4-H Science Fridays at UMaine Machias

Engage in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) topics and skills with 4-H staff and volunteers throughout the 2025 year! Targeted for youth ages 9-15, this program allows youth to explore a variety of STEAM projects through hands-on activities that build curiosity, confidence and a growth mindset.

Each month 4-H Science Fridays will have a specific theme. We will meet for an hour and a half, 3-4:30pm, at the University of Maine at Machias. The program is free, registration is encouraged, as the maximum number of participants is 12.

Scenes from past 4-H Science Fridays!

Goals

  • Become more familiar with the University of Maine at Machias campus
  • Engage in high quality STEAM activities that relate to youth interests and sparks
  • Promote interest and enjoyment in STEAM
  • Foster a sense of belonging with peers and adults

Schedule

May 23, 2025: Gardening
The growing season is short in Maine, but that doesn’t stop us from getting our hands in the soil! With such a short growing season, it’s important to plan your garden ahead of time and consider weather, climate, and environmental factors that can impact your garden’s success. Join 4-H staff and UMM Botany students and alumni to learn how to set up a garden for strong yields!

June 27, 2025: Fish Biology 
“What is a fish biologist?” Meg Begley, 4-H Science Professional, will explore the answer to that question through hands-on activities! Learn what a fish biologist does, practice identifying fish, and perform a model stomach analysis to understand where the fish species fits within a mystery lake ecosystem.

July 25, 2025: Marine Ecosystems
Maine’s coastal marine ecosystems are rich and productive, ranging from rocky intertidal zones to deeper marine waters. For this 4-H Science Friday, youth will learn about the diverse and complex nature of these ecosystems, including seaweeds and urchins.

August 15, 2025: Blueberries 

September 26, 2025: Fall Phenology
Changing leaves signal the shift from summer to fall, a drop in temperature, and slightly shorter days. Join us in taking part in a community science protocol, Green Down, to help monitor this shift in seasons.

October 24, 2025: Forensic Science 

 

Registration

4-H Science Fridays at UMaine Machias

  • To add more than one name, click on the small plus (+) sign at the end of the row. Note: As a way to document those we are reaching, we are seeking Gender and Race/Ethnicity information on an optional basis. It is important that we ensure equal opportunity to all who might benefit from our programs.
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  • UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM AND 4-H PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT

    I, hereby grant and authorize the University of Maine System, acting through the University of Maine, (hereinafter UMS) and the 4-H Program (defined as 4-H Afterschool, National 4-H Council, 4-H Cooperative Extension System, USDA/NIFA, Maine 4-H Program, 4-H clubs and programs, etc.) its employees and agents to make use of, license or assign the use of, my image, appearance, likeness, voice and/or photograph, and other reproductions of any of these, in still photographs, videotapes, publications, audio, sound recordings, web sites, electronic and other media and/or motion pictures, (hereinafter all of which are included in the term “Material”) obtained during the current 4-H year (October-September) at 4-H-sponsored events, and to do so with or without mention of my name. I understand and agree that I am to receive no compensation of any kind, monetary or otherwise, on account of or arising from the production, publication, recording, rebroadcasting, or other use of such Material. UMS shall have complete ownership of the Material produced or published and shall have the exclusive right and license to make such use of that Material as it wishes, including, but not limited to the right of performance, display, reproduction and distribution in all media, and the right to create, perform, display and distribute derivative works of the Material. I agree to indemnify and hold UMS, the University, its employees and agents, harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, lawsuits, judgments, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees that UMS may become liable to pay or defend arising out of or caused by any matter or material furnished or spoken by me in connection with my appearance. I hereby release UMS, its employees and agents from all expenses, claims and liabilities incurred by me arising out of or in connection with my appearance and/or the use of the Material, except to the extent that those expenses, claims or liabilities are the direct result of the negligent acts or omissions of UMS, the University, its employees or agents. This agreement shall be governed and construed according to the laws of the State of Maine.

 

For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Gabby Brodek, 4-H Youth Development Professional at gabrielle.brodek@maine.edu or 207.255.3345.

 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).