Aerospace, Computer Science, Electricity, Robotics, Geospatial, Energy, Woodworking & Welding
This department gives 4-H members an opportunity to display their knowledge and skills gained relating to computers, drones, electricity, energy, geospatial, robots, rockets, welding, and woodworking. Through participation in this department, 4-H members will present their knowledge in these areas as they relate to STEM.
General Rules for STEM
- The name and county of each 4-H member should appear separately on the back of each board, poster, or article and on the front cover of the notebooks so owner of exhibit may be identified if the entry tag is separated from the exhibit.
- Demonstration boards should include an overall title for the display, plus other necessary labeling.
- Reports should be written using the scientific method whenever possible: 1. Hypothesis 2. Research 3. Experiment 4. Measure 5. Report or Redefine Hypothesis. All reports should be computer generated and enclosed in a clear plastic cover. The reports should be attached securely to the display.
- Please refer to the General Rules for the policy regarding firearms, items with a blade, and other related items.
- Please refer to the General Rules for the policy regarding use of copywritten images.
- Team Entries: to qualify for entry at the Nebraska State Fair for any team exhibit, the exhibit and all supporting information must clearly be the work of a team instead of an individual, and must have at least 50% of all team members enrolled in 4-H. Additionally, all enrolled 4-H members on the team should complete and attach an entry tag to the materials. A supplemental page documenting the individual contributions to the project should be included. The entry will be judged as a team, with all team members receiving the same ribbon placing.
- State Fair qualified videos, presentations, and other electronic exhibits should be submitted to: https://go.unl.edu/2026nesfstem by August 15th, 2026. Videos can be uploaded to a video streaming application and exhibitors MUST provide a hard copy QR code for viewing. 4-H members are encouraged to test their codes or links on several devices to check for appropriate permissions for public viewing.
- Posters in this department can be any size up to 28 inches X 22 inches when ready for display. Example: trifold poster boards are not 28 inches by 22 inches when fully open for display.
- Several classes require a display board which should be a height of 24 inches and not exceed ¼ inch thickness. A height of 24 7/8 inches is acceptable to allow for the saw kerf (width) if two 24-inch boards are cut from one end of a 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of plywood. Nothing should be mounted within ¾ inch of the top or bottom of the board. (Example: Woodworking & Electricity.)
- Fabricated boards such as plywood, composition board, or particle-type lumber may be used for demonstration displays.
- Demonstration boards should be sanded and finished to improve their appearance. The finish on a demonstration board will be judged as a woodworking exhibit.
- Demonstration boards should include an overall title for the display, plus other necessary labeling.
- Reports should be written using the scientific method whenever possible (1. Hypothesis 2. Research 3. Experiment 4. Measure 5. Report or Redefine Hypothesis). All reports should be computer generated and enclosed in a clear plastic cover. The reports should be attached securely to the display.
- If the project (i.e. picnic tables, wishing wells, swings, chairs, bridges, doghouses, etc.) is designed to be used outside, it will be displayed outside.
- All outside projects MUST have entry tag and supporting information placed in a protective bag to prevent damage from weather events such as rain and be ATTACHED to projects with string, zip ties, etc.
Additional materials and resources can be found at: https://go.unl.edu/ne4hstem
Recommended QR code generator: https://www.qr-code-generator.com
STEM – Rockets/Drones (Aerospace)
Rules:
1. The name and county of each exhibitor should appear separately on the back of each board, poster, or article and on the front cover of the notebooks so owner of the exhibit may be identified if the entry tag is separated from the exhibit.
2. Rockets must be supported substantially in order to protect the rocket from breakage. Rockets are to be mounted on a base that has dimensions equal to or less than 12 inches x 12 inches and the base should be 3/4" thick. No metal bases. If the rocket fins extend beyond the edges of the required base (12 inches x 12 inches) then construct a base that is large enough to protect the fins. The base size is dictated by the size of the rocket fins.
3. The rockets must be mounted vertically. Please do not attach sideboards or backdrops to the displays. In addition, a used engine or length of dowel pin is to be glued and/or screwed into the board and extended up into the rockets engine mount to give added stability.
4. Rockets must be equipped as prepared for launching, with wadding and parachute or other recovery system. Rockets entered with live engines, wrong base size or sideboards will be disqualified.
5. A report, protected in a clear plastic cover, must include: 1) rocket specification (include original or photo of manufacture packaging stating rocket skill level), 2) a flight record for each launching (weather, distance, flight height), 3) number of launchings, 4) flight pictures, 5) Safety (how did you choose your launch site? Document safe launch, preparations, and precautions) 6) objectives learned and 7) conclusions.
6. The flight record should describe the engine used, what the rocket did in flight and recovery success. Points will not be deducted for launching, flight or recovery failures described. This includes any damage that may be shown on the rocket. Complete factory assembled rockets will not be accepted at the State Fair.
7. Judging is based upon display appearance, rocket appearance, workmanship, design or capabilities for flight, number of times launched, and report. Three launches are required to earn the maximum launch points given on the score sheets. For scoring for the State Fair, only actual launches count, misfires will not count towards one of the required three launches.
