Each year, 4-H offers a STEM challenge that brings together youth, volunteers and educators from all over the country to complete hands-on STEM activities. This year's challenge is Galactic Quest, which explores the history of humans in space, the technology and resources needed for missions, and the obstacles humans encounter in orbit. Activities explore important STEM topics ranging from physics and engineering to computer science and space agriculture.

The challenge activities allow youth to develop inquiry, observational, and problem-solving skills. Kids learn foundational STEM skills while they wrestle with the same questions as today’s top aerospace scientists and engineers!

In November, Polk County 4-H will be offering 3 hands-on STEM sessions for ages 9-14. Each session builds on skills from the previous session, so students who participate will need to commit to all three dates. Cost for the whole program is $5 per student.

• Cyber Satellite  - Tuesday, November 2, 3:30–5 p.m. In this computer science activity, kids learn about cyber security and decoding to stay safe from obstacles in orbit.
• Stellar Optics  - Friday, November 5, 3:30–5 p.m. In this activity, kids build a telescope and learn about physics and light and how telescopes have been used to explore space.
• Cosmic Claw  - Friday, November 12, 3:30–5 p.m. Kids work hands-on to engineer a mechanical arm that works to harvest crops in space.

Registration form