the College of Fine Arts School of Arts earning a degree in Media Arts developed the AR Floating Farm curriculum and partnered with Jasmine Lopez an AmeriCorp Member and Dr. Gerardo Lopez Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist 4-H STEM to offer the STEM program. A fascinating STEM activity of learning AR by building a Floating Farm.

Upcoming 2023 -2024 Project

Arizona 4-H STEM YOUniversity is excited to offer the Lego Robotics Project, July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.For more information and to register.

We are having a Lego Robotics competition

This year we have currently 4 counties:

Note: Create a google site and make it a hyperlink. In the site have a section for each county/FRTEP that is offering the project.

Previous Projects

2021 Summer Highlights

Robotics 101 and 102 Virtual Summer Camp 2021

2021 Winter Highlights

Are you new to robotics and interested in coding? Would you like to learn more about computer science? If so, then the 5-week Robotics 101 Virtual Camp is a perfect STEM experience for you and your friends. Have you already participated in a Robotics 101 Camp and would like to continue to learn more advance coding and robotics, then the Robotics 102 Virtual Camp is the place for you to build on your coding and robotics skills.

Go to the Robotics 101 and 102 Virtual Camp event page to register and learn more. In addition, for those of you who have already participated in the Robotics 101 Camp and are ready to become a STEM Counselor, gain leadership skills and participate in community service by helping lead your community Robotics Camp 101, then the Robotics 101 Train-the-Trainer Workshop is perfect for you. Now, for those select few of you who have already been a Robotics 101 STEM Counselor and would like to continue teaching peers, building on your leadership skills and participate in community service by helping lead your community Robotics 102 Camp, then the Robotics 102 Train-the-Trainer Workshop is perfect for you.

2020 Fall Highlights

The 4-H STEM YOUniversity Robotics 101 Virtual Camp Fall 2020 has been a great success and is heading into it's 5th and final week. The youth showcase and recognition ceremony is scheduled for December 18, 2020 from 4-5pm. We had three counties and one Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program (FRTEP) participate: Santa Cruz County with two teams reaching 16 youth; Yavapai with 3 teams impacting 80 middle school youth; and Maricopa with 3 youth and the Hope Tribe with one engaging 7 youth. In total 106 youth were engaged. A two week Train-the-Trainer was held to train youth and adult STEM Counselors the CoderZ curriculum followed by each team hosting it's own 5-week robotics camp. This could not have been possible without the support from the AZ 4-H Youth Foundation to provide the purchase of the CoderZ licenses. And without the commitment and dedication of the planning team comprised of 6 youth STEM Counselors; 10 Adult STEM Counselors community volunteers; and 8 4-H and AmeriCorp staff. Way to go Team!

To learn more go to google site.

2020 Summer Highlights

AZ 4-H STEM YOUniveristy Building Future STEM Leaders with Coding. AZ 4-H STEM YOUniveristy rolled up their sleeves and went virtual this summer to deliver the 2nd Annual Robotics Summer Camp. Seven youth and thirteen adult 4-H Staff/Volunteers rose to the challenge of learning how to code during a two-week train-the-trainer workshop becoming STEM counselors and then leading a month-long summer camp teaching Robotics CoderZ 101 to twenty-two youth from several counties and Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Programs (FRTEP)’s.

Google site

2019 Summer Highlights

The Robotics Camp introduced youth to engineering and computer programming to design, build, and program small-scale Lego robots. Middle School aged youth collaborated in small teams and engaged with AmeriCorp members and 4-H Staff to learn coding a LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robot and develop engineering, technology and problem-solving skills. Funded in part by; Extension Strategic Initiative Proposal (ESIP) UA Cooperative Extension 4-H Leadership and AZ 4-H County Programs.

Upcoming 2023 - 2024 Project

Arizona 4-H STEM YOUniversity is excited to offer the Underwater Robotics Project, July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. For more information and to register.

Interested in competing in the Underwater Robotics? Click here to learn more.

Project Overview

4-H STEM YOUniversity has partnered with Arizona Project Wet (APW) to bring underwater robotics STEM project using the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) platform. The innovative ;ROV program engages educators and students in the engineering design process focused on real-world challenges. Learn about circuitry, soldering, and how to build a Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), while meeting new friends, and competing against other teams from across the state.