8. For self-designed rockets only, please include a digital recorded copy of one flight. In the documentation, please include a description of stability testing before the rocket was flown.
9. The skill level of a project is not determined by the number of years in project. Skill level is determined by the level listed on the manufacturing packaging. 4-H Rocket project levels are not intended to correspond to National Association of Rocketry model rocket difficulty rating or levels. High power (HPR) is similar to model rocketry with differences that include the propulsion power and weight increase of the model. They use motors in ranges over “G” power and/or weigh more than laws and regulations allow for unrestricted model rockets. These rockets are NOT appropriate for 4-H projects and will be disqualified.
10. 3D Printed Rockets are deemed unsafe in fabrication and design for launch. These rockets are NOT appropriate for 4-H Rocket projects and will be disqualified if entered into Rocket Classes. 3D Printed Rockets are ACCEPTABLE if entered into 3D Printing Classes. Posters can be any size up to 28 inches by 22 inches when ready for display. Example: tri fold poster boards are not 28 inches by 22 inches when fully open for display.
Rockets
C) H850901 Kite – must be homemade, no purchased kits
C) H850902 Model Airplane or Glider
C) H850903 Rocket- Any skill level with plastic fins
C) H850904 Rocket- level 1 with wooden fins
SF) H850001 Rocket (SF92) – Any skill level rocket with wooden fins and cardboard body tubes painted by hand or air brush.
SF) H850002 Aerospace Display (SF277) – Poster or display board that displays or exemplifies one of the principles learned in the Lift-Off Project. Examples include: display of rocket parts and purpose, explaining the parts of a NASA rocket or shuttle, interview of someone in the aerospace field or kite terminology. Include notebook containing terminology (definitions), and what was learned. Display can be any size up to 22 inches x 28 inches.
SF) H850003 Rocket (SF92) – Any skill level rocket with wooden fins and cardboard body tubes painted using commercial application, for example: commercial spray paint.
Self-Designed Rocket
SF) H850004 Rocket (SF92) – Any self-designed rocket with wooden fins and cardboard body tubes.
Drones
SF) H850005 Drone Poster (SF277) Exhibit must be designed to educate yourself and others on one or more of the following topics: drone technologies, use of drones, the different types of drones, types of training needed to operate drones, and the laws and regulations users must follow. Posters can be any size up to 22 inches by 28 inches.
SF) H850006 Drone Video (SF277) Exhibit must demonstrate how the drone interacts with the outside world. Examples include: field scouting, surveying damage from natural disasters, drones used in commercial applications and settings, and drones used for structural engineering, or any other example of your choosing. Video should not exceed 5 minutes. For videos that qualify for State Fair, please contact the Extension Office to get further instructions.
STEM – Computer Science
Rules: Follow General Rules for STEM at beginning of STEM section.
Please refer to the general rules for the policy regarding use of copywritten images.
Computer Science – Unit 1
C) H860903 Computer Art Poster – Exhibit should be created on 8 1/2” x 11” paper using commercially available graphics software package and color or black and white paper. 4-H theme of your choice suggested. Exhibit should be mounted on 14” x 11” black poster board.
C) H860904 Greeting Card – Develop a series of 3-5 greeting cards, each for a different occasion. Exhibit should be created on 8½” x 11” paper using commercially available graphics programs and a color or black and white paper. The cards should vary in fold and design. Tell what software package was used on the back. Prefabricated cards from commercially available card programs will NOT be accepted. Put cards in a protective plastic cover or notebook.
C) H860905 Manipulate Photographs – Using an imaging program, create a series of special effects photos. Exhibits should be created on 8½” x 11” paper. The series should use at least three of the following effects: texture, changing brightness and contrast, filters, magic wand techniques, composite images, cropping or resizing. Tell what imaging program was used.
Computer Science – Unit 2
SF) H860001 Computer Application Notebook (SF277) – 4-H member should use computer application to create a graphic notebook utilizing computer technology. This exhibit consists of a notebook (8.5 x11 inches) which should include 2 parts:
1. a detailed report describing:
(a) the task to be completed
(b) the computer application software required to complete the task
(c) specific features of the computer application software necessary for completing the task
2. Print out of your project. Project may be in color or black and white. 4-H member may create any of the following:
- greeting card (5 different cards such as a birthday, wedding, anniversary, sympathy, get well, or other);
- business card (3 cards for 3 different individuals and businesses)
- menu (minimum of 2 pages including short description of foods and pricing);
- promotional flyer (3 flyers promoting 3 different events);
- newsletter (minimum 2 pages)
- other: examples such as precision farming or family business logo etc.
