STEM

Ohio Farm Bureau ExploreAg 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!

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 30 at ExploreAg.org

2025 ExploreAg Summer Sessions

  • May 30, COLT Electric Lineman Training, Mt. Gilead
  • June 8-13, Ohio State Columbus Campus
  • June 17-20, Wilmington College
  • July 6-11, University of Findlay
  • July 13-18, Ohio State Wooster Campus

ExploreAg is Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, offering free week, multiday and daylong 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.

2025 4-H STEM Camp

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Youth in grades 5, 6, & 7 are invited to join Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp in Jackson, Ohio this summer at 4-H STEM Camp!

Register by June 15th at go.osu.edu/4HSTEMCamp

4-H STEM Camp focuses on the topics of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in ways that are unique and fun. Youth explore the outdoors and learn about the science of the world around them through interactive sessions. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities with a STEM spin, such as campfire, with a fire science or chemistry focus.

For registration information, visit 4hcanterscave.osu.edu.

SAVE THE DATE: We Grow Scientists

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The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will host the third annual “We Grow Scientists” event on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 3:00-7:00 PM at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory.

This afternoon of hands-on learning and activities will showcase the many STEAM fields CFAES has to offer and will include a look at the 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 STEAM in their community as part of the COSI Science Festival (April 30 – May 3, 2025).

Veterinary Science Program at CTEC

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The Veterinary Science Program at CTEC prepares students for careers as veterinary assistants or will start them on their path to become registered veterinary technicians (RVT), or doctors of veterinary medicine (DVM). In this program, students will learn animal body systems, behavior, handling, husbandry, medicine, and surgery. Students will have the opportunity to assist professionals with treatment, procedures, and equipment. In addition, students will learn to maintain and interpret health records, as well as assisting with veterinary offices and hospital administration. For more information on this program, please visit: https://www.c-tec.edu/o/ctec/page/veterinary-science

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.

OSU Arts & Sciences Summer Exploration Program

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The Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program is now accepting applications for summer 2025! The Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program is a one-week non-residential academic enrichment program for rising 7th – 12th grade students. The program is offered in three, one-week sessions in June 2025. Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. For complete details on the 2025 program, please visit https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/future-students/arts-and-sciences-summer-exploration-program

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.