3 Youth from Clearwater County participated in statewide engineering challenge
Wed, 09/04/2019 - 10:10am
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Over 200 youth demonstrated teamwork, creativity and innovation at the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge.
The energetic buzz of more than 200 youth preparing for show was hard to miss at Minnesota 4-H’s annual Engineering Design Challenge on Aug. 5, 2019. The event welcomed youth from across the state in a fun learning event that encourages teamwork, innovation and lots of creativity.
Using the engineering design process, teams of 3rd – 12th graders built complex machines that accomplished an important task: Help a superhero save the planet! “It was fun to build and put stuff together. I like working with my friends to figure out how to make it,” said Brennen Roepke of his experience. “I enjoyed watching the boys figure out how to solve problems with their build. Communication takes practice, and each team member improved their ability to explain their thoughts and ideas to one another,” said the team coach Sam Roepke.
Each team spent weeks, and in some cases months, building the perfect machine to meet the challenge.
They used 4-H curriculum to explore engineering principles and tested multiple designs and equipment as they went. 4-H adult volunteers guided each team, providing meeting space, helping to secure materials and learning right alongside the young people.
“I think the best part of the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge is how much youth and adults learn and grow together,” reflected Michael Compton, Extension educator and 4-H STEM director. “They discover how to engineer machines, but also about STEM careers and important life skills they can use no matter their future path.”
Youth participants also engaged in STEM learning activities, met with business representatives and toured the St. Cloud State University engineering department during the day long event. It wrapped up with an awards ceremony, recognizing several teams for their high-quality designs.
Jack Pine Pals Engineering Design Challenge Team consisted of, Brennen Roepke, Micah Tramm, and Ivan Marsh coached by Sam Roepke.