SF) H860002 Produce a Computer Slideshow Presentation (SF276) – Using presentation software a 4-H member designs a multimedia computer presentation on one topic related to youth. A 8.5 inch X 11 inch 3-ring notebook with a printout of all the slides should be submitted. Slideshow should include a minimum of 10 slides and not more than 25. Incorporate appropriate slide layouts, graphics, animations and audio (music or voice and transition sounds do not count). Each slide should include notes for a presentation. For County Fair, this digital exhibit must be brought on a USB or emailed directly to megan.hanefeldt@unl.edu for viewing. If emailed, please confirm the exhibit has been received. All State Fair eligible digital exhibits must be uploaded according to the guidelines and by the deadline listed in the STEM general rules.
Computer Science – Unit 3
SF) H860003 Produce an Audio/Video Computer Presentation (SF276) – Using presentation software a 4-H member designs a multimedia computer presentation on one topic related to youth, including audio and/or video elements. A notebook with printout of all the slides should be submitted. The presentation should be at least 2 minutes in length and no more than 5 minutes in length, appropriate graphics, sounds and either a video clip, animation, or voice over and/or original video clip. For County Fair, this digital exhibit must be brought on a USB or emailed directly to megan.hanefeldt@unl.edu for viewing. If emailed, please confirm the exhibit has been received. All State Fair eligible digital exhibits must be uploaded according to the guidelines and by the deadline listed in the STEM general rules.
SF) H860004 How to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Presentation (SF276) – Youth design a fully automated 2 to 5 minutes 4-H “how-to” video. Submissions should incorporate a picture or video of the 4-H member, as well as their name (first name only), age (as of January 1 of the current year), years in 4-H, and their personal interests or hobbies. For County Fair, this digital exhibit must be brought on a USB, provided with a paper copy QR code with exhibit, or emailed directly to megan.hanefeldt@unl.edu for viewing. If emailed, please confirm the exhibit has been received. All State Fair eligible digital exhibits must be uploaded according to the guidelines and by the deadline listed in the STEM general rules.
SF) H860005 Virtual Platform Presentation (SF276) – Youth design a fully automated education presentation using a multimedia platform such as Tik Tok, YouTube, Canva, Canvas, etc. Submissions may include a notebook, poster, etc., explaining the process, experience, and/or presentation For County Fair, this digital exhibit must be brought on a USB, provided with a paper copy QR code with exhibit, or emailed directly to megan.hanefeldt@unl.edu for viewing. If emailed, please confirm the exhibit has been received. All State Fair eligible digital exhibits must be uploaded according to the guidelines and by the deadline listed in the STEM general rules.
SF) H860006 Create a Web Site/Blog or App (SF275)) – Design a simple website, blog, or app for providing information about a topic related to youth. Include an explanation of why the entry was created. (Any current website, blog, or app development platform is accepted such as Google Sites, iBuild App, Wix, etc. For County Fair, this digital exhibit must be brought on a USB, provided with a paper copy QR code with exhibit, or emailed directly to megan.hanefeldt@unl.edu for viewing in addition to other mentioned requirements. If emailed, please confirm the exhibit has been received. All State Fair eligible digital exhibits must be uploaded according to the guidelines and by the deadline listed in the STEM general rules.
SF) H860007 3D Printing: (SF1050) – 3D printing uses plastic or other materials to build a 3-dimensional (3D) object for a digital design (including 3D Pen Creation). 4-H member may use original designs or someone else’s they have re-designed in a unique way. Exhibits will be judged based on the motivation and/or problem identified. For example, 3D objects printed as part of the design process for robot or other engineering project. Must include design notebook that addresses the following questions: 1) What was the motivation for your design or the problem you were solving with your design? ie Is your item a functional or decorative piece? 2). Please include a picture of original design, citation of designer/website OR if design is completely original (you created it using CAD software), then state that it’s original. If item was not completely original, indicate what you did to the original design to modify it to better meet the design problem stated in #1 above. Its design was modified multiple times, please indicate what change was made with each modification, and what prompted the need for the change. Ie. I printed it and the design was too fragile, so I resliced the print to make thicker external walls, or to have a denser infill. 3). Define your process for designing/printing. What software and/or hardware was used (indicate type of 3D printer or if item was created with 3D pen)? 4) What materials were selected for your project? 5) If your final design has any moving parts, define how you determined appropriate allowance in your design. 6) Identify any changes that you would make to improve your design.
SF) H860008 Maker Space/Digital Fabrication (SF1050) – This project is a computer generated project created using a laser cutter, vinyl cutter, heat press, or CNC router. Vector or 3D based software such as a corel draw or Fusion 360 would be an example of an appropriate software used to create your finished project. Project should include a 8.5 inch X 11 inch 3-ring notebook with the following: 1) What motivated you to create this project. 2) Software and equipment used 3) Directions on how to create the project. 4) Prototype of plans 5) Cost of creating project. 6) Iterations or modifications made to original plans. 7) Changes you would make if you remade the project.
Team entry option: – To qualify for entry at the Nebraska State Fair team materials entered in H860008 – Maker Space/Digital Fabrication must clearly be the work of a team instead of an individual, and must have at least 50% of all team members enrolled in 4-H. Additionally, all enrolled 4-H members on the team should complete and attach an entry tag to the materials. A supplemental page documenting the individual contributions to the project should be included. The entry will be judged as a team, with all team members receiving the same ribbon placing.