Previous Projects

2023 Highlights

Arizona 4-H STEM YOUniversity is excited to offer the Underwater Robotics Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Project, February 6 through May 6, 2023.

2023 Underwater Robotis Flyer

2022 Spring Highlights

It was a great success implementing this years Underwater Robotics Project. We were elated to have Betsy Wilkening as the instructor teaching the hybrid implementation and Ken Yee, AmeriCorps, Maricopa County assist in the implementation. Arizona Project WET (APW) offered the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Regional Competition lead by Jameson Neyman, AmeriCorps Member, APW. There was a total of 13 teams who competed in the regional competition.

2021 Spring Highlights

Arizona Project WET (APW) and 4-H STEM YOUniversity commitment in offering the Underwater Robotics Project came to fruition. A hybrid delivery of the project was implemented and several counties participated: Maricopa, Pinal and Cochise. It was a wonderful experience learning many new STEM concepts and the opportunity to work with others both in person and online. Many thanks to Maricopa County for hosting the final competition and to everyone who made this possible including the youth who did not give up an to the parents who supported their child in the project!

Project Overview

Are you a 6th-12th grade student not only interested in learning about STEM and also ready to take on a leadership and civic engagement role in your community by sharing what you have learned with peers and younger youth? Become a STEM Ambassador, receive training in STEM activities, leadership and civic engagement and make a difference in your community! The STEM Ambassador Project is STEM Leadership through Community Outreach. STEM Ambassadors will learn new STEM activities, leadership and community outreach engagement skills. Become a STEM ambassador and share your STEM skills and enthusiasm with others throughout your county and community. STEM Ambassadors will attend zoom meetings, training sessions and team building activities along with other STEM Ambassadors from counties and Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program (FRTEP) across the state.

Previous Years

2022-2023 Highlights

The Third year STEM Ambassador Project recruited teens from the Tech Changemakers and the Space Mission Command Project.

2021-2022 Highlights

The Second year STEM Ambassador Project recruited teens from the Tech Change Makers Project.

2020-2021 Highlights

This was the First year of the STEM Ambassador Project launched in conjunction with the Ag Innovators Experience (AIE) project. Ambassadors received training on building leadership and civic engagement skills as well as focussed on the AIE curriculum "Curbing our Carbon Appetite Challenge". STEM Ambassadors participated in a series of four workshop sessions via zoom on Saturdays. Once STEM Ambassadors were trained they coordinated with county 4-H Agents to deliver one-hour presentations on AIE "Curbing Our Carbon Footprint" curriculum in their county/communities.

Project Overview

Are you interested in learning how solar and wind energy work? Would you like to learn about circuitry and the engineering design process while working with peers either virtually or in small groups? If so, the Greenhouse Sustainable Energy Engineering Design (SEED) Project is for you! Participate in this hands-on problem based learning (PBL) project that takes you to a new level of understanding math, 3D modeling, engineering and architectural design, how solar, wind, hydro sustainable energy works and much more, while building your own model scale greenhouse. The Greenhouse (SEED) Project is a multidisciplinary project that integrates the: social and cultural perspectives and experiences of students; Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM); and the engineering design to build a Sustainable green energy greenhouse through a hands-on problem based learning approach. The curriculum has several modules that take students through 60-hours, 10-weeks journey of self exploration in building a model scale greenhouse and then recreating it with new ideas based on what they learned through the hands-on experiences on 3D modeling, architectural and engineering design, circuitry, solar, wind and hydro sustainable-green energies and much more while working collaboratively in person in at your school, club or youth center. This project is truly an experience like no other! The 4-H STEM YOUniversity Program is expanding it's STEM projects statewide and bringing the Greenhouse (SEED) Project to all 15 counties and the 5 Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Programs (FRTEP) in Arizona. Expanding the Greenhouse SEED project across the state has been possible with the financial support of the AZ 4-H Youth Foundation. 

Previous Projects

2022 Highlights

Arizona 4-H STEM YOUniversity is excited to offer the Greenhouse Sustainable Energy Engineering Design (SEED) Project, from August through October 2022.

2021 Spring Highlights

We had a fantastic spring semester implementing the semester long Greenhouse SEED Project.

