STEM

Congrats to 2025 Ohio State Fair Project Winners (non-livestock)

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The non-livestock results from the 2025 Ohio State Fair are posted online. Click here to see a complete list by day. Congrats to all youth who participated in the Ohio State Fair. Outstanding of the Day rosettes are awarded to the top 20% of projects in each class. The overall winner in each class receives the Clock Trophy. We are so proud of you!

Health Day: July 23, 2025

  • Andrew Jones, First Aid in Action (Jr), Outstanding of the Day
  • Scarlett Sims, Relationships 101 (Jr), Outstanding of the Day at Clock Trophy Winner
  • Kendall Wild, Relationships 101 (Sr), Outstanding of the Day

Creative Arts Day: July 24, 2025

  • Eliana Riley, Scrapbooking (Sr), Outstanding of the Day
  • Maebri Kim, Self-Determined Creative Arts, Outstanding of the Day

Companion Animal Day: July 25, 2025

  • Evelyn Miller, Pet Rabbits (Ages 8-10), Outstanding of the Day
  • Gracie Weber, Pet Rabbits (Ages 11-13), Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner
  • Penelope Twehues, Cavies (Ages 8-13), Outstanding of the Day
  • Jackson White, All About Dogs (Ages 8-10), Outstanding of the Day

Vet Science Day: July 25, 2025

  • Gracie Weber, All Systems Go! (Vet Science 2), Outstanding of the Day

STEM Day: July 26, 2025

  • Lee Davis, ATV Safety, Outstanding of the Day
  • Beatrice Mosley, Bicycling for Fun, Level 1, Outstanding of the Day
  • Elijah Hess, Investigating Electricity, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner
  • Braeden Neff, Not Just Knots (Sr), Outstanding of the Day
  • Alexander Broecker, Science Fun with Dairy Foods, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner
  • Kristen Wild, Science Fun with Kitchen Chemistry, Outstanding of the Day
  • Kendall Wild, Young Engineers in Solar Energy, Outstanding of the Day

Photography Day: July 26, 2025

  • Brennan Linard, Next Level Photography (Book 2), Outstanding of the Day

Leadership Day: July 27, 2025

  • Cora Bell, Leadership Self-Determined, Outstanding of the Day
  • Kendall Wild, Diversity: Source of Our Strength, Outstanding of the Day

Natural Resources Day: July 28, 2025

  • Kinsley Taylor, Beekeeping (Jr), Outstanding of the Day
  • Josiah Edwards, Insect Adventures, Level 3, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner
  • Andrew Broecker, Exploring Ponds, Outstanding of the Day
  • Isaac Davis, Ohio Birds, 2nd Year, Outstanding of the Day
  • Amelia Walters, Grow Your Own Vegetables (Jr), Outstanding of the Day
  • Kristen Wild, Be a Sustainability Hero, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner
  • Makenna Lybarger, Farm to Table to Career, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner

Home Decorating Day: July 29, 2025

  • Kristin Wild, It’s My Home, Outstanding of the Day

Clothing Day: July 29, 2025

  • Halle Eastep, Dress Up Formalwear, Outstanding of the Day

Food and Nutrition Day: July 29, 2025

  • Lydia Jones, Yeast Breads on the Rise, Outstanding of the Day

Clothing Day: July 30, 2025

  • Jenna Carroll, Sew for Others (Senior), Outstanding of the Day
  • Kaylee Smith, Sew Fun (Junior), Outstanding of the Day
  • Kendall Wild, Look Great for Less (Senior), Outstanding of the Day
  • Julia Luallen, Overall Award Winner – State Harbage Clothing Award

Food and Nutrition Day: July 30, 2025

  • Teagan Ross, Racing the Clock to Awesome Meals (Senior), Outstanding of the Day
  • Emma Spillers, Star Spangled Foods (Senior), Outstanding of the Day
  • Dominic Messerly, Sports Nutrition Ready Set Go! (Junior), Outstanding of the Day

Workforce Prep Day: July 30, 2025

  • Rachel Sponseller, You’re Hired!, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner
  • Gracie Weber, Mock Job Interview (Intermediate), Outstanding of the Day and Cash Prize Winner
  • Brin Leigh Hoisington, Mock Job Interview (Senior), Outstanding of the Day and Cash Prize Winner
  • Rachel Sponseller, Mock Job Interview (Senior), Outstanding of the Day

Clothing Day: July 31, 2025

  • Peyton Patridge, em-bel-lish, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner
  • Scarlett Sims, Ready, Set, Sew Active, Outstanding of the Day

Food and Nutrition Day: July 31, 2025

  • Madeline Sheridan, Take a Break for Breakfast (Junior), Outstanding of the Day

Shooting Sports Day: August 1, 2025

  • Jonathan Robberts, Rifle (Junior), Outstanding of the Day
  • Walter Mosley, Archery (Junior), Outstanding of the Day
  • Madison Menke, Archery (Senior), Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner
  • Gracie Weber, Living History, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy Winner

 

Self-Determined Day: August 3, 2025

  • Alice Berger, Self-Determined (Junior), Outstanding of the Day
  • Makenna Lybarger, Self-Determined (Senior), Outstanding of the Day

Summer Judging Results – Available Online!