STEM – Electricity
Rules: Follow General Rules for STEM at beginning of STEM section.
Magic of Electricity – Unit 1
C) H870901 Bright Lights – Create your own flashlight using items found around your house. Flashlights should be made out of items that could be recycled or reused. No kits allowed.
C) H870902 Control the Flow – Make a switch. Use the following items: D cell battery, battery holder, insulated wire, 2 or 2.5 volt light bulb, bulb holder, paper clip, cardboard and two brass paper fasteners to create a circuit that you can open and close.
C) H870903 Conducting Things – Make a circuit with a switch and a light bulb that can be used to test different household items for their ability to act as an insulator or conductor. You must find five items that are conductors and five items that are insulators. Create a table that illustrates your results.
C) H870904 Is There a Fork in the Road – Using the following items to construct one parallel and one series circuit. Items: D cell battery, battery holder, insulated wire, bulb holder and a 2 or 2.5 volt light bulb.
C) H870905 Electrical Poster – Poster should exemplify one of the lessons learned in the Magic of Electricity Project. Posters size is 14” x 22”, either horizontal or vertical.
C) H870906 Electric Energy Conservation. Must show useful methods of efficient use of electrical energy and conservation.
Investigating Electricity – Unit 2
C) H870907 Case of the Switching Circuit – Use the following items: two D cell batteries, two battery holders, light bulb, bulb holder, a 3” x 6” piece of cardboard, six brass paper fasteners and approximately 2 feet of 24 gauge insulated wire to build a three-way switch. Write a short essay or create a poster that illustrates how three-way switches function.
C) H870908 Rocket Launcher – Construct a rocket launcher out of the following materials: a plastic pencil box that is at least 4” x 8”, single pole switch, normally open push button switch, 40 feet or 18 or 22 gauge stranded wire, 4 alligator clips, 2” x 6” board (6” long), 1/8” diameter metal rod, rosin core solder, soldering iron or gun, wire stripper, small crescent wrench, pliers, small Phillips and straight blade screwdrivers, drill, 1/8 ” and ¼” drill bits, rocket engine igniters, additional drill bits matched to holes for two switches. You may successfully build a rocket launcher and light two rockets igniters with your launcher. You DO NOT have to actually fire a rocket off of the launcher. Create a poster using photographs to show the step-by-step process you used to build your launcher.
C) H870909 Stop the Crime – Build an ALARM using the following materials: on-off push button switch, mercury switch, buzzer- vibrating or piezoelectric, 9-volt battery, 9-volt battery holder, 4” x 4” x 1/8” Plexiglas board to mount circuit on, rosin core solder, soldering iron or gun, 2 feet of 22 gauge wire, wire strippers, hot glue sticks, hot glue gun and a plastic box with a lid to mount your alarm circuit on. Create a poster using photographs to show the step-by-step process you used to build your alarm.
C) H870910 Electrical Poster – Poster should exemplify one of the lessons learned in the Investigating Electricity Project. Posters size is 14” x 22”, either horizontal or vertical.
Wired for Power – Unit 3
SF) H870001 Electrical Tool/Supply Kit (SF2264) – Create an electrical supply kit to be used for basic electrical repair around the house. Include a brief description of each item and its use. Container should be appropriate to hold items.
SF) H870002 Lighting Comparison (SF226) – Display studying the efficiency of various lighting (incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, Light Emitting Diodes, etc.). Exhibit could be a poster display or an actual item.
SF) H870003 Electrical Display/Item (SF226) – Show an application of one of the concepts learned in the Wired for Power project. Examples include: re-wiring or building a lamp, re-wiring or making a heavy duty extension cord or developing an electrical diagram of a house. Exhibit could be a poster display or an actual item.
SF) H870004 Poster (SF277) – Poster should exemplify one of the lessons learned in the Wired for Power Project. Posters can be any size up to 28 inches x 22 inches.
Electronics – Unit 4
SF) H870005 Electrical/Electronic Part Identification (SF226) – Display different parts used for electrical/electronic work. Exhibit should show the part (either picture or actual item) and give a brief description, including symbol of each part and its function. Display should include a minimum of 10 different parts.
SF) H870006 Electronic Display (SF229) – Show an application of one of the concepts learned in the Entering Electronics project. Examples include: components of an electronic device (refer to p.35 of the Entering Electronic manual)
SF) H870007 Electronic Project (SF229) – Exhibit an electronic item designed by the 4-H member or from a manufactured kit that shows the electronic expertise of the 4-H member. Examples include: a radio, a computer, or a voltmeter.
SF) H870008 Poster (SF277) – Poster should exemplify one of the lessons learned in the Entering Electronics Project. Poster can be any size up to 28 inches x 22 inches.
STEM – Robotics
Rules: Follow General Rules for STEM at beginning of STEM section.
