Home » 4-H & Youth » Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Projects
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Projects
Additional Resources & Opportunities:
Explore the science of flight! Flying objects from kites to rockets have been studied for centuries. In this project, you will discover the science behind moving objects through the air.
- Beginner: Build a marshmallow rocket and learn the basics of balance and propulsion.
- Intermediate: Make a paper hot-air balloon to learn about environmental conditions and their impact on flight.
- Advanced: Explore model rocketry, build a hang glider, and calculate flight parameters like payload, weight, and spin.
Learning opportunities: Visit a space or aeronautical museum. Research the history of flight for travel, military defense, and space exploration. Attend Space Camp or Advanced Space Academy.
More Info
Our world is based on technology. Explore machine learning, computer coding, and applications using software tools. Investigate hardware, software, networks, and data management.
- Beginner: Learn the fundamental principles of computer programming, hardware, and software.
- Intermediate: Explore topics such as programming clones, variables, and networks.
- Advanced: Engage with the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, recursions, and script.
Learning opportunities: Try Scratch programming and Code. org (free online with self-paced tutorials and projects). Take apart an old, unused computer to learn about the parts. Build a computer from parts.
More Info
The Energy & Electricity project offers opportunities for hands-on exploration of how energy is transferred and
transformed. Build simple to complex electric circuits to understand how we harness energy safely and efficiently.
- Beginner: Learn about safety while exploring simple circuits in a flashlight or a simple motor.
- Intermediate: Understand voltage, current, and resistance in circuits by testing different types of circuits.
- Advanced: Learn to solder, create working circuits, and explore renewable energy sources.
Learning opportunities: Visit your local energy company or cooperative to learn more about solar and wind energy. Build a small solar station to power a device. Create a poster showing how you would wire a room in your house.
More Info
Youth discover the world of orienteering using maps and global positioning system (GPS) technology to explore the world around them or plan an adventure.
- Beginner: Learn how road and terrain, points of interest, travel times, and cardinal directions are shown.
- Intermediate: Learn the fundamentals of GPS technology and digital mapping.
- Advanced: Use a combination of GIS and GPS to collect data and build multi-layer maps.
Learning opportunities: Investigate how GPS and mapping are used in precision agriculture. Explore the hobby of geocaching. Interview local organizations or agencies (police, DNR, school bus garage, etc.) that use GPS or mapping in their work.
More Info
- Wisconsin 4-H GPS & Mapping Project Resources
Youth use LEGO® bricks to build simple and complex structures with creativity and imagination. Youth can build structures and landscapes using various bricks to practice engineering, design, and construction skills.
- Beginner: Use LEGO® or Duplo® bricks to design and build a simple structure.
- Intermediate: Modify designs to add creativity or improve a structure or model.
- Advanced: Design, create, and share creative designs to meet a need of your community, school, or family
Learning opportunities: Add coding and design to your experience with LEGO® robotics. Try to attend a LEGO® event by searching “LEGO event Wisconsin.”
More Info
Youth will learn about manual and fuel-powered machines, tools, safety, and maintenance. They will get
hands-on experiences that will help them understand how machines, such as lawn mowers, ATVs, and model
airplanes, operate and how to keep them running.
- Beginner: Explore a manual machine, like a bicycle, to identify mechanical components.
- Intermediate: Demonstrate learning by safely taking apart and repairing a simple machine.
- Advanced: Repair or create a complex machine to perform a task.
Learning opportunities: Interview an auto mechanic or a small engine repair shop owner. Identify the essential tools you’ll need and assemble a toolkit. Start your own small engine repair business.
More Info
In the Model Building project, youth will explore designing items in a three-dimensional space using architecture and engineering principles. Youth can express their creativity by creating small-scale models like planes, cars, trains, and more!
- Beginner: Learn the basics of model building, such as scale and function.
- Intermediate: Develop scale models with functionality and describe the mechanics of the model’s function.
- Advanced: Create scale models to showcase the intersection between design and function.
Learning opportunities: Build a model from a kit. Learn about and practice techniques for building a model without a kit. Explore how small-scale models are used in manufacturing, architecture, engineering, and more.
More Info
- Wisconsin 4-H Model Building Project Resources
- Lego Club
- Lego Camp
- Cardboard Camp
Through hands-on activities, youth will learn the basics of robotic systems, structures, sensors, control, and programming.
- Beginner: Learn to identify the components of a robot and practice basic coding skills.
- Intermediate: Explore the use of sensors and other input/output controls.
- Advanced: Learn advanced programming strategies to complete multiple tasks.
Learning opportunities: Check out a LEGO® Robotics event in the state. Explore coding with free video tutorials and challenges from Khan Academy (click “I’m a Learner” and search for “coding”).
More Info
Welding
Youth will explore several techniques for joining metal safely and efficiently. Learn how to repair a metal item or create amazing art with this useful skill.
- Beginner: Learn about equipment, safety, and basic techniques for joining metals.
- Intermediate: Continue practicing welding skills while learning to cut, join, and test metal welds.
- Advanced: Create or repair a project using the correct materials and several welding techniques.
Learning opportunities: Create a display to show the different welding techniques. Talk to local businesses about career opportunities in welding. Help a local nonprofit organization with any welding or repair needs.
More Info
Youth enrolled in the Woodworking project will explore basic wood types and woodworking techniques. Topics
include accurate measurements, the use of basic hand tools and power tools, and creating joints.
- Beginner: Learn to measure, square, and cut wood while safely using basic hand tools.
- Intermediate: Begin to safely use power tools while learning to join boards with different techniques.
- Advanced: Plan a wood construction project and understand the associated costs.
Learning opportunities: Build birdhouses to donate to a local prairie project or community garden. Explore how you can use your woodworking skills in an upcycling project. Plan and lead a woodworking workshop for younger members.
More Info
