The theme of the Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge for 2024 asks teams to consider "Engineering for a Changing Climate."
This year’s theme is sure to be a fun and challenging opportunity for youth to apply engineering design practices, develop their teamwork and communications skills, address an issue and design a solution.
In the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge, youth not only employ physics and engineering, but also 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 level 2 experience. Level 1 is designed for youth in grades 3-8 and focuses 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 level 2 teams from across Minnesota will take place on Monday, Aug. 12, at St. Cloud State University. For teams unable to travel, there is a virtual showcase event on Monday, Aug. 19.
The cost to participate is $30 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. Register by Friday, June 28, to participate in the state showcase event.
All the updated information for the challenge, including specific challenge details, the 2024 Engineering Design Challenge Handbook, team registration information, learning resources and more, can be found on the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge webpage.
For state showcase event registration questions, contact Lisa Anderson at and10334@umn.edu.
For all other Engineering Design Challenge program questions, contact Anne Stevenson at steve020@umn.edu, Rebecca Meyer at meyer178@umn.edu or Kelly Strei at strei016@umn.edu.
We look forward to our 11th year of celebrating the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge program!
Additional learning opportunities to prepare for the challenge
Informational meeting for 4-H Engineering Design Challenge coaches
An informational meeting will be held on May 16 at 4:30 p.m. for registered coaches and those who might be interested in coaching.
Using Artificial Intelligence to help design solutions
Join Code Savvy’s Valerie Lockhart for this virtual webinar on June 4 at 7 p.m. to learn how to use AI in creative brainstorming and solving design challenges.
This webinar will help participants learn to engineer carefully crafted prompts to generate ideas to solve complex problems. Attendees will learn how to integrate AI and prompt engineering into the design process (for engineering, manufacturing, etc.), enhancing their ability to develop innovative, user-centric solutions.