4‑H STEM Challenge
The 4‑H STEM Challenge, formerly known as 4‑H National Youth Science Day (4‑H NYSD), is an annual initiative to inspire kids everywhere to take an interest in science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on learning. For the past 12 years, 4‑H has developed challenges that shows kids how STEM skills can be applied to the world around them.
The 4‑H STEM Challenge includes hands-on activities that allow educators and parents across the country to make STEM learning fun and accessible for all kids.
Mars Base Camp
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.
View FAQS about this year’s challenge or explore past 4‑H STEM Challenge (formerly 4‑H NYSD) ACTIVITIES.
How to Participate
This year, 4‑H will be offering two different sized Mars Base Camp kits to ensure young people everywhere, regardless of internet access or family resources, can participate:
- Educator Kit: Includes materials for 12 youth to participate in the STEM Challenge at the same time. Kits can be used in spaces where physical distancing and other safety precautions can be followed.
- Family-sized Kit: Includes materials for 1-4 youth to participate in the STEM Challenge at the same time, enabling families to participate from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Kits will be available for purchase in mid-July. Check back soon for more information!
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4‑H STEM Challenge
We know you may have questions about the name change from 4‑H National Youth Science Day (4‑H NYSD) to 4‑H STEM Challenge or what this year’s challenge is all about, and we’re here to answer them!
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions below, as well as a downloadable one pager with more explanation on the name change that you can print and share with others.
FAQs
Why is National Youth Science Day (NYSD) changing to 4‑H STEM Challenge?
National 4‑H Council consulted with Extension professionals, volunteers, 4‑H’ers and partners on ways to improve the NYSD experience. One of the most important things we heard is that National Youth Science Day has evolved to explore topics beyond just science, and that you’re using challenge kits throughout the year in 4‑H clubs, classrooms, camps and after school settings nationwide.
That’s why we’re excited to roll out a new name: the 4‑H STEM Challenge. It’s a name that better reflects the spirit of the program and allows us to continue making improvements that enable you to reach more kids, plan events more easily and showcase the impact of your STEM programs year-round.
What else is changing?
Aside from continual improvements to enhance the user experience, the name is the most important change you’ll notice to the program this year. Everything you loved about National Youth Science Day will carry forward to the 4‑H STEM Challenge.
What is this year’s challenge theme?
The 2020 4‑H STEM Challenge will explore the theme of sending a manned mission to Mars. The challenge activities will cover many aspects of such a mission – landing on Mars, exploring the surface of the planet and supporting human life on Mars. Kids will learn concepts ranging from computer science to geology, space agriculture, and more!
Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about this year’s challenge and be the first to know when kits go on sale!
Who is developing this year’s 4‑H STEM Challenge?
National 4‑H Council has selected Virginia Cooperative Extension to be our partner in developing the 2020 4‑H STEM Challenge. As authors of peer-reviewed curricula on the topic of Mars exploration and frequent collaborators with NASA, the team from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University is an ideal partner to develop the 2020 4‑H STEM Challenge. Google is the Signature Partner for the 2020 STEM Challenge and will support Virginia Cooperative Extension and National 4‑H Council in the development of the challenge activities.
How will the 4‑H STEM Challenge be showcased across the country?
Yes! October is officially 4‑H STEM Month. Of course, you may complete the 4‑H STEM Challenge any time of the year– and we encourage you to do so – but 4‑H STEM Month allows kids and educators across the country to create a national moment to shine a spotlight on 4‑H STEM.
How do I participate in 4‑H STEM Month?
Think of the 4‑H STEM Challenge and 4‑H STEM Month as the ultimate way to grow the reach of 4‑H in your community, while simultaneously introducing kids to fun STEM topics. Throughout the month, educators, volunteers and teen leaders will plan events, engage community partners, pitch local media and share their stories to create a national movement that helps grow the footprint of 4‑H STEM.
Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about 4‑H STEM Month and ways to get involved.
What activities are included in the Mars Base Camp challenge?
Mars Base Camp will explore sending a mission to Mars and what it takes to sustain human life in space. Both educator and family-sized kits will include four activities:
- 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.
Past Challenges
4‑H STEM Challenge, formerly known as 4‑H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) is 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.
Support the FOURWARD Fund
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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.