Challenge

Cloverbuds Share Engineering Skills Across Ohio

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The 2025 Cloverbud Engineering Adventure encouraged teams to experience the science of flight as they used their engineering and problem-solving skills to explore different types of aircraft that interested them. They then created their aircraft out of LEGO®-type bricks. In addition to showcasing the different types of aircraft, they learned about the pioneers of flight and how aircraft are able to fly.

The Cloverbud Engineering Adventure culminated in a one-day showcase event in which teams presented their solution to an engineering problem. The requirements included constructing a model on a 15” X 15” baseplate with interlocking parts such as Legos ® or Mega Bloks®, having at least one moving part or simple machine and creating a poster to highlight the overall engineering challenge.

Each team of two or more Cloverbuds prepared a poster/tri-fold highlighting their overall experience. The teams shared their models, posters, knowledge, and excitement with volunteer judges at the showcase events held throughout Ohio. This year there were nine showcase locations. Teams could choose the location closest to them.

The Cloverbud Engineering Adventure has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2021. There were 108 participants from 13 counties in 2021. In 2024 there were 450 participants from 32 counties. Sixty-seven teams totaling 367 participants registered for showcases in 2025.

Look for this event to return in 2026! It continues to motivate our youngest 4-H youth to develop an interest in STEM activities. For more information about this year’s challenge, visit the 4-H Cloverbud Connections webpage.

No endorsement from The Ohio State University for products referenced in this curriculum is intended or implied.

Photos courtesy of Bruce Zimmer.

 

Ohio 4-H Cloverbot Challenge

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The 2021 Cloverbot Challenge will help Cloverbuds imagine how could they live on a newly established colony on the planet Mars. They will explore what a colony might that look like, where to live and how they could move from place to place.

The 4-H Cloverbot Challenge is a statewide event designed just for our youngest 4-H’ers. Teams will work together to research a topic, build a model out of interlocking bricks and create a poster highlighting their experience. Teams will present and share virtually via Zoom either Monday, July 12 or Thursday, July 22.

Cloverbud teams will learn about the planet Mars and potential modes of transportation. Teams will also learn more about the challenge by answering these questions:

  • What are similarities and differences between Earth and Mars?
  • What might your colony look like on Mars?
  • What kinds of transportation do you use on Earth?
  • How would transportation you use on Mars be different or similar to what we use on Earth?
  • What jobs are associated with space travel?
  • How might you stay safe when using transportation on Mars?
  • How does the environment on Mars impact transportation?

Teams may have a minimum of two members, but no more than eight, and are coached by an adult team leader. Details and registration information can be found at https://ohio4h.org/families/cloverbuds/cloverbot-challenge

Questions? Contact Christy Millhouse at millhouse.10@osu.edu or Rhonda Williams at williams.418@osu.edu. And a special thanks to the Ohio 4-H Foundation for their ongoing support of the Cloverbot Challenge.

Flyer: 2021 Cloverbot Challenge

2019 Ohio 4-H Cloverbot Challenge

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Remember when you were six years old? Grown-ups were giants, the world was big, and in your imagination, you could be whatever you wanted to be! This year’s 4-H Cloverbot Challenge will focus on those childhood career goals with the theme “When I Grow Up…”

The 4-H Cloverbot Challenge is a statewide event designed just for our youngest 4-H’ers. Teams work together to research a topic, build a model out of interlocking bricks and create a poster highlighting their experience. On June 29, the teams will come together at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center to share their work, visit with one another, participate in kid-friendly activities, and celebrate their efforts with a closing celebration and award ceremony.

What’s the best way to learn about careers? Invite a firefighter, veterinarian, mechanic, or author (or whatever job might interest your Cloverbuds) to a team meeting, so they can learn firsthand what a day in the life looks like. Take a field trip for an on-the-job view of the career. Or of course, help them search the internet to get all the details about what it takes to excel in the selected profession.

Teams may have a minimum of two members, but no more than eight, and are coached by an adult team leader. Details and registration information can be found at https://ohio4h.org/families/cloverbuds/cloverbot-challenge

Questions? Contact Beth Boomershine at boomershine.10@osu.edu or Sally McClaskey at mcclaskey.12@osu.edu. And a special thanks to the Ohio 4-H Foundation for their ongoing support of the Cloverbot Challenge.