New Michigan 4-H Science Expo offers future scientists a chance to showcase their skills

A new Michigan 4-H event will provide youth ages 9 to 19 with an opportunity to demonstrate and grow their passion for science through a variety of science-related contests and challenges.

A new Michigan 4-H event hosted by Michigan State University (MSU) Extension will provide youth ages 9 to 19 with an opportunity to demonstrate and grow their passion for science. The Michigan 4-H Science Expo will take place on Saturday, August 26, on the campus of MSU and will feature a variety of science-related contests and challenges for youth.

“We are so excited to be hosting our first Michigan 4-H Science Expo this summer,” said Julie Chapin, director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs, including 4-H. “Science is all around us and science-related careers are in high demand. We hope this new opportunity will provide youth with another way to advance their interest in this area, showcase their science skills and knowledge, and prepare them for future careers as scientists and other STEM professionals.”

The first-time event provides young people with a fun, hands-on day of science education that will also help them to understand how science connects to the world around them, increase their exposure to various science career paths, and build their network of 4-H youth and leaders across the state. Components of the Michigan 4-H Science Expo include:

  • State 4-H Forestry Contest. Youth will participate in tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, and insect and disease identification challenges. Top scoring individuals may be invited to represent Michigan 4-H at future National 4-H Forestry Invitational contests.
  • State 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) Contest. Youth will participate in wildlife identification and wildlife management practice contests. Youth will also take part in a wildlife challenge in which they evaluate and identify wildlife habitats using photos. Top scoring individuals may be invited to represent Michigan 4-H at future National 4-H WHEP contests.
  • State 4-H Robotics Challenge Contest. Youth will participate in a real-time challenge in teams of three to five to design, build and program a robot that will perform a prescribed task.
  • 4-H Science Exploration Contest. Youth will share their exploration of a science-related problem or question through a poster, demonstration, display or exhibit prepared prior to the event day. Judging will take place in the following content areas: animal and veterinary science, biological science, environmental and earth science, health and food science, physical science, plant science, and technology and engineering. Participants can enter a maximum of 10 entries in the 4-H Science Exploration Contest. They must present and interview with the judge for each entry.

To learn more about the various contests, including rules and resources, view the Michigan 4-H Science Expo catalog or contact Betty Jo Krosnicki at nashbett@msu.edu or 810-648-2515.

The Michigan 4-H Science Expo is open to 4-H youth ages 9 to 19. Preregistration is required; to register, visit  https://events.anr.msu.edu/ScienceExpo17/ by July 31. The cost to participate is $15 per youth, with an optional lunch available for an additional $10.50.

To learn more about Michigan 4-H science programs, visit 4h.msue.msu.edu.

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