2018 Summer Highlights

STEM RISE Arizona a project funded by the Agnese Nelms Haury Challenge Grant in Social and Environmental Justice impacted 232 Southern Arizona Native American and Hispanic Youth. This project is an example of Haury Program value’s in building university – community partnerships to address wicked social and environmental challenges. This collaborative partnership included San Xavier District Education Department of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Education Department, Sunnyside Unified School District, Tucson Unified School District, Baboquivari Unified School District, Indigenous Strategies Inc. and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The overall program had several goals that were achieved: 1) professional development workshops in project-based learning, culturally relevant, greenhouse and garden, wind and solar energy STEM curriculum were given to 10 teachers, 6 paraprofessionals and 12 undergraduate students; 2) seven 3-wk summer camps for elementary students at San Xavier Education Department, Lawrence School and Indian Oasis Intermediate were implemented; 3) five 5-wk summer camps, two at Sunnyside High School and Pueblo High School for middle and high school students and one at Lawrence for middle school students were implemented; 4) field trips to the UA for the 5-wk program students to participate in STEM activities from the Indians Into Medicine Program, Southwest Environmental Health Science Center and School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a ENR2 tour were provided; 5) a new San Xavier Co-op Farm 4-H was developed and STEM activities with the San Xavier Voices of our Youth (VOY) program were given. The achievement of these project goals began the process of encouraging, transforming and empowering our Native American and Hispanic youth to excel in high school and plan to attend the University of Arizona to pursue STEM related fields. The 5-wk and 3-wk 2018 STEM RISE Arizona summer of Solarpunk ended with students, parents, community members and staff celebrating the collaborative student greenhouse and garden projects by hosting student showcase and recognition events, where 255 family and community members had an opportunity to see and hear students present posters and projects.

Project Overview

Are you a 6th-12th grade student interested in doing community service and learning about technology literacy? Would you like to take on leadership roles in your community by teaching to adults digital skills? Then become a 4-H Tech Changemaker!

The 4-H Tech Changemakers program empowers young people to close the digital divide and provides#Opportunity4All people in their communities by providing the education and tools they need to teach "teens as teachers" digital skills to adults in their communities. Over 24 million people in the U.S. lack high-speed internet access, and many more don't have the skills needed to take full advantage of online resources.  The combination of inadequate internet access and limited digital skills has created a digital divide, impacting future opportunities for young people and adults. Inequitable access to reliable Internet connectivity and a lack of digital skills are contributing to a growing opportunity gap in areas like education, employment, healthcare, social fulfillment and entrepreneurship, with rural communities and communities of color being most affected.

National 4-H Console addresses the digital gap with the tech change makers program, empowering teens to lead digital skills training for adults in their community. The Tech Changemakers program enables teens and adults to take control of digital literacy and economic prosperity in their communities by executing the following 6-steps:

1. Form your 4-H Tech Changemakers Team

2. Foundational Knowledge and Teamwork

3. Research the Digital needs in your Community

4. Attend 7-scheduled training workshops to prepare to lead workshops in your county

5. Host workshop sessions virtually, in-person or hybrid. Goal each team reaches 150 adults

6. Reflect and share your successes (Student Showcase and closing ceremony)

4-H Tech Changemakers uses the "teens as teachers" model for experiential learning by putting teens at the forefront of increasing digital inclusion in their communities through collaboration with corporate partners, local elected officials, nonprofits, educators and businesses. These teen leaders – tech-savvy and community-oriented young people are 4-H Tech Changemakers – explore the impact of the digital divide in their communities, learn high value digital skills, and provide adults in underserved populations with the tools to find additional opportunities for employment through expanded access to digital skills training. 4-H Tech Changemakers program positively impacts communities – both by helping adults find greater opportunities for employment, as well as by empowering teens with employability and leadership skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

What is the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience Project

National 4‑H Council and Bayer Extend Science Matters Partnership to Build Future Leaders in Agri-Science. In order to help accelerate the skills needed to secure the future of food and agriculture, National 4‑H Council and Bayer have announced a multi-million, multi-year commitment to expand the reach and impact of the Science Matters initiative. Leveraging Bayer’s more than 150 years of scientific innovations and 4‑H’s century of hands-on learning, Science Matters will reach more than a million young people over the next five years with the tools and support they need to deepen their understanding of agri-science topics. For more information on National 4-H Council and Bayer Extend Science Matters Partnership, another great site for information on 4-H and Bayer.

