Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

STEM in 4-H

The Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, 2013.

4-H STEM programs combine the strengths of experiential, hands-on education and inquiry-based science learning with a positive youth development framework that addresses the developmental and educational needs of young people.

By offering engaging science programming in out-of-school time settings, youth are provided with a variety of free choice and hands-on learning opportunities that promote excitement in learning about natural phenomena.

STEM Project Areas

Animal Science including livestock, equine, poultry, dogs, rabbit

Biological Science including embryology, entomology, marine biology, and veterinary science

Nutrition, Consumer, and Family Science including textiles, fiber science, and food science

Physical Science including energy management, sustainability, and geology

Plant Science and Gardening including agriculture and gardening

Environmental Education including astronomy, climatology, forestry, outdoor adventure, and water education

Engineering and Technology including website design, computers, gis/gps, and video production, aerospace, electricity, electronics, robotics, engines, and woodworking

Shooting Sports including safety and handling of firearms and archery equipment, calculating trajectory and distance

Encouraging children's curiosity helps science develop

"In 4-H we try to encourage natural curiosity and help children and youth to learn about science and get involved in their communities with the support of caring and dedicated adult volunteers." Read more.

"En 4-H tratamos de fomentar esa curiosidad natural y ayudamos a niños y jóvenes a aprender sobre ciencia y a involucrarse en sus comunidades con el apoyo de adultos voluntarios comprensivos y dedicados” Lee mas.

4-H STEM Challenge

STEM Resources

Resources to implement a Computer Science (CS) Pathway Program

STEM Mailing List

Do you want to learn more about STEM?

This is a great way to stay informed on upcoming STEM events in California and opportunities for 4-H’ers and volunteers.

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STEM Stories

Horticulture team represented California 4-H well

California 4-H Team at the 2019 NJHA Convention

Towards the end of National 4-H Week this year, from October 11 to 14, our California 4-H Horticulture team competed at the 2019 National Junior Horticulture Association Convention in Lincoln, Nebraska. The event took place at the Lincoln...

Game Changers at Google

CS Pathway Team, volunteers, Googlers, and youth participants posing in front of a Google sign.

For the second year in a row, the Computer Science Pathway Team of the University of California Cooperative Extension's (UCCE) 4-H Youth Development Program of Santa Clara County held an event for National Youth Science Day (NYSD). The team's event took...

4-H National Youth Science Day Grows in Santa Clara County

4-H Teen Teacher helping students complete the Hack Your Harvest activity.

To celebrate the National Youth Science Day (NYSD) challenge in October, the 4-H Youth Development Program in Santa Clara County offered two peer teaching NYSD events, where teens taught younger youth physical activities and puzzles from Game Changers, a...

My National Experience

2018 Western National Roundup California delegates

What is it like to participate on a national competition team? Find out through the experiences of 4-H'ers Thomas Aquino, Cory Carlson, and Emily Cullins - delegates who represented California 4-H at the Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado in...