Celebrating the 4-H STEM Challenge

By Kittrina Thompson, digital marketing manager for the National 4-H Council.

National 4-H Council recently re-introduced the annual STEM initiative (formerly 4-H National Youth Science Day) as the 4-H STEM Challenge, a new name that reflects the spirit of the program, reaches more kids, encourages easier event planning, and showcases the impact of STEM programs in communities year-round. Like past years, the STEM Challenge was developed to inspire kids everywhere to take an interest in STEM topics through hands-on learning!

Now, it’s time to celebrate! During October, 4-H will celebrate STEM through fun, engaging and educational content throughout the month. Here's what to expect:

Participate in the 4-H STEM Challenge

The 2020 Challenge, Mars Base Camp—designed by Google and Virginia Cooperative Extension—kids ages 8-14 will learn all about Mars and explore what it takes to send a mission to the red planet. The STEM Challenge Kit features a collection of activities that teaches STEM skills such as mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, and agriculture.

And don't worry, whether kids are learning in the classroom, online, or at home, the 2020 STEM Challenge is tailored to fit all their educational needs. Purchase your kit and find out how you can participate in and October and beyond.

Mark Your Calendars: Online STEM Events

We have some special guests lined up to share their expertise on all things STEM! Mark your calendars and tune into these upcoming live events on social media:

Mars Base Camp Trivia Challenge

• When: October 1, 12 PM ET
• Where: Facebook Live
• Description: Four 4-H'ers go head-to-head as they are quizzed on all things Mars. Play along to test your knowledge and get ready for a surprise celebrity host!

Ask a NASA Scientist

• When: October 14, 7 PM ET
• Where: Facebook Live
• Description: Join us for a virtual Q&A session with two members of NASA’s Mars Trek Systems team! They will be answering questions about Mars, space travel, and what it’s like working for NASA!

4 for 4: Andrew Bosworth

• When: October 20, 11 AM ET
• Where: Facebook, YouTube, IGTV, LinkedIn
• Description: In episode 10 of the interview series, get to know Andrew 'Boz' Bosworth, VP of Augmented and Virtual Reality at Facebook and a proud California 4-H alum, and learn about how his 4-H experience sparked his passion for STEM.

Careers in STEM Series

• When: Weekly
• Where: LinkedIn
• Description: Hear from four STEM professionals to learn about their careers and why they joined the STEM field.

STEM in the Community

We are excited to partner with several organizations to bring STEM learning to more kids and communities everywhere through additional 4-H STEM Challenge Kit distributions to communities and groups across the country: Afterschool Alliance, American Camp Association, American Library Association, First Book, Imagine Science, and NASA.

More STEM, All the Time

There's more than one way to celebrate and learn about STEM. Check out 4-H at Home for even more hands-on learning resources and activities available for all kids, all ages, everywhere!

No matter when or how you choose to celebrate, you can share your experience on social media using #4HSTEMChallenge! You can learn more about the 2020 4?H STEM Challenge by visiting 4?H.org/STEMChallenge.