PROGRAM AREAS

STEM PATHWAYS

stem


The Utah 4-H STEM program introduces youth to science, technology, engineering, and math in an engaging, hands-on learning environment.

Through related activities and curriculum, youth develop and further thinking processes, life skills, and interpersonal skills through opportunities to solve real world scientific and technological problems, computational thinking, the scientific method, and engineering design.

To find out more about STEM 4-H programs, visit the National 4-H website.

Computational thinking is a problem-solving process that includes a number of characteristics and dispositions and is the process that most computer scientists use to develop programs and systems. The dispositions are listed below:
  • Confidence in dealing with complexity
  • Persistence in working with difficult problems
  • The ability to handle ambiguity
  • The ability to deal with open-ended problems
  • Setting aside differences to work with others to achieve a common goal or solutions
  • Knowing one's strength and weaknesses when working with others.
The basic skills of computer scientists and the way they think are computational thinking. However, any subject area or topic can utilize computational thinking, which is essential to the development of computer applications. It can also be used to support problem solving accross all disciplines, including the humanities, math, and sciences.
  • Decomposition: Breaking down data, processes or problems into smaller, manageable parts.
  • Pattern Recognition: Observing patterns, trends, and regularities in data.
  • Abstraction: Identifying the general principles that generate these patterns.
  • Algorithm Design: Developing the step-by-step instructions for solving this and similar problems.
Engineering Design is a process followed to design technical solutions 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.
  1. Identify a Problem: What is the problem or need you are trying to solve with your design? How did you identify this need?
  2. 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.)?
  3. Brainstorm possible solutions: Think through all of the possibilities!
  4. Select the most promising solution.

STEM Projects

Check back soon for more information on these project areas!


Camps, Contests, and Events

Digital Arts Competition


Feb. 01 – Mar. 29, 2021
A fun competition focusing on photography, videography, 2D, and 3D Digital Arts, as well as a 30 hour video shoot contest.

For more information, rules, and guidelines, select your interest below:
Photography
Videography
2D Design
3D Design
30 Hour Shoot

TRY Team Training


March, 2021
STEM/Agriscience (Robotics, Drones, CS, Unplugged), 
Financial Literacy (SmartCents, Grants).

i4-H Camp


June, 2021
A Design Challenge based camp for 7th/8th Graders.

Hackathon


April, 2021
A Team based Hackathon Challenge

May the 4th


May, 2021
May the 4th be with you as you celebrate Family STEM Day!

Drone Workshop


May, 2021
A workshop and story-based drone competition.

Game Design Challenge


June – Sept., 2021
The Game Design Challenge is fun way to create and build your very own board game!

Problem Solvers Design Challenge


August, 2021
Team based design challenges focusing on the Engineering Method.

Pixelations


September, 2021
A creative Pixelation Challenge





For more information pertaining to Utah 4-H STEM Programming and Events, contact deborah.ivie@usu.edu.