SF) H861001 Robotics Poster (SF77) – Create a poster (28 inches X 22 inches) communicating a robotics theme such as “Robot or Not”, Pseudocode”. “Real World Robots”. “Careers in Robots”, “Autonomous Robotics”, “Precision Agriculture” or a robotic topic of interest to the 4-H member.
SF) H861002 Robotics Notebook (SF237) – Explore a robotics topic in-depth and present your findings in a notebook. Documentation should include any designs, research, notes, pseudocode, data tables, or other evidence of the 4-H members learning experience. The 8.5 inch X 11 inch notebook should contain at least three pages. Topics could include programming challenge, programming skill, calibration, sensor exploration, or any of the topics suggested in Class 1.
SF) H861004 Robotics/Careers Interview (SF239) – Interview someone who is working in the field of robotics and research the career in robotics. Interviews can either be written or in a multimedia format such as a short video uploaded to a cloud sharing service. Include a QR code with your project to allow for judging access. Written interviews should be in a 8.5 inch X 11 inch notebook. Written reports should be 3 to 5 pages, double spaced, 12-point font, and 1” margins. Multimedia reports should be between 3 to 5 minutes in length. All State Fair eligible digital exhibits must be uploaded according to the guidelines and by the deadline listed in the STEM general rules.
SF) H861005 Robotics Sensor Notebook (SF239) – Write code which includes at least three sensor activity. Include the code written and explain the code function. Codes can be submitted multimedia format uploaded to a cloud sharing service. Include a QR code with your project to allow judging access. Multimedia presentations should be 3 to 5 minutes in length. All State Fair eligible digital exhibits must be uploaded according to the guidelines and by the deadline listed in the STEM general rules.
SF) H861007 Kit Labeled Robot (cannot be free programmed) and Notebook (SF243) – This class is intended for explorations of robotic components such as arms or vehicles OR educational kits marketed as robots that do not have the ability to be programmed to “sense, plan, and act.” The exhibit should include a notebook with the robot the youth has constructed. Included in the notebook should be 1) a description of what the robot does, 2) pictures of programs the robot can perform, 3) why they chose to build this particular form, and 4) how they problem solved any issues they might have had during building and programming. A picture story of assembly is recommended. If eligible for Nebraska State Fair and robot is more than 15” inches wide and 20” inches tall they may not be displayed in locked cases. If the robot is too large, we recommend you create a video of how your robot works. We recommend that you submit the project under class H861003- Robotics Video in the Robotics Showcase.
SF) H861008 3D Printed Robotics Parts (SF1050) – This class is intended for 4-H members to create parts through 3D printing, that help create their robot or aid the robot in completing a coded function. Project should include notebook describing the process used to create the project, describe the success of your designed piece (did it work), intended use of the product and the modifications made to the item.
C) H861901 Build a Robot (may use kit) (SF243) – Include a robot and a notebook including the pseudo codes for at least one program you have written for the robot, the robots purpose, and any challenges or changes you would make in the robot design or programming.
C) H861902 Robotics Video (SF238) – This class should be displayed in a notebook. The notebook should include a paper copy QR code or link for viewing video that demonstrates the robot performing the programmed function. Include your pseudocode and screenshots of the actual code with a written description of the icon/command functions.
C) H861903 County Only Display – Any other item completed as part of this project
STEM – Geospatial
Rules: Follow General Rules for STEM at beginning of STEM section.
SF) H880001 Poster (SF277) – Create a poster communicating a GPS theme such as How GPS or GIS works, Careers that use GPS or GIS, How to use GPS, What is GIS, GPS or GIS in Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, or a geospatial topic of interest.
SF) H880002 4-H Favorite Places or Historical Site Poster (SF277) – The 4-H exhibitor identifies a favorite place or historical site (including grave sites) in Nebraska. Exhibit should include latitude and longitude, digital picture, and local area map. Poster size should not exceed 22 inches X 28 inches.
SF) H880003 GPS Notebook (SF300) – Keep a log of at least 5 places visited using a GPS enabled device. At least one site should be from a community other than where you live. For each site, record the latitude, longitude and elevation. Also include a description of the site, a paragraph explaining what was interesting about the site or finding it. Photos of each site and/or cache are optional but encouraged.
SF) H880004 Geocache (SF301) – Assemble a themed geocache. (Physical geocache is REQUIRED with exhibit.) Each geocache should be a water-tight container. It should include a logbook and pencil for finders to log their visits and may include small trinket, geocoins, etc. for the finders to trade. Documentation should include a title, teaser description, and the geographic coordinates of intended hiding place. Register the site at geocaching.com following the Nebraska State Fair.
SF) H880005 Agriculture Precision Mapping (SF302) – 4-H members will assemble a 8.5 X 11 inches 3-ring notebook that will include a minimum of 2 digital copies of various data layers that can be used in precision agriculture to identify spatial patterns and/or correlations (printed copies of websites where applications can be purchased is acceptable) A report of how the analysis of the various data will be used to make a management decision.
