About the 2022 4‑H STEM Challenge
Designed by Rutgers University, Explorers of the Deep, focuses on the mysteries and adventures of ocean exploration—with robots! Ocean exploration helps scientists prepare for and adapt to changing ocean conditions. Many of these changes in ocean conditions are affecting the environment, such as melting glaciers, increasing ocean temperatures, declining fisheries and an increase in frequency and severity of storms. Since Earth is an ocean planet, these impacts affect humans and organisms all around the world, regardless of their proximity to the ocean.
The three activities develop observational and critical thinking skills while exploring the interconnected nature between the ocean and humans, regardless of where they live. Youth will learn about the incredibly complex relationship between Earth’s oceans and the global climate. According to a recent survey, 84 percent of teens would like to be involved with shaping the future of our environment and Explorers of the Deep can help empower young people to innovate and take action to drive positive change.
Explorers of the Deep
Kids learn foundational STEM skills while they wrestle with the same questions as today’s top oceanographers and scientists! Activities can be done all at once or individually, making it great for classrooms, afterschool programs, clubs, parents and more.
Ocean Robot Test Tank
Get your ocean robot ready for a research mission! Youth learn how to “ballast” their ocean robot by adding weights to create the sinking and floating behavior of a real ocean robot. They will investigate data collected by ocean robots and learn about the value of ocean exploration.
Ocean Expedition
Playing an ocean-inspired board game, youth navigate their ocean robot around the world while learning key ocean concepts such as aquaculture, climate change, technological innovation, human impact and the ocean ecosystem.
Ocean Communicator
Youth investigate challenges that ocean scientists, engineers and technologists are currently exploring. Each challenge requires innovations and technical solutions that inspire public action.
How to Participate
New this year is the ability to customize the base kit to include more participants or add extra supplies as needed. Purchase a kit from SHOP 4‑H that includes all the base materials needed to complete each activity at home or in a small group setting.
- Kit includes materials for 4-6 youth or more if rotating to participate in the offline activities at the same time.
- Additional supplies (youth guides, gliders, and board games) can be purchased to expand the number of youth a kit can serve at one time.
- Kits can be used in spaces where physical distancing can be observed.
2022 STEM Challenge kits can be ordered starting August 2.
Want to know as soon as the new kit is available? Sign up for STEM Challenge updates:
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Past Challenges
Since 2008, 4‑H STEM Challenge, formerly known as 4‑H National Youth Science Day (NYSD), has been the premier national rallying event for year-round 4‑H science programming, bringing together youth, volunteers and educators from all over the country to complete hands-on STEM activities.
2021: Galactic Quest
Designed by Clemson University, the 2021 4‑H STEM Challenge, Galactic Quest, focuses on the mysteries and adventures of space exploration.
Galactic Quest explores the history of humans in space, the technology and resources needed for missions, and the obstacles humans encounter in orbit. Activities explore important STEM topics ranging from physics and engineering to computer science and space agriculture.
Learn More
2020: Mars Base Camp
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.
Learn More
Talent is Everywhere. Opportunity is Not.
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4-H at Home
4‑H at Home provides hands-on, educational activities for kids and teens all year long. Get our latest 4‑H at Home Activity Guide, activities from 4‑H Land-Grant Universities, and more.
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