4-H Summer of Science brings STEM learning to communities throughout Maine
This summer in 16 communities statewide, more than 2,000 youths ages 8-13 participated in the Maine 4-H Summer of Science, which provided hands-on STEM learning activities in areas ranging from animal adaptation and bioremediation to chromatography and engineering design.
Maine 4-H Summer of Science was offered in Auburn, Bath, Biddeford, Cape Elizabeth, Gray, Freeport, Lewiston, Lisbon, Lubec, Machias, New Gloucester, Portland, Princeton, Standish, Topsham and Westbrook. Twenty teen teachers, as well as adult volunteers and 4-H staff members, led the weekly experiential learning activities, designed to build interest in science and prevent summer learning loss.
Maine 4-H Summer of Science brings programming to youth — at free-or-reduced lunch sites, libraries, summer school programs and camp sites. Community partners included Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, schools, public housing authorities and recreation camps.
This year’s theme — innovation engineering — was supported by Maine EPSCoR, the Maine 4-H Foundation, USDA/NIFA Children, Youth, and Families at Risk Grant, and the Walmart Foundation.
More information about 4-H is available from UMaine Extension county offices.