Bayer Science Matters Three Year Overview

4-H Bayer STEM Infographic

Previous Ag Innovators Experience

4-H Ag Innovators Experience 2022

We are looking forward to the 2022 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (AIE) to be announced December 2021. We hope AZ 4-H will be selected as one of seven states to implement the 2022 AIE. We will keep you updated. If we are not fortunate to be selected we plan to offer the 2021 "Curbing our Carbon Appetite" AIE so if you are interested in learning about the importance of a healthy Sustainable food supply to feed a growing world? Do you enjoy hands-on activities while learning about climate change? And are you ready to share what you have learned with others as a leader through community service and civic engagement? Then this project is right for you! 

4-H Ag Innovators Experience 2021

Only 20 youth Team Leaders (STEM Ambassadors) will be selected for this opportunity!

  • 3 of the 20 Team Leaders (STEM Ambassadors) will be selected as the State Leadership Team to attend a Virtual Ag Innovators Experience on February 5-6, 2021.
  • Friday Feb. 5 from 4-7:30pm
  • Saturday Feb. 6 from 8-6pm (with breaks and lunch time)
  • The 3 State Team Leaders and 2 adults will then train the remaining 17 (STEM Ambassadors ) during 4 training sessions scheduled for February 20, March 6, March 20 and April 3, 2021 from 9am-1pm.

Highlights of the program

  • 4-H Ag Innovators Experience 2021 "Curbing Our Carbon Appetite Challenge" kits and an iPad for recording, attending zoom meetings and delivering the STEM activities will be sent to ALL Team Leaders/STEM Ambassadors to conduct outreach in their communities.
  • Each STEM Ambassadors will be responsible for delivering the curriculum to 50 underserved, urban/rural youth with a disconnect to agriculture in grades 3-8 in their communities by July 10.
  • Delivery modes can include classrooms, summer camps, 4-H clubs, summer reading programs, afterschool programs, homeschool groups or special events. Delivery modes may be virtual or face to face as allowed by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension phased re-entry and school district guidelines. 
  • Together, the 20 STEM Ambassadors will reach 1,000 youth statewide through the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (AIE).

The 4-H AIE is a series of interactive, hands-on activities that help youth understand why everyone has a role to play in addressing climate change. Participants will learn how human activity burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, soil mismanagement, and unwise food systems are increasing atmospheric carbon and contributing to climate change. The activity leads them through an exploration of actions that three carbon influencer groups: agriculture, business and industry, and individuals and families can take to reduce atmospheric carbon. 

During this experience, youth trace the flow of carbon through the carbon cycle and relate human activity to increases in atmospheric carbon that contribute to climate change. They will demonstrate the effects of increasing or decreasing atmospheric carbon levels on temperature by constructing and measuring the temperatures of atmospheric models. They will then analyze the carbon footprints of foods and complete a carbon-friendly lunch challenge in which they plan a carbon-friendly meal by selecting food items with low carbon footprints. To extend the learning process, youth receive continuing activities to be completed at home.

This challenge is designed to be an engaging 60-minute activity for 3rd – 8th grade youth providing teaching opportunities for older youth and community partners. This activity can be delivered in-person or virtually via multiple 4-H delivery modes that include: summer camps, 4-H club meetings, summer reading programs, afterschool programming, special events and school collaborations with the activities intentionally aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

What is the 4-H STEM Challenge?

Since 2008, 4-H STEM Challenge, formerly known as National Youth Science Day (NYSD), has been the premier nationally rallying event for year-round 4-H science programming, brining together youth, volunteers and educators from all over the country to complete hands-on STEM activities. For more information go to 4-H STEM Challenge.

Previous STEM Challenges

2021 4-H STEM Challenge: Galactic Quest

Kids learn foundational STEM skills while they wrestle with the same questions as today’s top aerospace scientists and engineers! Activities can be done all at once or individually, making it great for classrooms, after-school programs, clubs, parents, and more. The following is a list of the activities in the kit:

Astro Adventure
This unplugged board game promotes teamwork as kids gather the resources needed to live and work in deep space.