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All results from this past week are/will be posted online. Click here for all results.

Congrats to all 4-H members who completed their projects and participated in judging this week! You all did a great job… keep up the great work!

All award winners will be invited to attend Summerfest to receive their awards. Summerfest will be held on Sunday, August 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the Old General Sherman Building. Emailed invitations will be sent to county award winners in a few weeks.

4-H Summer Judging – Scheduling will open the week of June 16th

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Hello 4-H Members! We hope that you are busy working on your 4-H projects this summer. Here are a few important updates to be aware of:

  • All Summer Judged Projects will be judged on the following days: Monday, July 14th and Tuesday, July 15th. Scheduling for these dates will open the week of June 16th (watch email/blog posts for the scheduling link). Please be aware that certain projects will be judged on certain days – please review the 2025 4-H Member Handbook to determine your project judging day(s). Writing Projects have been moved to Monday, July 14th.

If you cannot attend judging during this week, you can:

  1. Attend Late Judging on Tuesday, July 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling 740-653-5419 to schedule an appointment. Participation in Late Judging receives a grade only and is not eligible for county awards or state fair consideration.
  2. Advisor Completion – Talk to your club advisor as they can work with you to review your project for completion only. No grades or awards will be given with this option.

Please review the 2025 4-H Member Handbook as you complete your project(s) and prepare for judging.

Youth enrolled in the Tractor Maintenance Club or Shooting Sports Club do not need to complete summer judging if they met all completion requirements at the club level for Small Engine/Tractor Projects and or 700 level Shooting Sports disciplines (Shotgun, Rifle, Archery). However, if they wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair for any of these projects, they must attend summer judging for each project.

Youth enrolled in Cake Decorating have the option for summer judging completion or county fair completion. If youth wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair, they must complete summer judging.

Food and Nutrition Project Members should also review their project book inserts. These were tucked inside your project book if books were purchased at the Fairfield County Extension Office. If needed, you can download these here: Menu Planning Worksheet and Food Project Insert packet. Members WILL NOT bring food to judging.

Clothing Project Members should also review their project book inserts. These were tucked inside your project book if books were purchased at the Fairfield County Extension Office. If needed, you can download these here: Style Revue Card and Clothing Project Insert packet.

  • Clothing Project Members plan to attend the Style Revue at Liberty Union High School, July 14th, 7:00 p.m. This is a required part of judging to be eligible for county awards and State Fair participation.

Youth Opportunity: Ohio 4-H STEM Camp

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Registration for 4-H STEM Camp is open. Learn about all things STEM at 4-H STEM Camp this summer! Taking place from June 29 to July 1 at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, youth in grades 5-7 will have the opportunity to engage in a hands-on exploration of STEM interest areas and careers. Registration is open through June 15. More information can be found at go.osu.edu/4HSTEMCamp.

Youth Opportunity: STEM Camp at Canter’s Cave

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Registration for 4-H STEM Camp at Canter’s Cave is now available! This camp is available to any 5th-7th grade students interested in exploring STEM with a camp twist. A flyer is attached. Last year we had 53 campers at camp. We are hoping to double our numbers this year!

Registration and other information can be found at: go.osu.edu/4HSTEMCamp

  • When: June 29– July 1, 2025
  • Where: Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, Jackson OH (1362 Caves Rd. Jackson, OH 45640)
  • Cost: Camp fee: $115.00
  • Who: Camp is open to children completing 5th, 6th, or 7th grades this spring.
  • Registration Deadline: June 15, 2025

We are also needing camp counselors! Please send any camp counselors interested in assisting with STEM camp our way. They do not need to be particularly strong in STEM to counsel this camp!

 

Youth Opportunity: Minecraft Hour of Code – Generation AI

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Free Training Available: AI Literacy with Minecraft Education’s AI Foundations Program

4‑H has teamed up with Microsoft to help youth build AI skills through the blocky fun of Minecraft with Minecraft Hour of Code: Generation AI. Youth can learn how to code, explore the magic of responsible AI, and discover how it can solve real‑world problems, all within their favorite game.

Join us for a training course to learn more about how you can implement AI literacy into your 4‑H programming.

Dates:

  • Thursday, February 13 — 11: 00 AM CT
  • Tuesday, February 25 — 11:00 AM CT
  • Wednesday, March 19 — 11:00 AM CT

This program is offered to 4‑H at no charge, thanks to a generous partnership with Microsoft.

REGISTER NOW

Please reach out to Sara Hutches at shutches@4‑H.org with any questions.

Source: National 4-H Council Newsletter 2/7/2025

Explore Maine’s Aquaculture Industry with Virtual Field Trips from Maine 4-H

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Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) are an innovative way for youth to explore and learn about places and people that would otherwise be infeasible! These immersive, online experiences bring Maine’s thriving aquaculture industry to life—no travel required.

