STEM seems to be one of the biggest buzz words in education. One of the reasons for a new focus on STEM is the projections of the U.S. job markets. According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2014 publication STEM 101: Intro to tomorrow’s jobs: “Employment in occupations related to STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – is projected to grow to more than 9 million between 2012 and 2022. That’s an increase of about 1 millions jobs over 2012 employment levels.” BLS also featured STEM in their January 2017 Spotlight on Statistics. So SCAIHS is very excited to bring you this sponsored blog post from Clemson Cooperative Extension and South Carolina 4-H. For more information about our sponsored posts please see our Terms and Conditions Policy.
Clemson announces registration for South Carolina 4-H Engineering Challenge
Youth around the state are gearing up for the 2018 South Carolina 4-H Engineering Challenge.
Sponsored by EnlightenSC, the Challenge is slated for Saturday, April 14, at the Midlands Technical College Airport Campus, 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia. The cost is $5 to $15, depending on the challenge. Individuals and teams must register for challenges by March 23. Lunches and T-shirts can be purchased with registration.
The Engineering Challenge is part of the 4-H Science on the Move initiative, a partnership between South Carolina 4-H and the S.C. Coalition for Mathematics and Science. It gives students ages 9 to 19 an opportunity to show off their skills while competing for individual and team honors in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) challenges.
Ashley Burns, assistant director of Clemson’s 4-H Youth Development program, said the 4-H Engineering Challenge is a great way to show youth just how fun STEAM-related concepts and careers can be.
“Youth who participate in this event can alter their futures,” Burns said. “We focus on building confidence, developing competence and exposing youth to a variety of STEM-related concepts and careers through this fun-filled event. Not only does the Engineering Challenge test their skills, it provides youth a safe platform to gain new skills and seek new opportunities.”
The 2018 Engineering Challenges include: Building a Bridge Challenge, EnlightenSC’s Energy House Challenge, GPS Challenge, EnlightenSC’s Solar Oven Showcase Challenge, LEGO Robotics Challenge, Rocketry Challenge and EnlightenSC’s Power of Photography Challenge. A Mystery Challenge also is included but no information is available.
“A limited number of teams will be accepted for each challenge,” Burns said. “We welcome parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members to come and discover the joys of science, technology, engineering and math in an interactive environment.”
There also will be a STEAM Fair at the same location.
“The STEAM Fair is a non-competitive platform of exhibits that highlights a wide array of career opportunities and engages youth in hands-on activities to spark interest and build confidence,” Burns said. “Youth also build teamwork and cooperation skills by working with others through these challenges. Regardless of their interest, 4-H is a place where youth can plug in and pursue mastery in a skill and discover something new about themselves.”
We are also very excited to offer you this FREE 5-Minute Engineering Challenge provided by Clemson Cooperative Extension and South Carolina 4H: Float_Your_Boat_Engineering_Challenge