Missouri 4-H STEM Extravaganza
May 1, 2021
This event will be held virtually - more details to come.
Purpose
The Missouri 4-H STEM Extravaganza will allow 4-H members in the Robotics and Computer Science projects an opportunity to showcase the skills they have gained in teamwork, engineering, programming, and problem solving. There will be a few contests: RoboPet Challenge, Robot Exhibition, Computer Science contest, and STEM Projects Exhibition. Robot platforms include Lego Mindstorms, VEX IQ/EDR/V5, or any other appropriate robot meeting the requirements of the challenges. Interviews are part of the challenges. Participants may also have an educational display and/or demonstration.
This event is sponsored by Missouri 4-H and MFA Incorporated.
Investigate STEM Contest
Objectives
- Develop effective written and verbal communication skills via project presentation.
- Increase youth interest in STEM careers, as documented by participant responses in pre- and post-assessments.
- Collaborate with University of Missouri faculty to build and maintain relationships with colleagues across the campus.
Divisions
- Animal and Plant Sciences — Participants should engage in agricultural science topics related to animal production, biotechnology, crop/forage production, horticulture, and food and consumer science.
- Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, and Energy — Participants should explore issues related to environment sustainability, alternative energy production, and conserving natural resources.
- Engineering and Technology — Explore the areas of robotics, computer science, rocketry, and engineering to provide solutions to everyday problems.
- Other — This category is for projects that do not fall clearly into one of the previous divisions.
Process
- Enroll in program via 4-HOnline – STEM Extravaganza – Investigate STEM Contest.
- Youth can compete either individually or form a team (minimum of 3, maximum of 4) sorted by age division:
- Senior: 14–18
- Intermediate: 11–13
- Identify problem/question to be research
- Design and conduct experiment, analyze data, and create final report and presentation with the aid of an adult mentor.
Investigate STEM Contest Resources
STEM Extravaganza Challenges
Registration
Registration will open Jan. 1 through 4HOnline and will close on April 26. The challenge is open to Missouri 4-H members. There is no requirement to qualify at a local robotics event.
This is an individual or team challenge: youth may be part of a team of 2–5 youth in the same age division. There is a participant fee of $10 per youth; with $5 entry fee per youth per challenge entered. Credit card payment preferred with cash or check payments made to the county of 4-H enrollment.
Registration is available through 4HOnline.
Youth will register individually and will compete as individuals or on a team in the same age division. They will identify the team members when they register (each youth will do this). Team members must be in the same age division. Participants must be 4-H age of 8–18 as of Jan. 1, 2020. Age divisions: junior (8–10), intermediate (11–13), and senior (14–18).
Location
Awards
Awards are provided by the MFA Incorporated. Team members will receive medals based on placing in the contests. Every participant will receive a ribbon. There are no premiums.