Stellar Optics
In this offline activity, kids build a telescope and learn about physics and light and how telescopes have been used to explore space. 

Cosmic Claw
Kids work hands-on to engineer a mechanical arm that works to harvest crops in space.

Cyber Satellite
In this computer science activity, kids learn about cyber security and decoding to stay safe from obstacles in orbit.

Mars Base Camp 2020

Be the first to set up camp on Mars! Accept the mission and challenge your STEM skills!

The race to land humans on Mars is on! The 2020 4‑H STEM Challenge will explore sending a mission to Mars with the activity, Mars Base Camp. Developed by Google and Virginia Cooperative Extension, Mars Base Camp is a collection of activities that teaches kids ages 8-14 STEM skills like mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, and agriculture.

Supported by national partners—Bayer, Toyota, and U.S. Air Force—Mars Base Camp is the perfect topic to empower young people to explore a wide range of subject areas in an exciting thematic package, one that allows kids to think about the same problems that today’s top scientists and engineers are working on right now.

Featuring four hands-on activities that can be enjoyed with or without internet access and individually or all together, the challenge teaches kids STEM skills like mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, and agriculture.

  • Landing Zone Surveyor is an unplugged activity where kids will attempt to land on Mars and discover features that are important for setting up a base camp.
  • Red Planet Odyssey is an unplugged activity where kids will use engineering skills to build a vehicle that can explore the surface of Mars.
  • Crop Curiosity is an unplugged activity where kids will learn about biology, environmental science, and agriculture to grow nutritionally efficient food on Mars.
  • Insight from Mars is an activity that can be done unplugged or online that teaches kids to code and share a discovery they made on Mars using CS First and Scratch.

Project Overview

Are you a 6th-12th grade student not only interested in learning about Ag, Animal Science, and Veterinary and also ready to take on a leadership and civic engagement role in your community by sharing what you have learned with peers and younger youth? Become an Ag Ambassador, receive training in Ag activities, leadership and civic engagement and make a difference in your community! The Ag Ambassador Project is Ag Leadership through Community Outreach. Ag Ambassadors will learn new Ag activities, leadership and community outreach engagement skills. Become a Ag Ambassador and share your Ag skills and enthusiasm with others throughout your county and community. Ag Ambassadors will attend zoom meetings, training sessions and team building activities along with other Ag Ambassadors from counties and Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program (FRTEP) across the state.

Overview

Arizona’s 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Program aims to provide:

  • Hands-on problem-based learning activities that foster a collaborative inclusive nurturing environment for youth to thrive and explore STEM.
  • Collaborations with the 4-H state office leadership, County 4-H Agents/Coordinators, 4-H STEM Leaders/Volunteers, School Teachers, and or AmeriCorps members
  • Unique opportunities for youth from across the state to discover STEM in meaningful culturally relevant engaging hands-on problem-based learning STEM activities that promote team building, communication skills, and cultivate confidence in our youth. 
  • Encouragement and inspiration to our diverse youth to pursue STEM careers they find fulfilling while at the same time contributing to Arizona’s and America's STEM workforce.

Areas offering 4-H STEM University Projects

Cochise

Haley Chappell, Assistant 4-H Agent in Cochise County..... For more information, contact Haley Chappelle.

Gila

Thuy Mai Talgo-Bishop, Program Coordinator for the 4-H Youth Development, and Renee Carsten, Gila County Director and Assistant Agent in Gila County...... For more information, contact Thuy and/or Renee.

Greenlee

Kimberly R. Johnson, Instructional Specialist Sr. - STEM, and Ashley JS Menges, Assistant Agent and 4-H Youth Development, in Greenlee County..... For more information, contact Ashely JS Menges and/or Kimberly.

Hopi Tribe

Susan Sekaquaptewa, Assistant Agent, and Yvonne Kaye, Extension Program assistant, in Hopi Tribe County..... For more information, contact Susan and/or Yvonne.

Maricopa

Caroline Werkhoven, Assistant Agent and 4-H Youth Development, and Valerie Gabrielson, Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development, in Maricopa County...... For more information, contact Caroline Werkhoven.