SF) H880006 4-H History Map/Preserve 4-H History (SF302) – Nominate a Point of Interest for the 4-H History Map Project. Include copy of submitted form in folder or notebook. To nominate a site for the 4-H history map please go to http://arcg.is/1bvGogV For more information about 4-H history go to http://arcg.is/1bvGogV For more information about 4-H history go to http://4-hhistorypreservation.com/History_Map For a step by step video on nominating a point, please go to this link: http://tinyurl.com/nominate4h Write a brief description of historical significance of 4-H place or person. (a minimum of one paragraph)
SF) H880007 GIS Thematic Map (SF302) – Using any GIS software, create a thematic map. Thematic maps can utilize any subject of interest to the 4-H member. Example map would be Amelia Earhart’s or Sir Francis Drake’s voyage, population density maps, water usage maps or 4-H project in Nebraska. Create GIS Map using data from books, and/or internet. Use reliable data, (U.S. Center or U, S. Census Bureau etc.) Map any size from 8.5 inches x 11 inches up to 36 inches x 24 inches, which should include Title, Base Map, Neat Line, North Arrow, and Legend. Identify the source of your information on the back of map.
SF) H880008 Virtual Geocache (SF301) – Keep a log of at least 5 places visited using a virtual geocache platform. At least one site should be from a community other than where you live. For each site, record the latitude, longitude and elevation. Also include a description of the site, a paragraph explaining what was interesting about the site or finding it. Photos of each site and/or cache are optional but encouraged.
C) H880901 Other exhibit in GPS, GIS, or mapping.
STEM – Energy
Rules: Follow General Rules for STEM at beginning of STEM section.
SF) H900001 Create and Compare Energy Resources Poster (SF277) – Poster should explore 2 alternative/renewable energy sources. Compare and contrast the 2 resources including two of the following information: amount of energy created, costs of production, usability of the energy, pros/cons of environmental impacts, etc. Posters can be any size up to 28 inches by 22 inches.
SF) H900002 Experiment Notebook (SF277) – Notebook will explore the scientific method involving alternative/renewable energy sources. Information required. 1) Hypothesis 2) Research 3) Experiment 4) Measure 5) Report or Redefine Hypothesis.
SF) H900003 Solar as Energy Display/Poster (SF277) – Item should be the original design of the 4-H member. Include the item, or a picture if item is in excess of 6 feet tall or 2 feet x 2 feet. Include a notebook of why the item was designed and how it harnesses the power of the sun. Examples include solar ovens, solar panels. etc.
SF) H900004 Water as Energy Display/Poster (SF277) – Item should be the original design of the 4-H member. Include the item, or a picture if item is in excess of 6 feet tall or 2 feet x 2 feet. Include a notebook of why the item was designed and how it harnesses the power of water.
SF) H900005 Wind as Energy Display/Poster (SF277) – Item should be the original design of the 4-H member. Include the item, or a picture if item is in excess of 6 feet tall or 2 feet X 2 feet. Include a notebook of why the item was designed and how it harnesses the power of wind.
SF) H900006 Other Nebraska Alternative Energy (SF277) – Notebook should explore Nebraska an alternative energy source besides wind, water, and solar power. Include information on type of power chosen, infrastructure for distribution, what resources are needed to create this alternative resource, cost of production, and potential uses of bio-products. Examples include geothermal, biomass, ethanol, bio-diesel, methane reactors, etc.
C) H900901 County Only Display – Any other item completed as part of this project.
STEM – Woodworking
Rules:
- The name and county of each exhibitor should appear separately on the back of each board, poster, or article and on the front cover of the notebooks so owner of the exhibit may be identified if the entry tag is separated from the exhibit.
- All articles exhibited must include a plan (with drawings or sketch or blueprint) stating dimensions and other critical instructions a builder would need to know to build the project and 4-H members name and county.
- Plans may include narrative instructions in addition to the dimension drawings and include any alterations to the original plan.
- Part of the score depends on how well the project matches the plans. If the plans are modified, the changes from the original need to be noted on the plans.
- All plans used for making the article must be securely attached and protected by a clear plastic cover.
- 4-H members must be in Unit 3 or Unit 4 for the exhibit to be considered for State Fair
- If the project (i.e. picnic tables, wishing wells, swings, chairs, bridges, doghouses. etc.) is designed to be outside, it may be displayed outside. All outside projects MUST have entry tag and supporting information placed in a protective bag to prevent damage from weather events such as rain and be ATTACHED to projects with string, zip ties, etc.
- All projects must have appropriate finish.
- All outside projects MUST have entry tag and supporting information placed in a protective bag to prevent damage from weather events such as rain and be ATTACHED to projects with string, zip ties, etc. for State Fair.
Woodworking Wonders 1 – Measuring Up Develop skills such as measuring, squaring and cutting a board, driving nails, and using clamps and screws; Examples-Build a picture frame, a letter holder, a box, or an airplane.
C) H911901 Woodworking Article – Item made using skills learned in the Measuring Up manual. Items must be entered with construction plans.
