4-H science, technology engineering and math (STEM) teaches problem-solving skills you will use in many ways. 4-H STEM experiences are fun ways to learn how to apply STEM knowledge to your interests, career exploration, making a difference in your community and much more!
STEM learning is a high priority for Minnesota 4-H and for National 4-H. Watch our video "Building the next generation of science leaders."
Projects and more
Do try this at home: 4-H STEM Learning Labs
Looking for fun at-home STEM activities your family can do together? Get your supplies ready and watch these recordings of our webinars.
Waterproof a Beanie Baby (engineering)
What you’ll need
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A small beanie baby or other stuffed toy
- Tub, bucket or sink
- A selection of materials you could use to waterproof your toy
- Aluminum foil, plastic kitchen wrap, plastic bag, such as a grocery bag, paper bag or wax paper
- Optional: packing tape or masking tape, rubber bands, twist ties
Pop the Bag! (chemistry)
What you’ll need
-
Measuring spoons and cups
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Resealable sandwich or quart bags
-
Baking soda
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Vinegar
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Water
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Safety glasses
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Squares of toilet paper or 4 x 4 in. pieces of napkin
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Stopwatch or timer
Am I Foaming at the Mouth? (chemistry)
What you'll need
- Three resealable zipper storage bags (such as Ziplocs)
- Three spoons
- Teaspoon and tablespoon for measuring
- Baking soda
- Flavored gelatin (such as Jell-O)
- Citric acid (such as Fruit Fresh-you can find this in the canning section of the grocery store)
- Glass of water
- Confectioners sugar (optional)
4-H Plastic Sculpture Challenge (polymer science)
No special materials needed.
Flour Power! (food science)
Explore the characteristics of different baking flours.
What you'll need
- Two mixing bowls – large enough to hold 1 ½ cups
- Measuring cups – ½ c dry & ¼ c liquid
- Two mixing spoons
- Two clear plastic containers filled ¾ with water (a large bowl works well)
- All-purpose flour - ½ c
- Soy flour - ½ c
- Water - ¼ c
Can you make an egg bounce? (physics and food science)
What you'll need
- Two or three eggs
- Distilled white vinegar
- Bowl of water
- Clear drinking glasses
- Food coloring (optional)
- Chalk (optional)
Engineering Design with the Three Little Pigs (engineering)
Engineer a solution to a problem faced by a character in the story of the Three Little Pigs or another favorite book. Use an engineering design process to create and build an amazing solution!
What you'll need
- Random building supplies such as paper,cardboard, old cereal boxes, plastic cup, tape, string, etc.
Mysterious M&Ms (color science)
Be a color scientist as we explore some amazing properties of M&M's candy! Use your sense of curiosity, good observation and critical thinking skills as we conduct a scientific study of this favorite candy.
What you'll need
- Two white dinner plates (disposable plates work too)
- Plain M&M's or generic brand colored chocolate candies (you will need 2 or 3 of three different colors, e.g. 3 red, 3 yellow, 3 green)
- Water
Video coming soon.
More 4-H STEM at home
Try one or all of these at-home activities in science, technology engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). Do them with your whole family using supplies that you have at home.
Join this four-session virtual series as a green superhero of science! Youth in grades K-3 will engage in fun experiments that spark curiosity and discovery.
Reviewed in 2020