Pinal

Ester Turner, Associate Agent, 4-H Youth Development, and Kyle Treadway, Assistant Agent in Pinal County...... For more information, contact Ester Turner.

Santa Cruz

Norma Elisa Ruiz, Assistant 4-H Agent in Santa Cruz County....... For more information, contact Norma Elise Ruiz.

San Carlos Apache Tribe

Juan Arias, Assistant Agent in the Tribal Programs FRTEP, and Hubert Thomas, Extension Assistant Agent, are agents in the San Carlos Apache Tribe...... For more information, contact Juan and/or Hubert.

Instructional Team

Dr. Gerardo "Jerry" U. Lopez, MAT, MEd, PhD, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist STEM, Food Safety, and Environmental Microbiology is.......

Underwater Robotics Project

Elizabeth "Betsy" Wilkening is the instructor of the Underwater Robotics Project. Betsy is a learner, engineer, educator, environmentalist, volunteer, wife, mom, and activist. Her career has spanned jobs in industry, preK-12 classroom teaching, teacher professional development, outreach education, and community engagement. As a teacher, she had the opportunity to work and visit the Arctic, which led to her becoming a founding member and now president of Polar Educators International. Betsy is a 5th generation Arizonan whose ancestors first occupied lands of the Tohono O’odham and Yaqui people in Tucson under the Mexican flag. She loves introducing engineering to students, and ROVs are so much fun!

For more information contact Betsy at ewilkening1@arizona.edu.

XR Farming System Project

Andrés "Andie" Astra is the instructor of the XR Farming System Project. Andie is holding a Master of Arts in Art and Visual Culture Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration and Graphic Design from the University of Arizona, Andrés seamlessly integrates creativity with analytical rigor. As a Technology Consultant at the Arizona 4-H State Office and Instructional Tech Coordinator at the College of Education, he excels in deploying state-of-the-art instructional technologies and optimizing learning management systems. In the 4-H STEM YOUniversity program, Andrés plays a pivotal role in shaping curriculum content, leveraging his expertise in cross-reality (XR) teaching. Through his courses, he fosters tactile integration by seamlessly blending 4-H's hands-on learning approach with cutting-edge digital tools. Andrés employs data-driven insights to refine hybrid and asynchronous learning programs, ensuring an enriching educational experience that marries innovation and practical, hands-on learning. In his downtime, Andrés caters to his three rabbits and gardens.

For more information, contact Andie at andieroid@arizona.edu.

Lego Robotics Project

Tim "Timinator" Lonchar is the instructor for the Lego Robotics Project. Tim graduated from The Ohio State University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a Computer Science option. He headed out to Arizona to work for the Intel Corporation for 32 years in the field of Quality & Reliability Engineering. Tim has been an active 4-H Shooting Sports leader in Maricopa County for over 15 years and for the past several years, he has been a 4-H instructor in Robotics, Computer Science, and Electricity supporting both Maricopa County 4-H and AZ 4-H STEM YOUniversity. His robot call sign is the "Timinator"!! Tim loves teaching and developing courses in LEGO Robotics for youth and adults too! 

For more information, contact Tim at tlonchar@arizona.edu.

Greenhouse Sustainability Energy Engineering Design (SEED) Project

Jose D. Fonseca is the instructor for the Greenhouse SEED Project. Jose serves as a mathematics instructor in the Mathematics Department at the University of Arizona. Originally from Sonora, Mexico, he relocated to the University of Arizona in 1993, obtaining his Master’s Degree in 1995 with a specialization in Multicultural Math Education. With a background in Civil Engineering and Architectural Drafting, his educational journey also includes earning a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in teaching methods from La Universidad de Guerrero, Mexico. Over the last six years, Jose has contributed to the 4-H program, focusing on developing STEM curriculums such as Greenhouse Engineering Design & Sustainable Energy and Space Shuttle Exploration (Rocket Project). He emphasizes that mathematics is a significant academic challenge and a potential barrier to college entry, particularly for minority groups. Jose contends that learning math through STEM projects provides valuable real-world context and applications, fostering an environment of "learning by doing".

For more information, contact Jose at jfonseca@math.arizona.edu.