C) H911903 Other Items – Unit I – Other article as shown in Woodworking Unit I manual or comparable.
Woodworking Wonders 2 – Making the Cut Measure, cut, sand, drill, and use advanced hand and power tools: Apply paint and use bolts and staples: Examples - Build a sawhorse, birdhouse, tool box or a stool.
C) H911904 Woodworking Article – Item made using skills learned in the Making the Cut Manual. Items must be entered with construction plans.
C) H911906 Other Items – Unit II – Other article as shown in Woodworking Unit II manual or comparable.
Woodworking Wonders 3 – Nailing It Together Practice measuring angles, cutting dado and rabbet joints; Use a circular saw, a table saw, and a radial arm saw, sand and stain wood. Skills learned include either joints, hinges, dowels, or a dado joining. Examples include: bookcase, coffee table or end table.
SF) H911001 Woodworking Article (SF91) – Item should be made using either joints, hinges, dowels, or a dado joining made using skills learned in the Nailing it Together manual. Examples include bookcase, coffee table, or end table.
SF) H911003 Recycled Woodworking Display (SF91) – Article made from recycled, reclaimed, or composite wood. Article must be appropriately finished and/or sealed and utilize one or more woodworking techniques from page 2 of the Unit 3 manual. Exhibit must include the woodworking plan and a minimum one-page report of how the engineering design process was used to develop the woodworking plan. Engineering Design Process 1) State the problem (Why did you need this item?) 2) Generate possible solutions (How have others solved the problem? What other alternatives or designs were considered?) 3) Select a solution (How does your solution compare on the basis of cost, availability, and functionality?) 4) Build the item (What was your woodworking plan, and what processes did you use to build your item?) 5) Reason for article finish (What type of finish, how did you finish or why you choose this finish?) 6) Evaluate (How does your item solve the original need?) 7) Present results (How would you do this better next time?)
SF) H911004 Composite Wood Project (SF91) 60% of the project must be wood and 40% made from other materials such as metal, rubber, resin, etc. All plans and plan alternations must be attached to the article. Protect plans with a cover. If project is designed to be outside, it is required to have appropriate outdoor finish because project may be displayed outside.
SF) H911005 Outdoor Wood Project made with Treated Wood. (SF91) Treated wood projects DO NOT have to have a finished coating. All plans and plan alterations must be attached to the article. Protect plans with a cover if project is designed to be outside. Examples include: picnic tables, planters, outdoor furniture, etc.
SF) H911007 Wood Projects Created on a Turning Lathe (SF98) Article is the object created from spinning wood on a turning lathe. Article must be appropriately finished and/or sealed. Exhibit must include plans detailing design and process of completion, any changes made to the design, details of finishing techniques, and other relevant information about the article. Must include a description of tools used.
C) H911907 Other Items – Unit III – Other article as shown in Woodworking Unit III manual or comparable.
Woodworking Wonders 4 – Finishing Up Skills learned at this level include dovetailing, using a lathe, overlays, using a router, etc.
SF) H911006 Woodworking Article (SF91) – Item made using skills learned in the Finishing It Up Project. Examples include: dovetailing, making a pen using lathe, overlays, using a router, etc. Item is required to be appropriately finished.
SF) H911008 Recycled Woodworking Display (SF91) – Article made from recycled, reclaimed or composite wood. Article must be appropriately finished and/or sealed and utilize one or more woodworking techniques from page 2 of the Unit 4 manual. Exhibit must include the woodworking plan and a minimum one-page report of how the design and engineering process was used to develop the woodworking plan. 1) State the problem (Why did you need this item?) 2) Generate possible solutions (How have others solved the problem? What other alternatives or designs were considered?) 3) Select a solution (How does your solution compare on the basis of cost, availability, and functionality?) 4) Reason for article finish (What type of finish, how did you finish or why you choose this finish?) 5) Build the item (What was your woodworking plan, and what processes did you use to build your item?) 6) Evaluate (How does your item solve the original need?) 7) Present results (How would you do this better next time?)
C) H911908 Other Items – Unit IV – Other article as shown in Woodworking Unit IV manual or comparable.
STEM – Welding
Rules
1. The name and county of each exhibitor should appear separately on the back of each board, poster or article and on the front cover of the notebooks so owner of the exhibit may be identified if the entry tag is separated from the exhibit.
2. All welds exhibited in class 1 or 2 must be mounted on a 12” high x 15” long display board of thickness not to exceed 3/8”. Attach each weld on a wire loop hinge or equivalent, so the judge can look at the bottom side of the weld when necessary. Each weld should be labeled with information stated 1 ) type of welding process (stick, MIG, TIG, Oxy-Acetylene, etc.) 2) kind of weld, 3) welder setting, 4) electrode/wire/rod size, 5) electrode/wire/rod ID numbers. Attach a wire to display board so it can be hung like a picture frame. No picture frame hangers accepted. If no plans are included with welding article or welding furniture, item will be disqualified.
