This year's project is entitled Explorers of the Deep and features three activities about the interconnected nature between the ocean and humans. Youth will learn foundational STEM skills while they wrestle with the same questions as today's top oceanographers and scientists by working with robots!

The 4-H STEM Challenge is a great way for 4-H to raise awareness of the awesome ways young people are learning STEM and preparing themselves for the future. It also gives the opportunity for 4-H to bring others to the joy and creativity of non-formal, hands on learning. The 4-H STEM Challenge will kick off in October.

The 4-H STEM Challenge kits contain the materials and curriculum to teach 4-6 youth. More details about this year's challenge from 4-H can be found below. Information was taken from https://4-h.org/parents/4-h-stem-challenge/#!menu-builder.

Explorers of the Deep

Designed by Rutgers University, Explorers of the Deep, focuses on the mysteries and adventures of ocean exploration—with robots! Ocean exploration helps scientists prepare for and adapt to changing ocean conditions. Many of these changes in ocean conditions are affecting the environment, such as melting glaciers, increasing ocean temperatures, declining fisheries and an increase in frequency and severity of storms. Since Earth is an ocean planet, these impacts affect humans and organisms all around the world, regardless of their proximity to the ocean.

The three activities develop observational and critical thinking skills while exploring the interconnected nature between the ocean and humans, regardless of where they live. Youth will learn about the incredibly complex relationship between Earth's oceans and the global climate. According to a recent survey, 84 percent of teens would like to be involved with shaping the future of our environment and Explorers of the Deep can help empower young people to innovate and take action to drive positive change.

Activities

Activities can be done all at once or individually, making it great for classrooms, afterschool programs, clubs, and more.

Ocean Robot Test Tank
Get your ocean robot ready for a research mission! Youth learn how to "ballast" their ocean robot by adding weights to create the sinking and floating behavior of a real ocean robot. They will investigate data collected by ocean robots and learn about the value of ocean exploration.

Ocean Expedition
Playing an ocean-inspired board game, youth navigate their ocean robot around the world while learning key ocean concepts such as aquaculture, climate change, technological innovation, human impact and the ocean ecosystem.

Ocean Communicator
Youth investigate challenges that ocean scientists, engineers and technologists are currently exploring. Each challenge requires innovations and technical solutions that inspire public action.