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Power up afterschool learning with the 4-H STEM Challenge

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Power up afterschool learning with the 4-H STEM Challenge

By Michael Compton, STEM Integrated Marketing Manager at National 4-H Council.

The acronym STEM refers to the four disciplines of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. STEM is a popular content area to engage young people in exciting, engaging, hands-on learning experiences that increase 21st-century skills and ignite “sparks.”

Research suggests that using STEM content in afterschool learning settings can help young people increase their interest in STEM topics, improve relationships, enhance critical thinking skills, and discover career options. A great way to engage kids in STEM is with the National 4-H Council's 2023 4-H STEM Challenge, Power Protectors.

In a recent national survey, 84 percent of teens feel that issues connected to climate are among the most urgent issues they face. With this in mind, the activities in the 2023 Power Protectors challenge kit were designed to help young people explore the world of renewable energy and take action to make a difference in their communities.

The Power Protectors challenge kit consists of three easy-to-use activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards that can be completed in groups or individually. The kit activities can foster afterschool STEM learning in the following ways:

  • Superhero Hideout. Introduces youth to renewable energy concepts, helps them assess their energy usage, and encourages them to get creative while designing an electrifying Power Protector hideout on their super” home, Energy Island.
  • Amped Up Engineering. Youth use the Engineering Design Process to design and build a model of a sustainable energy source to power their Superhero Hideout and help Energy Island to survive, sustain, and thrive!
  • Energy Island Adventure. Playing this collaborative board game, youth make decisions and use critical thinking skills to help Energy Island by using sun, wind, and water energy sources to save the day!

The 2023 Power Protectors kit is the perfect way to get young people excited about STEM and have a fun learning experience. Get a kit and be a part of it!

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BY: Guest Blogger      03/04/24

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Power up afterschool learning with the 4-H STEM Challenge

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