Science

STEM

Science

Science is a part of everything we do, whether it is taking to the sky with drones, raising a calf, programming a robot, or even baking a loaf of bread.  Arkansas 4-H strives to provide the best research based Science project materials for our agents, volunteers, and 4-H youth to bring into their community.  4‑H STEM programs provide 4‑H youth the opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through fun, hands-on activities and projects.

 

Tech Changemakers

 

Tech Changemakers

Empower the Future with the 4-H Tech Changemakers Program!

The 4-H Tech Changemakers program empowers youth to help bridge the digital divide and provide valuable STEM lessons in their communities and schools. With the support of Arkansas 4-H, our team members receive the education and tools they need to teach essential digital skills to children and adults alike.

Join Us!

· Over 25 counties and 80 team members are already making a difference.

· Help provide digital skills to those who need them most.

· Get trained to lead lessons and make a lasting impact in your community.

 

Request a Lesson or Join the Team: Contact Cindy Dabbs Phillips

Email: cdphillips@uada.edu Phone: 870-672-2972

Once a Changemaker, Always a Changemaker!

 

Computer Science

Arkansas 4-H has created a series of 6 computer science activities to learn about basic concepts of coding, artificial intelligence, and more. These activities are easy for volunteers, parents, or clubs to implement with or without computer science experience. These activities will not only teach computer science ideas, but also build confidence and teach skills relevant across fields from agriculture to technology to the arts. Check out our Computer Science page for more information about each of the activities. 

 

SeaPerch ChallengeSeaPerch Logo

SeaPerch is an engineering design program where teams design, build, and utilize an underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV) to complete obstacle and challenge courses. For more information, check out our SeaPerch page or contact your local county extension office. The state challenge is held each spring to qualify for the International SeaPerch Challenge.

What can kids learn?

Arkansas leads the nation when it comes to agriculture and row crop sciences.  4-H youth can explore everything involved from the soil up that contributes to the success of agriculture in Arkansas.

When people think of 4-H, Animal sciences and projects are the first thing that comes to mind.  From Beef to Swine, 4-H youth are constantly showing their science skills when working with Animal Science projects.

Livestock

Vet Science

Wildlife

People have lived in Arkansas long before 4-H was established.  4-H youth are encouraged to explore their past using archeological sciences that stress the importance of careful documentation and protection of our historical artifacts.

Some fun activities to use in your clubs:

The world is ever changing, and through participation in Environmental Sciences, our 4-H youth are encouraged to examine the role they play in maintaining our planet for future generations.

Computers and robotics are all around us, from vacuuming our homes to building our cars, modern society is dependent on robotics and computer sciences.  4-H youth have the opportunity to build their programming skills, building talents, and communication skills while delving into this technology themed program.

Engineering and Technology

Arkansas 4-H SeaPerch Challenge

Science Projects

This year, the 4-H STEM Challenge is "Food for Thought."  Food for Thought is a collection of three engaging activities that equip kids with fundamental knowledge of factors that contribute to Food Security, how people are impacted both globally and locally, and how youth can personally contribute to creating a more food sec

ure community. Food for Thought is ideal for youth ages 8-14 to spark an interest in STEM and inspire real-world actions to help build food security on an individual and community basis. Each kit contains enough supplies for 6 youth and most supplies are reusable. These activities are highly adaptable for afterschool programs, 4-H clubs, classrooms, home use and more.

The activities included are:

Food Fighters - This collaborative board game gamifies learning about the global food supply chain. Students work together to secure their town's food supply, making strategic decisions and building teamwork skills.

Chew on This - This entrepreneurial challenge encourages students to think critically about food waste reduction. By brainstorming innovative uses for food scraps, students develop problem-solving and design thinking skills.

Know to Grow - This hands-on engineering activity introduces students to plant science and controlled environment agriculture. Students design and build efficient growing environments, fostering an understanding of plant cultivation and its role in food security.

4-H STEM CHallenge website

Projects in this area include: 

  • Archeology
  • Biology & Chemistry
  • Climate
  • Energy & Electricity
  • Entomology
  • Environmental
  • Forage & Grasslands
  • Forestry
  • Water, Wildlife, & Fisheries

Projects in this area include: 

  • Computer Science & Coding
  • Mechanical Sciences (automotive, welding, tractor)
  • Robotics, Rocketry, & Aerospace
  • Photography & Videography

STEM Kits

The Arkansas 4-H State Office has a collection of STEM equipment available to check through your local county extension office. You can check out kits from one of 5 locations across the list. Please contact your local office for the availability of the equipment in order to make use of these resources in your clubs. Please see the list below to what is available in each location.

This is a complete list of all the available STEM kits. Each location will have different kits available. 

  • 3D Printers
  • 4-H Breakout Bag
  • Archeology - Atlatls
  • Archeology - Pottery Reconstruction
  • Archeology - Project Archeology
  • Archeology - Finding Shelter
  • Aviation - Indoor & Outdoor obstacle courses
  • Binoculars & Astronomy
  • Cameras (Canon Rebel DSLR)
  • CSI: Clover Science Investigation 
  • Code Your World (4-H STEM Challenge 2018)
  • Cubelets  (basic coding blocks)
  • DNA Kit (On the STEM trailer)
  • Drone Discovery (NYSD 2016)
  • Drones 
  • Ecobots (NYSD 2012)
  • Entomology Kits
  • Enviroscape
  • Fishing Kit
  • Forestry Equipment
  • Forestry Tree Cookies
  • Galactic Quest (4-H STEM Challenge 2021)
  • Game Changers (4-H STEM Challenge 2019)
  • Geology Kit
  • GPS & Compass Kit
  • Ground Water Simulation
  • Helpful Hydrogels (NYSD 2008)
  • Internal Combustion Engin
  • Lego Mindstorm EV3 Kits & Challenge Map
  • Mars Base Camp (4-H STEM Challenge 2020)
  • Maps & Apps (NYSD 2013)
  • Motion Commotion (NYSD)
  • Mouse Trap Cars
  • Ozobots
  • Outdoor Skills
  • Plant Model & Plant Press
  • Pollinators (Honey Bee Challenge & Monarchs on the Move)
  • Pollinator Education Materials: Elementary Education, Hive, Bee-ology
  • Project WILD Toolkit
  • Rockets: Air Pressure Launcher
  • Rockets: Film Canister Rockets & PVC Launchers for Stomp Rockets
  • Rockets to the Rescue (NYSD 2014)
  • Soils
  • Snap Circuits
  • Solar Cars
  • Solar Oven
  • Snap Circuits
  • Sphero (Coding) 
  • Tech Xcite Curriculum Kits: Bionic Arm, Cooking with the Sun (Solar Oven), Imaging the Human Body, Quest for Speed (Rubber Band Cars), Racing with the Sun (Solar Cars), Rainwater Harvesting, T.V. Remote
  • Tents
  • Vet Science Anatomy
  • Wind Turbines
  • Wired for Wind (NYSD 2011)

There are 5 locations that the 4-H STEM kits are housed.  Each location has different kits available dependent on the needs of the region. Kits will be rotated based on need throughout the year.

  • Central - Little Rock State Extension Office
  • Northwest Region - Franklin County Extension Office
  • Northeast Region - Craighead County Extension Office
  • Southeast Region - University of Arkansas in Monticello 
  • Southwest Region - Clark County Extension Office

Only extension employees are allowed to check out the STEM Kits. If you or your club would like to utilize any of these kits contact your local county extension office to request a kit for you.

 

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