STEM

Aquaponics Challenge

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The Aquaponics Challenge is an interdisciplinary learning competition for teams in school or after-school programs (for example: 4-H, FFA) in grades 8-12. Teams are student led with support from their coach (teacher or after-school program lead) and each team is provided with a liaison who helps with guidance throughout the season.

Teams can work on the competition as part of a class or as an after-school activity. Multiple teams can register per school and teams can also register as part of afterschool clubs or other academic related organizations. This competition is open to all interested individuals regardless of location. Small team stipends ($150) are available for those in Great Lakes states.

The competition is composed of four challenges and teams can choose to compete in one or multiple with awards for each category as well as a cumulative award. The four challenges include:

  1. Designing and creating an aquaponics system,
  2. Monitoring the system,
  3. Creating a business plan to accompany the system,
  4. Creating a seafood outreach project.

Important Details:

  • Registration deadline is January 12, 2025. Register by completing this form.
  • The competition timeline is January through April, with a virtual awards ceremony held on April 11, 2025.
  • Student teams submit videos showcasing their accomplishments, as well as supporting materials online.
  • Teams are supported with online resources, coach and team Zoom trainings, a small team stipend ($150 for Great Lakes states), and a liaison who helps guide the team during the season.
  • See the 2025 Aquaculture Challenge Team Manual team with detailed information about the competition.
  • Visit the Aquaponics Challenge webpage to find these details and more information.

The aquaculture challenge is a competitive science and business competition hosted by the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network and Lake Superior State University. 

Questions? Contact Elliot Nelson, Michigan Sea Grant, elliotne@msu.edu or Nicole Wright, Ohio Sea Grant, wright.1128@osu.edu

 

REMINDER: 2025 National Ignite by 4-H Summit Application Due

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Applications are open for the March 12-16, 2025, National Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. at go.osu.edu/4Hignite. Youth interested in Agriscience, Healthy Living, and STEM and who are aged 13-18 as of Jan. 1, 2025, are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is November 1, 2024.

4-H Zoo Apprentice Camp

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The 4-H Zoo Apprentice Camp is a unique opportunity for 4-H’ers to explore the world of animals at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida.

In this experience, the world’s largest zoological organization partners with 4-H to offer the opportunity for members to experience one-of-a-kind adventures in Busch Gardens’ 335-acre African-themed living classroom and SeaWorld’s 200-acre aquatic classroom.

4-H’ers become amateur zookeepers, assist zoo staff behind the scenes, and observe animal care sessions. In this learn-by-doing environment, members explore careers in the animal field and learn about animal conservation all while having fun in the park!

Two Camps are open to all 4-H Members 4-H Junior Zoo Apprentice Camp for youth ages 11-13 & 4-H Zoo Apprentice for youth 14+! Truly a great way to spend winter break! Register HERE.

REMINDER: 4-H 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.

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

4-H 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.

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 Grow Scientists

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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 on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 3-7:00 p.m. at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory.

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.

April 8, Total Solar Eclipse

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It’s not too early to get excited about the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024! Even if you are not in the path of the total solar eclipse, you will see the moon’s shadow cover at least 90% of the sun!
Our 4-H professionals have worked together with Dr. Wayne Schlingman, Director of Arne Slettebak Planetarium at The Ohio State University main campus, to create teaching tools to help everyone in Ohio understand and enjoy the event. Check out our resources at ohio4h.org/solareclipse. There are several activities to do both before and during the solar eclipse!

Participate in OSU’s Arts & Sciences Summer Exploration Program!

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The Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program is a one-week non-residential academic enrichment program for middle (current 7-8 graders) and high school (current 9-11) students. In-person classes meet from 9am to 4pm each day and are taught by Ohio State faculty, staff and graduate students. Summer Exploration is offered in three, one-week sessions in June 2024. Applications are open through May 1 and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For complete details on our 2024 program, please visit https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/arts-and-sciences-summer-exploration-program.

 

ExploreAg Summer Camps

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Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is pleased to announce they will once again be hosting several free ExploreAg Camp experiences this summer!

ExploreAg Overview

Purpose: Discover careers linked to agriculture and related STEM fields through a series of immersive and hands-on experiences and tours.

Who: Ohio students entering grades 9-12 in the fall, or soon-to-be recent high school graduates.

Cost: Free

Learn more and apply by April 15 at ExploreAg.org

2024 ExploreAg Summer Sessions

  • May 31, COLT Electric Lineman Training, Mt. Gilead
  • June 4-7, Wilmington College
  • June 9-14, OSU Columbus Campus
  • June 16-21, OSU Wooster Campus
  • July 7-12, University of Findlay

ExploreAg is Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, offering free week, multi-day and day-long immersion programs for high school students. In ExploreAg, teens learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists and educators.

Questions or concerns? Contact info@exploreag.org.