4-H STEM CHALLENGE
The 2023 4-H STEM Challenge, Power Protectors kits are now available!
Developed by 4-H educators from Cornell University, University of Illinois, Utah State University and West Virginia University, Power Protectors is a collection of three activities that teach kids how to address real-world issues and explore careers in energy. The STEM Challenge kit is perfect for youth ages 8-14.
Buy your kits on Shop 4-H!
The Power Protectors STEM Challenge kit includes three activities designed for individuals or groups and are adaptable for after-school programs, 4-H clubs, classrooms, home use, and more!
- Superhero Hideout –  Kids will learn about renewable energy and design an electrifying Power Protector hideout!
- Amped Up Engineering – Acting as engineers, kids will design and build a model of a renewable energy source to help Energy Island survive and thrive!
- Energy Island Adventure – Playing this collaborative board game, kids work as a SUPER team using solar, wind and hydropower to save endangered Energy Island!
Energy Island Adventure Playthrough Video
Sponsored by West Virginia University Extension.
STEM Challenge webinar for educators
Learn about the challenge kit, the specific kit activities and how you can use the challenge to enhance your STEM programming.
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No endorsement by 4-H is implied or intended. 4-H is the youth development program for our nation’s Cooperative Extension system.
Power Protectors User Survey
Please provide feedback on your experience using the Power Protectors kit with young people.
Bonus CLOVER Activity - Be a Wind Warrior
Take a load off! As energy superheroes, you and your friends have just moved into the Superhero Hideout on Energy Island, but you have a problem! Your superhero supplies are too heavy to move up the stairs from the underground garage into the hideout. You need to create a new way to lift objects using the wind flowing through the nearby canyon. Are you up to the challenge?
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.
2022: Explorers of the DeepÂ
Designed by Rutgers University, Explorers of the Deep focuses on the mysteries and adventures of ocean exploration—with robots! Young people learn how to use Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to explore Earth’s Ocean and how it relates to all life on the planet.
2021: Galactic Quest
Designed by Clemson University, the 2021 4‑H STEM Challenge, Galactic Quest, focuses on important STEM topics ranging from physics and engineering to computer science and space agriculture. Galactic Quest explores the history of humans in space, the technology and resources needed for missions and the obstacles humans encounter in orbit.
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 young people ages 8-14 STEM skills like mechanical engineering, physics, computer science and agriculture.
