Science
Science is a part of everything we do, whether it is taking to the sky with drones, raising a calf, programming a robot, or even baking a loaf of bread. Arkansas 4-H strives to provide the best research based Science project materials for our agents, volunteers, and 4-H youth to bring into their community. 4‑H STEM programs provide 4‑H youth the opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through fun, hands-on activities and projects.
New in Arkansas 4-H Science!
Arkansas 4-H is proud to announce a new series for STEM with Snacks & Science. Join
Lori Canada for Zoom sessions to have some fun and enjoy some science fun. Grab a
snack and learn things from living on Mars to coding computer animations.
Be sure to check out the National 4-H STEM Challenge Mars Base Camp. Family & educator kits are available for purchase at Shop 4-H. Get your kit today and join the fun! Lori Canada, STEM Specialist, will be hosting weekly Zoom meetings in October of 2020 for each activity! Registation link below. Find out more information about the activities below.
Upcoming Schedule
September 29 - Science Fun with Physics
October 6 - Mars Base Camp #1 Landing Zone
October 13 - Mars Base Camp #2 Red Planet Odyssey
October 20 - Mars Base Camp #3 Crop Curiosity
October 27 - Mars Base Camp #4 Insight from Mars
What can kids learn?
Arkansas leads the nation when it comes to agriculture and row crop sciences. 4-H youth can explore everything involved from the soil up that contributes to the success of agriculture in Arkansas.
When people think of 4-H, Animal sciences and projects are the first thing that comes to mind. From Beef to Swine, 4-H youth are constantly showing their science skills when working with Animal Science projects.
People have lived in Arkansas long before 4-H was established. 4-H youth are encouraged to explore their past using archeological sciences that stress the importance of careful documentation and protection of our historical artifacts.
Some fun activities to use in your clubs:
The world is ever changing, and through participation in Environmental Sciences, our 4-H youth are encouraged to examine the role they play in maintaining our planet for future generations.
Computers and robotics are all around us, from vacuuming our homes to building our cars, modern society is dependent on robotics and computer sciences. 4-H youth have the opportunity to build their programming skills, building talents, and communication skills while delving into this technology themed program.
Science Projects
This year the 4-H STEM Challenge (formerly known as National Youth Science Day) is Mars Base Camp. The kits are available for purchase on . NEW THIS YEAR is a family kit that has materials for 1-4 youth. Educator kits are also available.
Four hands-on activities are included in this kit and can be used with or without internet access. The challenge teaches STEM skills such as mechanical engineering, physics, computer science and agriculture.
- 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 that made on mars using CS First and Scratch.
Enjoy a day of Space activities to celebrate NASA Day. Activities include information about stars, rocketry, and careers. Click here for more information and links to lessons and activity descriptions.
- Recycled Parts Robot - find the video and directions for creating your own recycled parts robot! Post your robot on social media, tag @arkansas4h & use #AR4H
- Pollution Demonstration using the story of Freddie the Fish! To create your own Freddie the Fish story, use this script or come up with your own - get creative! Find the script here.
- Composting - watch this video for a super quick tutorial on starting a compost pile or bucket for your family and for more, in-depth information on composting, please check this out!
- Earth Day Jar Herb Garden - this is an easy & fun Earth Day activity; it includes recycling a jar & planting some seeds! Find details about starting a Jar Herb Garden here!
- Reading The Lorax by Dr. Seuss! - this story moment is a good wrap-up to Earth Week & a reminder of how important it is to take care of Mother Earth!
Projects in this area include:
- Archeology
- Biology & Chemistry
- Climate
- Energy & Electricity
- Entomology
- Environmental
- Forage & Grasslands
- Forestry
- Water, Wildlife, & Fisheries
Projects in this area include:
- Computer Science & Coding
- Mechanical Sciences (automotive, welding, tractor)
- Robotics, Rocketry, & Aerospace
- Photography & Videography
STEM Kits
The Arkansas 4-H State Office has a collection of STEM equipment available to check through your local county extension office. Please contact your local office for the availability of the equipment in order to make use of these resources in your clubs.
- Binoculars
- Cameras (digital point & shoot & DSLR)
- Cubelets (basic coding blocks)
- DNA Kit
- Drone Discovery (NYSD 2016)
- Ecobots (NYSD 2012)
- Enviroscape
- GPS Units
- Helpful Hydrogels (NYSD 2008)
- Lego Mindstorm EV3 Kits
- Ozobots
- Rockets to the Rescue (NYSD 2014)
- Snap Circuits
- Solar Cars
- Spheros
- Vet Science Anatomy
- Wind Turbines
- Wired for Wind (NYSD 2011)
