What is the Engineering Pathway?
Design, build, test, and improve real solutions using engineering thinking and creativity. The Engineering STEM Pathway introduces youth to design technical solutions, innovations, and prototypes. It is an iterative process, meaning a repetitive cycle of design, testing, and redesign until a solution is reached that meets the necessary needs.
- Identify a Problem: What is the problem or need you are trying to solve with your design? How did you identify this need?
- Research current products and constraints:What already exists to address the problem? What can you do to improve the current solution? What constraints do you have to work within (time, supplies, budget, etc.)?
- Brainstorm possible solutions: Think through all of the possibilities!
- Select the most promising solution.
The Engineering STEM Pathway introduces youth to design processes, structures, mechanics, and innovation. Participants learn through hands-on learning experiences such as building bridges, testing prototypes, and solving design challenges.
Leadership Opportunities
Youth can grow as leaders by:
- Start a 4-H engineering club in your community
- Form a STEM T.R.Y. Team, and lead a club or camp
- Apply to be a Utah 4-H STEM Ambassador, and help develop new engineering projects and activities
- Presenting prototypes
Service Opportunities
Participants can give back through:
- Mentor younger youth and help them learn about engineering
- Building solutions that benefit your community
- Designing accessibility tools
- Repair workshops
- STEM demonstrations
*Clubs working on engineering design projects are eligible to complete the requirements to earn the Utah 4-H Service in STEM award by teaching others about engineering or using engineering skills to help your community. Find out more by emailing: Utah4HSTEM@aggies.usu.edu
Events & Trainings
- Join Utah 4-H Invents! - Participate on a year-long engineering team that engineers a solution for a community partner, and presents it to peers nationwide
- Engineer an invention for Utah Invention Convention and National Invention Convention
- Use your engineering skills to create a moving piece of art for the Utah 4-H Kinetic Creations challenge
- Engineer a solution in the Utah 4-H Problem Solvers’ Challenge
- USU Engineering State Competition (*for youth entering their junior or senior year of high school)
- Engineering challenges
- Maker workshops
- Design competitions
- Innovation camps
- Prototype labs
Curriculum
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Beginner: Simple machines, building challenges
Intermediate: Structural testing, design cycles
Advanced: CAD design, robotics engineering
4-H CURRICULUM & RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
- Clover by 4-H
- Some fun engineering activities include: Autonomy, Be a Wind Warrior, Design and Technology, Engineer a Bee, and many others.
- Discover 4-H
- Engineering topics include: Discover 4-H Exploring Energy, Discover 4-H Mission to Mars, and Discover 4-H Engineering an Empire
- Other Utah 4-H curriculums that include engineering activities are through Teens Reaching Youth (T.R.Y.) Team and STEM Club activities. Inquire through: Utah4HSTEM@aggies.usu.edu
Career Exploration
4-H helps youth get Beyond Ready for work, for college, for life!
Skills Learned in the Engineering Design pathway, include:
- Working with a team to develop solutions
- Resilience
- Adaptability to make changes when things don’t work out
- Identifying needs of people and communities
- Flexibility
- Resourcefulness
- Problem solving
- Brainstorming
- Critical thinking
- Design planning
- Collaboration
- Testing
Careers in the Engineering Design pathway include:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Industrial Designer
- Robotics Engineer
Start Building Today
Sign up for engineering workshops and hands-on learning events. Contact Deb Ivie (deborah.ivie@usu.edu) for details!
Are you the parent of a child interested in engineering?
Enroll my child in Utah 4-H
Volunteer with Utah 4-H
Utah 4-H STEM Home page • View Utah 4-H STEM Challenges • View Utah 4-H STEM Events