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4-H clover 4-H Engineering Design Challenge

In the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge, youth develop critical thinking, creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills, and have fun at the same time! Each year, teams of youth in grades 3 and up and family teams solve a theme-based engineering challenge.

While working with caring adults, teams apply engineering principles to plan and build a machine that completes a task. Minnesota 4-H supports volunteer coaches every step of the way with curriculum, project ideas and learning activities. No expertise is required.

2024 4-H Engineering Design Challenge logo that includes three gears that show different weather related extremes: Drought, flooding and wind. The logo also has the words, "Engineering for a changing climate: Prepare and protect against extreme weather events.

2024 state showcase: Prepare and protect against extreme weather events

The Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge Showcase will be held in person on Monday, Aug. 12, at St. Cloud State University. A virtual state showcase will be offered on Monday, Aug. 19. 

Youth in teams from across the state will showcase the machines they created that complete the following tasks:

  • Provide a warning of an extreme weather event that is about to occur.
  • Demonstrate an action to help protect against damages from that extreme event.

2023 state showcase: Take your best shot and celebrate!

The 2023 Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge engaged youth in creating machines that achieved the goal of "taking your best shot" and "celebrating."  

2023 state showcase results
2023 state showcase images and videos

For participants and coaches

Information for 2024 will be posted as it becomes available.

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Contacts

Looking for a team to join?

Reach out to the 4-H local educator where you live to find out if there is a team in your area.

Registration questions

Maureen Croatt, principal office and administrative specialist, 320-598-3325, croat042@umn.edu
Kaitlin Barbosa, executive office and administrative specialist, 218-281-8027, torg0096@umn.edu

All other questions

Margo Bowerman, Extension educator, 218-281-8695, mbowerma@umn.edu

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