3. Fabricated board such as plywood, composition board, or particle-type lumber may be used for demonstration displays.
4. Demonstration boards should be sanded and finished to improve appearance. The finish on a demonstration board will be judged as a woodworking exhibit.
5. Reports should be written using the scientific method whenever possible (Background, the Question or hypothesis, what you plan to do and what you did, Method used and observations, Results: what you learned. All reports should include 4-Her’s name and county, be computer generated and enclosed in a clear plastic cover. The report should be attached securely to the display.
6. If no plans are included with the welding art, welding furniture or composite weld project item will be disqualified.
7. All outside projects MUST have entry tag and supporting information placed in a protective bag to prevent damage from weather such as rain and be ATTACHED to projects with string, zip ties, etc. for State Fair.
SF) H920001 Welding Joints (SF281) – A display of one butt, one lap, and one fillet weld.
- All welds should be made with the same electrode/wire/rod size and number.
- Welds should be made only on one side of metal so penetration can be judged.
- Welds should be cleaned with chipping hammer and wire brush. Apply a coat of light oil (penetrating oil) to the metal to prevent rusting. Wipe off excess oil.
- It is suggested that all welds be of the same size and thickness as metal. These pieces, referred to as coupons, should be 1.5 to 2 inches wide and 3.5 to 4 inches long. A good way to get this size is to buy new cold rolled strap iron and cut to length. The extra width is needed to provide enough metal to absorb the heat from the welding process and prevent the coupons from becoming too hot before the bead is completed. Narrower coupons will become very hot, making an average welder setting too cold at the bead start, just about right in the middle, and too hot at the end. The correct way to weld narrow strips is to make short beads and allow time to cool, however this project requires a full-length bead.
- Stick welding: Suggested coupon thickness – ¼ inch if using 1/8 inch rod. Suggested rod AC and DC straight or reverse polarity-first E-7014, second E-6013
- MIG Welding: Suggested coupon thickness – ¼ inch if using .035 wire and 1/8 inch if using .023 wire
- Oxy-Acetylene: Suggested coupon thickness – 1/8 inch. Suggested rod – 1/8 inch mild steel rod
SF) H920002 Position Welds (SF281) – A display showing three beads welded in the vertical down, horizontal, and overhead positions.
1. It is suggested that all welds be of the same size and thickness of metal. These pieces are referred to as coupons. The welds can be on one coupon that is about 4 inches x 4 inches or on individual coupons that are about 2 inches x 4 inches and ¼ inch thick. Suggested rods for this class of position welds for AC and DC straight or reverse polarity is, first E-6013, second E-7014 and E-6010 for DC reverse polarity only.
2. Welds should be cleaned with a chipping hammer and wire brush. Apply a coat of light oil (penetrating oil) to the metal to prevent rusting. Wipe off excess oil.
Welding Project Tips and Suggestions for H920003 & H920004: All welds should be cleaned and protected from rust with paint or light oil. Plans are to be complete enough that if they were given to a welding shop, the item could be made without further instructions. Bill of materials should include a cost for all items used including steel, electrodes, paint, wheels, etc.
SF) H920003 Welding Art (SF283) – Any art created using tack welds to hold the metal pieces together (examples include horseshoe projects). Type of welder, welder settings, all plans, plan alternations, and a bill for material must be attached to the article. Protect plans with a cover. If project is designed to be outside, it is required to have appropriate outdoor finish. See above suggestions & tips.
SF) H920004 Welding Article (SF282) – Any shop article where welding in the construction. 60% of the item must be completed by 4-H member and notes regarding laser welding or machine welding must be included. Type of welder, welder settings, all plans, plan alternations, and a bill for materials must be attached to the article. Protect plans with a cover. If project is designed to be outside it is required to have appropriate outdoor finish because project may be displayed outside. See above suggestions and tips.
SF) H920005 Welding Furniture (SF282) – any furniture with 75% welding is used in construction. 60% of item must be completed by 4-H member and notes regarding laser welding or machine welding must be included. Type of welder, welder settings, all plans, plan alternations, and a bill for materials must be attached to the article. Protect plans with a cover. If a project is designed to be outside, it is required to have appropriate outdoor finish because project may be displayed outside.
SF) H920006 Plasma Cutter/Welder Design (SF279) – Plasma cutter/welders allowed for detailed design(s) to butt cut into metal. 4-H members will create a notebook describing the design process to create “artwork” to butt cut into the metal. In the notebook include:
- A photo (front and back) of the finished project.
- Instructions on how the design was created (include software used) this allows for replication of the project
- Lessons learned or improvements to the project.
- Steps to finish the project.
SF) H920007 Composite Weld Project – (SF282) 60% of the project must be welded and 40% made from other materials such as wood, rubber, etc. Type of welder, welder settings, all plans, plan alternations, and a bill for material must be attached to the article. Protect plans with a cover. If a project is designed to be outside it is required to have appropriate outdoor finish because project may be displayed outside.
C) H920900 County Only Display – Any other item completed as part of this project.