4-H STEM Club turns youth into engineers

The February 4-H After School STEM Club at Keota Elementary is turning the sixteen 4th-6th grade participants into engineers as they prepare to build their own recycled race cars. Instructors are using an Engineering is Elementary kit from Washington County Extension to let students learn and grow in the topics of green engineering in combination with challenges with wheels, axles, friction, weight and more — all the necessities of building a race car.

Washington County Extension & 4-H, Keota Elementary and Keota Elementary Boosters are partnering together to offer additional and fun way for Keota youth to interact with science more in a hands-on setting while making new friends and connecting with caring adults in the community. This month’s afterschool club is being led by Rachel Klein and Madison Briggs.

During session one, students Levin Sheetz, Adyson Ahlberg and Jessalyn Aller worked together brainstorming their first wheel and axle set. Students will continue to meet weekly and enjoy the recycled race car final competition the end of the month.

Contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811 or amygreen@iastate.edu, for registration form or with any questions about this STEM Club or how to get involved with other youth science activities.