STEM

STEM

DEVELOPING TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION & LEADERSHIP AT THE NATIONAL HIGHER ORBITS GO FOR LAUNCH COMPETITION

Illinois youth Krish Nangia of DuPage County participated in the winning team, the Space Goats. Their experiment, “Growing Spirulina in Space,” will be conducted at the International Space Station in 2023. Their experiment, “Growing Spirulina in Space,” focused on growing blue-green algae in microgravity conditions.

The Illinois delegation included: Xander Albertson, Kendall County Riley Bourquin, Jo Daviess County Dhruv Rebba, McLean County Krish Nangia, DuPage County Aaron Jenkins, Cook County Marie Polk, Champaign County Seyed Ahmad Dastgheib, Champaign County Caden Raquel, Champaign County Jayden Thomas, Cook County Mei-Lin Hayek, Champaign County Lisa Tsou, Champaign County D Angel Slater, Kane County

STEM

Delegates to the competition have served as Space Ambassadors in their home states, exploring a comprehensive STEM initiative called “4-H in Space.” Delegates were chosen through a rigorous selection process.

The state teams have spent the spring and summer immersed in space curriculum, career pathway training, and learning workshops focused on coding, mechanical engineering, and astronomy in preparation for the event.

The three-day competition, organized by Higher Orbits, focused on building, programming, and launching satellites into low earth orbit. Delegates designed an experiment that will be launched and tested on the International Space Station under sponsorship of the National Laboratory. The winning team’s experiment will be conducted by real astronauts and launched to the ISS.

YOUR GIFT HELPS 4-H DO MORE!

Give to support • Illinois 4-H STEM and Robotics Fund • National experiences for Illinois youth

STEM

Participants of 4G STEM Camp (Girls + Gadgets + Games = Genius) learn about cover crops and the most effective tools to sort different size matter during an experiment with staff and interns from ISU CeMast (Center for Math, Science, and Technology) program.

Camp attendees also learned about the training medical students receive on intubation while at JUMP Simulation, a world-class medical training facility in Peoria.

A COMPETITION THAT'S OUT OF THIS WORLD

STEM

Youth from thirteen teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 4-H SpaceBot Mission Command Challenge Robotics Competition. I really appreciated the chance to learn and develop with my teammates the skills that could really help me out in the real world.

BROGAN KELTNER, STEPHENSON COUNTY

STEM

The Metal Cow and Super SCREAM Bros robotics teams qualified for FIRST Championships, competing with 186 teams from around the world!

The Super Scream Bros were named Connect Award Finalists. The Connect Award is given to a team that is recognized for helping their community understand the importance of STEM education. They did this by working with professionals in the STEM field, schools, and community groups to give robot demonstrations and teaching workshops on STEM topics throughout the season. Illinois 4-H staff member named 2022 Illinois Innovation Network Innovator of the Year

4-H Youth Development Specialist Keith Jacobs has been honored for his youth impact work as the winner of the 2022 Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) Innovator of the Year. Jacobs was celebrated at an awards ceremony held in conjunction with the 2022 STEAM Expo at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in August.

IIN Innovation Awards celebrate advances in research, technology commercialization, and education. Jacobs was honored for his work on the 4-H in Space program.