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STEAM Festival

STEAM Festival  STEAM Festival Logo

The UMass 4-H STEAM Festival started during COVID-19 as an offshoot of our virtual fair and became an annual event to provide an additional opportunity for youth to showcase their work. 

The Festival kicks off in December and is a Fun Winter Virtual Fair with awards held on March 14, Pi Day 

STEAM Festival Book: 

We are in the process of converting the format to HTML and adding new classes and it will be available in the Fall.

Science

  • Greenhouse: Show us your set up for starting seeds indoors or a greenhouse you designed. 
  • Design: (Garden or Hideout) In the design include its measurement and the types of crops/flowers for garden or purpose of rooms/special features.
  • Science Experiment: Use the scientific method to design and conduct an experiment following safety and ethical guidelines.
  • Space Project: Submit your projects from Winter Workshops and STEM Challenge such as: rover, straw rocket, parachute or other project that relates to space.  It can also include astro-poetry and images from telescopes. 
  • Science Miscellaneous: Here is a place to put your projects that do not fit in the above classes to show us what you are doing and it could be a new class next year.

                                                                                                                                                           

Technology Department

  • Scratch-coded game or app: What will you create?
  • Webpage design: Submit a webpage you have created using HTML code or designed using a platform like Drupal. 
  • Hackathon: Using Scratch, try your hand at "Insight to Mars," part of the 2021 STEM Challenge.  https://4-h.org/programs/stem-challenge/mars-base-camp/insight-from-mars-activity/
  • 3-D Printed design: any object you designed and made using a 3D printer.  One of the most common platforms to use is Tinkercad. Here's a video to learn more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh4o9k599pQ
  • Video:  They can be demonstrations, stop animation, promotional or another genre.  Please includetitle, 4-H Clover, MA 4-H and credits.  Short PSA Video should be under 2 minutes, demonstration should be no longer than 5 minutes. Sample storyboard and resources at: https://ag.umass.edu/mass4h/programs/science-engineering-technology/movi...
  • Robot – electronic non-kit:  
  • Technology Miscellaneous: Here is a place to put your projects that do not fit in the above classes to show us what you are doing, and it could be a new class next year.

                                                                                                                                                           

Engineering Department

  • Rube Goldberg: Named after American cartoonist Rube Goldberg, it is a machine intentionally designed to perform a simple task in an indirect and overly complicated way. Usually these machines consist of a series of simple, unrelated devices; the action of each triggers the initiation of the next, eventually resulting in achieving a stated goal.” (Wikipedia definition.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8VFTKZHIrk  example of some Rube Goldberg elements   
  • Cardboard Arcade: A working arcade game created by you using cardboard and mainly recycled materials. Must include rules and instructions as to how to play the game. (Caine’s cardboard arcade can also provide you with some inspiration) https://www.facebook.com/cainesarcade/videos/caines-arcade/10150783700975056/
  • Gadget:  Create a gadget that could be useful to someone or a superhero.
  • Catapult/Trebuchet: Using a kit or not, create a working catapult.
  • Robot: non-electronic (indicate kit or non-kit):
  • Lego Structure: Create a building, monument, bridge, or other MA feature.  This could even include a UMass building like Lederle Library or even your county fairgrounds.  Include a labeled picture of your inspiration.
  • Engineering Miscellaneous: Here is a place to put your projects that do not fit in the above classes.

                                                                                                                                                           

Art Department

  • Mission Patch: Create your own Mission Patch for the 4-H Mars bound Challenge. Here is a video link to learn from NASA how to create a mission patch. https://youtu.be/u6zHQ_GOoXc
  • Challenge Coin: Challenge Coins are a physical symbol of appreciation and recognition of a job well done or exemplary service. Needs to include the 4-H Clover.
  • Upcycled Art: Using recycled materials create an esthetically pleasing art piece.
  • STEAM Collage: Using magazine, pictures, or drawings, create a collage representing what STEAM means to you. 
  • Quilt: Submit your finished quilt and include a brief description of the pattern and fabric used. Submit your design with dimensions, patterns, and either drawn or fabric swatches as needed.
  • Functional Upcycle or Cosplay project: Use thrift shop clothes or clothes/fabric you currently own to create something new to wear or use repurposed items into something such as a bag, blanket, or bookmark.  Think about upcycling not just for people, but for your animals too like an old sweater to a cat bed. 
  • Shoebox Float: Using a Shoebox or other small box, create a float. Box should be under 12 inches in either direction. The theme is “My Superpower.” http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/cals/2021/10/08/celebrating-the-2nd-annual-cals-shoebox-parade/
  • Model: Design a model of a barn, superhero hideout, paddock or event filling it with small stuffed or other small animal figurines in your collection. This could be a versatility course/obstacle for horses, a dog agility course, chicken coop, or dream barn as examples.
  • Art Miscellaneous: Here is a place to put your projects that do not fit above to show us what you are doing, and it could be a new class next year.

                                                                                                                                                           

Math Department

  • Tangrams: Create a tangram design and include a description or additional picture if needed.  Example: if you did a tangram of your cat, it would be great to have a picture of your cat with your tangram design.  You may color the shapes. An optional*Template is provided.
  • Analog game: Create your own board or card game. 
  • Math Miscellaneous: Any math related project that doesn’t fit into tangrams or analog game.
  • Pixelation: Create a piece using pixels.  Break down and image into large or small squares.  How many squares do you need to be effective?  What number of colors will you use?
  • Repeating Pattern: How do patterns repeat in games or even wallpaper or fabric designs.  Create one of your own based on your 4-H project(s) or interest.  Video

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further information, please contact:

Kim Pond
4-H Educator, 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Program Manager
7 Midstate Drive, Suite 102
Auburn, MA 01501
Phone: 508-831-1223 Ext. 114
kima@umext.umass.edu