Accessible at no cost, the Virtual Field Trips are designed to break down geographical and financial barriers, making high-quality, hands-on learning available to all. Register online to receive a link to the VFTs. Each field trip also comes with complimentary 4-H activity guides and lesson plans to help facilitate meaningful engagement with youth.

The first VFT currently available features the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR), a large-scale, land-based aquaculture facility in Franklin, Maine. Additional virtual field trips are in development and will be rolled out throughout 2025 and 2026. These experiences offer insight into seafood production, workforce development, career exploration, and STEM concepts related to aquaculture technologies.

To register for a virtual field trip, visit extension.umaine.edu/hancock/aquaculture/vft.

For more information: contact Carla Scocchi, 4-H Youth Development Professional at carla.scocchi@maine.edu.

Youth Opportunity: STEM Camp at Canter’s Cave

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Registration for 4-H STEM Camp at Canter’s Cave is now available! This camp is available to any 5th-7th grade students interested in exploring STEM with a camp twist. A flyer is attached. Last year we had 53 campers at camp. We are hoping to double our numbers this year!

Registration and other information can be found at: go.osu.edu/4HSTEMCamp

  • When: June 10 – June 12, 2024
  • Where: Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, Jackson OH (1362 Caves Rd. Jackson, OH 45640)
  • Cost: Camp fee: $100.00
  • Who: Camp is open to children completing 5th, 6th, or 7th grades this spring.
  • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 28th

We are also needing camp counselors! Please send any camp counselors interested in assisting with STEM camp our way. They do not need to be particularly strong in STEM to counsel this camp!

Ohio 4-H is going solar!

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Ohioans will experience a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse on April 8, and Ohio 4-H has resources to help you prepare. With more than half of Ohio counties located in the path of totality and the remaining counties experiencing a partial solar eclipse, this is an event you will not want to miss.

What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse is a rare astronomical event that occurs when the moon

appears to completely cover the sun, blocking out its light. Across the world, a total solar eclipse only occurs once every 18 months or so, but depending on where you live, it may be more than a century before another total solar eclipse passes through the same area again. For example, the last total solar eclipse to be visible in Ohio took place in 1806 and the next one won’t happen until 2099!

Interested in learning more about the eclipse? Check out this video to learn about the science behind a total solar eclipse.

Check to see if your county falls in the path of totality.

Check to see if your county falls in the path of totality.

Remember to stay safe!
Outside of the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun from view, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without special eye protection. Solar eclipse glasses are a great way to keep your eyes safe and Ohio 4-H has a few tips to help you use them properly.

Eclipse glasses can be safely secured on smaller heads with a ribbon or elastic band.

Eclipse glasses can be safely secured on smaller heads with a ribbon or elastic band.

 

  1. Check with the American Astronomical Society’s list of safe suppliers when purchasing eclipse glasses and verify that any eclipse glasses or viewers you receive have evidence that they comply with ISO 12312-2, the international safety standard for solar filters.
  2. Do not use sunglasses or homemade filters as an alternative to eclipse glasses or filters.
  3. Do not look at the sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device while using eclipse glasses or filters.
  4. Supervise young children to make sure their solar glasses or filters are being used properly. To be sure of a snug fit, try securing the glasses behind their head with ribbons or elastic bands.

Looking for more tips to keep you safe during the total solar eclipse? Check out Ohio 4-H’s Eclipse Safety Guide or watch this informational video.

Learn more about the total solar eclipse
A family demonstrates how to use solar eclipse glasses.

A family demonstrates how to use solar eclipse glasses.

Are you a parent or educator looking for engaging ways to help youth learn about the total solar eclipse? Ohio 4-H has the perfect resources for you! Thanks to Dr. Cynthia Canan, Extension STEM Specialist for 4-H, the Ohio 4-H STEAM Design Team, and OSU Extension Publishing, a series of fun, educational activities has been created to get youth excited about the total solar eclipse.

Help youth understand the science behind a total solar eclipse with the “Small Moon, Big Sun” activities, or let them unleash their creativity by decorating their solar eclipse glasses or making an eclipse-themed bookmark that detects the presence of UV light. Discover these activities and more on the Ohio 4-H Solar Eclipse web page.

Source: Ohio 4-H Foundation News, March 2024

Youth Opportunity: We Grow Scientists on the OSU Campus – May 1

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The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will host the second annual “We Grow Scientists” event at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory. This free event is open to learners of all ages interested in learning more about STEM in their community and at OSU. Visit the event webpage for more information.

This afternoon of hands-on learning and activities will showcase the many STEM fields CFAES has to offer and will include a look at Waterman facilities such as the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (CEARC). “We Grow Scientists” is a free event open to learners of all ages looking to learn more about STEM in their community as part of the COSI Science Festival (May 1-4, 2024). Bring the whole family! Visit go.osu.edu/cosi24 for additional information.