2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge. This year's theme, "Take Your Best Shot!" reflects and honors the efforts that all 4-H youth have put forth.
Youth are sure to have fun and be challenged as they apply engineering design practices, develop their teamwork and communication skills, address an issue and design a solution for this year's theme.
In the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge, youth not only employ physics and engineering, but humor and storytelling, to create a Rube Goldberg™ type of machine -- an overly complex contraption that uses everyday items to complete a task.
The challenge offers youth a level 1 or a level 2 experience. Level 1 is designed for grades 3-8 youth, focusing on machine creation and mechanical engineering-- simple machines. Level 2 is designed for youth in grades 7-12 and focuses on four engineering categories: mechanical, chemical, electrical and fluid power.
The 4-H Engineering Design Challenge State Showcase for all level 1 and 2 teams from across Minnesota will take place on Monday, August 7, at St. Cloud State University. For teams unable to travel, there is a virtual showcase event on Monday, August 14. The state showcase event registration deadline is Friday, June 23.
The cost to participate is $25 per youth team member or $20 per youth for virtual participation. Check with your local Extension educator to see if funds are available to help pay this fee.
All the updated information for the challenge, including specific challenge details, the 2023 Challenge Handbook, team registration information, learning resources and more, can be found on the state 4-H Engineering Design Challenge webpage.
We look forward to our 10th year of celebrating the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge program!
For state showcase event registration questions, contact Maureen Croatt or Kaitlin Barbosa.
For all other Engineering Design Challenge program questions, contact Margo Bowerman, Rebecca Meyer or Kelly Strei.