About the 2021 4‑H STEM Challenge
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.
Kids learn foundational STEM skills while they wrestle with the same questions as today’s top aerospace scientists and engineers! Activities can be done all at once or individually, making it great for classrooms, afterschool programs, clubs, parents and more.
Astro Adventure
This unplugged board game promotes teamwork as kids gather the resources needed to live and work in deep space.
Stellar Optics
In this offline activity, kids build a telescope and learn about physics and light and how telescopes have been used to explore space.
Cosmic Claw
Kids work hands-on to engineer a mechanical arm that works to harvest crops in space.
Cyber Satellite
In this computer science activity, kids learn about cyber security and decoding to stay safe from obstacles in orbit.
How to Participate
Below are a few ways to ensure young people everywhere can participate in the 2021 STEM Challenge.
- Educator Kit: Includes material for 12 youth to participate in the offline activities at the same time. Kits can be used in spaces where physical distancing can be followed.
- Family Sized Kit: Includes materials for 1-4 youth to participate in the offline activities at the same time from inside the home.
Receive a discount on each Galactic Quest kit ($5 off Educator kit, $3 off Family kit) thanks to the generous support of our 2021 signature partner, the United States Space Force! The discount will be applied automatically at checkout.
Note: Kits will ship on or before September 7th due to global production delays from COVID-19.
Purchase KitGalactic Quest Youth & Facilitator Guides
(VIDEO) Parent & Educator How-To Webinar
Galactic Quest Youth Guide
Galactic Quest Youth Guide - Spanish
Galactic Quest Facilitator Guide
Galactic Quest Facilitator Guide - Spanish
(VIDEO) How to Use Your 4‑H STEM Challenge Kit - Part 1 - Go on an Astro Adventure
(VIDEO) How to Use Your 4‑H STEM Challenge Kit - Part 2 - Go into Cipher Space!
(VIDEO) How to Use Your 4‑H STEM Challenge Kit - Part 3 - Explore the Cosmic Claw!
(VIDEO) How to Use Your 4‑H STEM Challenge Kit - Part 4 - Stellar Optics
Galactic Quest Promotional Toolkit - English Resources
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Galactic Quest Promotional Toolkit - Spanish Resources
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Educator Materials
Bayer Crop Sciences Sales Rep, Wyatt Jones, Discusses STEM in Agriculture
Bayer Crop Sciences Toxicologist, Kimberly Hodge-Bell, Talks About How & Why She Became a Scientist
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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.
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
2019: Game Changers
Designed by Google and West Virginia Extension service, Game Changers teaches kids ages 8-14 how to use computer science (CS) to create games, solve problems and engage with topics they’re passionate about.
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2018: Code Your World
Developed by Google and West Virginia University Extension Service, Code Your World includes a computer-based activity on Google’s CS First platform and three unplugged activities that bring coding to life through games and interaction.
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2017: Incredible Wearables
Developed by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Incredible Wearables is a fun way for kids to build wearable fitness trackers.
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2016: Drone Discovery
Drone Discovery was developed by Cornell University Cooperative Extension. It’s a hands-on engineering design challenge that explores the science behind drones and how they are being used to solve real world problems.
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2015: Motion Commotion
Developed by Oregon State University Cooperative Extension, Motion Commotion is a two-part experiment that investigates the physical and human factors of motion using toy cars to simulate a speeding car collision and distracted driving.
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2014: Rockets to the Rescue
The University of Arizona developed Rockets to the Rescue, which explores the field of aerospace engineering. Youth learn engineering concepts, develop math skills, learn about nutrition and help solve a relevant, global issue.
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2013: 4‑H Maps & Apps
With 4‑H Maps & Apps, young people become geospatial thinkers as they design and map their ideal park, use GIS mapping to solve community problems and contribute data about their community to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
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2012: Eco-Bot Challenge
In the 4‑H Eco-Bot Challenge, youth test the interaction between the Eco-Bot’s environmental engineering design features and various control surface configurations to determine the most effective environmental clean-up solution for a simulated toxic spill.
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2011: Wired for Wind
Wired for Wind explores how to engineer renewable energy technologies and the positive impact that they can have in communities across the country and the world.
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2010: 4‑H2O
4‑H2O is designed to engage youth in asking the question: Why is water quality important and why is it important to understand it now?
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2008: Helpful Hydrogels
In Helpful Hydrogels, youth explore a new superabsorbent polymer – called hydrogel – that can help with water conservation right in our own backyards.
Learn More
Talent is Everywhere. Opportunity is Not.
Donate to the FOURWARD Fund to help 4‑H provide equal #Opportunity4All kids, no matter their circumstances.
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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