STEM – Science Technology Engineering and Math
4-H Junior Robotics with NXT-G
The Junior 4-H robotics program offers 4-H'ers ages 8-13 an opportunity to learn basic programming skills in addition to teamwork, public speaking and other life skills. The robotics program utilizes the LEGO Mindstorms Robot with NXT-G software. Advanced Juniors may also use RobotC software. The program is a yearlong program. Participants utilize the national 4-H robotics curriculum as well as the software curriculum. Participants will build the REM robot, program the NXT robot, use advanced programming commands, make use of sensors in programming, and solve age appropriate research problems. Learn more about 4-H Junior Robotics.
4-H Junior Computer Challenge (10 & 11 year olds)
This program will prepare 4-H'ers for a digital economy by engaging them in hands-on computer science learning opportunities. Based off of the curriculum by code.org, participants will learn concepts such as conditions, algorithms, binary code, and debugging. These lessons will prepare 4-H'ers to use Scratch Jr. for the computer contest at 4-H project achievement days. Participants will create a program using Scratch Jr.; give a 3-5 minute presentation using key terms such as loops, debugging, conditionals, and algorithms; and understand the impact computer science has on the world around them.
4-H Cloverbud Robotics Curriculum with Dash
Research shows that if girls are not exposed to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects by Kindergarten and minority boys by first grade, the chances of them pursing STEM decrease significantly as they grow older. This program will serve as a gateway both to the local county 4-H program and future STEM education. Learn more about 4-H Cloverbud Robotics.
4-H Cloverbud Robotics Curriculum with WeDo
Research shows that if girls are not exposed to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects by Kindergarten and minority boys by first grade, the chances of them pursing STEM decrease significantly as they grow older. This program will serve as a gateway both to the local county 4-H program and future STEM education. Participants will: understand that robots are moving parts and need programmed instruction to perform behaviors, know that a program is a sequence of instructions for the robot to follow, create repeating instructions using loops, and program the robot to use sensors to feel and see what is around it. Learn more about 4-H Senior Robotics.
Robotics from MSUES CTO - Distance Education on Vimeo.
Publications
News
RAYMOND, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service Center for 4-H Youth Development recently received a grant that will help close the digital divide in the state. The one-year, $53,000 grant from the National 4-H Council and Verizon will help implement the 4-H Tech Changemakers program. The program enlists 4-H members to teach digital skills that can provide more opportunities, including better jobs, to adults in their communities.
Fifty-seven Mississippi 4-H’ers received the highest honor given to youth civilians by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
The Aug. 6 Congressional Award ceremony marks the 25th anniversary of the partnership between the Congressional Award Program and the Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Program.
The Science Scholars camp invites all interested high school students to apply to the June 28-30 event at Mississippi State University.
4-H’ers can participate in an upcoming camp and have fun while learning about environmental sciences. The 4-H E.A.R.T.H. Camp, or Environmental Awareness through Recreation, Technology and Health, will be held Aug. 2-4 at Lake Tiak-O’Khata in Winston County.
As students toss their caps into the air at graduation, some may be wondering how to combine their love of video games with careers that offer financial independence and stability.
Fortunately, a wide range of careers in agriculture await those more inclined toward advanced technology than previous generations might have experienced.
Several times a year, Mississippi State University Extension associates visit high schools across the state to show students how their love for technology intersects with agriculture, the state’s largest economic driver.
Success Stories
Building bridges. Programming robots. Presenting research.
Hundreds of Mississippi 4-H’ers looked for new solutions and ways to improve at the 2023 4-H Junior STEAM Day.
Sisters use 4-H skills to produce film festival
“To successfully pull off something like that takes a lot of time and effort,” says Jan Walton, 4-H agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Grenada County, where both girls were members at the time. “They were so busy with school, 4-H, and their other extracurricular activities that their mom, Nanette, didn’t want to put that extra pressure on them. But she later warmed up to the idea, and here we are.”
4-H engineering program moves online
Eight-year-old twins Zadie and Kyra Baughtmann love to build with LEGO bricks, so, when they learned about the virtual 4-H summer camp available in June, they eagerly signed up.
4-H’er creates instructional video
4-H’ers learn by doing, pandemic or no pandemic. So, even though Aaron Lampley could not meet with the Winston County Photography Club, he could leverage technology to increase his own skills and share his expertise with other photo enthusiasts.
4-H’er uses tech to unite club, serve community
Not many teens—or adults, for that matter—know the ins and outs of Robert’s Rules of Order, but 17-year-old Chasity Moses is making a habit of knowing and doing things that set her apart.