Science, Engineering, & Technology (STEM)

(ROCKETS, COMPUTERS, ELECTRICITY, ROBOTICS, GEOSPATIAL, LEGO BUILDING, SMALL ENGINES, ENERGY, WOODWORKING, WELDING)

See General Rules for additional information.
All static exhibits must receive a purple at the county fair to advance to the State Fair.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION for Static Exhibits – Youth can request accommodation to be able to participate in static judging at the Nemaha County Fair. See the 4-H Special Accommodation Policy.

GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH

1. The name and county of each 4‑H should appear separately on the back of each board, poster, or article and on the front cover of the notebooks so the owner of the exhibit may be identified if the entry tag is separated from the exhibit.
2. Demonstration boards should include an overall title for the display, plus other necessary labeling.
3. 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.
4. Please refer to the General Rules for the policy regarding firearms, items with blades, and other related items.
5. Please refer to the General Rules for the policy regarding the use of copyrighted images.
6. Premier 4‑H Science Award is available in this area.
7. 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 placement.
8. 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
9. Posters in this department can be any size up to 28 inches by 22 inches when ready for display. Example: trifold poster boards are not 28 inches by 22 inches when fully open for display.
10. Several classes require a display board which should be a height of 24 inches and not exceed 1/4-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 3/4 inch of the top or bottom of the board. (Example: Woodworking & Electricity.)
11. Fabricated boards such as plywood, composition board, or particle-type lumber may be used for demonstration displays.
12. Demonstration boards should be sanded and finished to improve their appearance. The finish on a demonstration board will be judged as a woodworking exhibit.
13. Demonstration boards should include an overall title for the display, plus other necessary labeling.
14. 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. 
15. 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.
16. All outside projects MUST have an 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 a string, zip ties, etc.

STEM: ROCKETS

This category gives 4-H’ers a chance to display the rockets and drones they have created. Through participation in this category, 4-H’ers will show judges what they learned about and how they adapted their exhibit throughout this project. Involvement in STEM Rockets gives participants a first-hand experience in modern technology. For help getting started with this project, contact your county 4-H office.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – ROCKETS/DRONES

1. 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.
2. 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 rocket's engine mount to give added stability.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The flight record should describe the engine used, what the rocket did in flight, and the 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.
6. 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.
7. For self-designed rockets only, please include a digitally recorded copy of one flight. In the documentation, please include a description of stability testing before the rocket was flown.
8. The skill level of the project is not determined by the number of years in the project. Skill level is determined by the level listed on the manufacturing packaging.
9. 4-H Rocket project levels are not intended to correspond to National Association of Rocketry model rocket difficulty ratings or levels.
10. High-power rockets (HPR) are 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.
11. Entry-level rockets, made with PLASTIC FINS and PLASTIC BODY TUBES, are NOT accepted. 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.

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 850 - ROCKETS/DRONES (AEROSPACE)
Division 850              Classes 001, 003-004, 006                Pay Category A
Division 850              Classes 002, 005                               Pay Category L

ROCKETS

DRONES

STEM: COMPUTERS

This category gives 4-H’ers a chance to display their knowledge of computers. Through participation in this category, 4-H’ers will develop presentations that show judges their knowledge in the different aspects of computer science. Involvement in STEM Computer gives participants a first-hand experience in modern technology. For help getting started with this project, contact your county 4-H extension office.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – COMPUTERS

1. Be sure to follow STEM General Information guidelines A – H (see pg. 110).

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 860 - COMPUTERS
Division 860                Classes 001-008, 901-904             Pay Category L

COMPUTER MYSTERIES - UNIT I - BOOTING UP

COMPUTER MYSTERIES – UNIT 2 – ADDING ON

COMPUTER MYSTERIES - UNIT 3 - REACHING BEYOND

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 placement.

STEM: ELECTRICITY

In this category, 4-H’ers have the opportunity to create information exhibits about the different aspects of electricity. Through involvement in this category, 4-H’ers will be better educated about electricity and be able to present their knowledge to others.

GENERAL RULES – ELECTRICITY

1. Be sure to follow STEM General Information guidelines A – H (see pg. 110)

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 870 - ELECTRICITY
Division 870                    Classes 001-008, 901-906, 910-912                 Pay Category L

MAGIC OF ELECTRICITY - UNIT 1

INVESTIGATING ELECTRICITY - UNIT 2

WIRED FOR POWER - UNIT 3

ELECTRONICS - UNIT 4

STEM: ROBOTICS

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 861 - ROBOTICS

STEM: GEOSPATIAL

STEM Geospatial is a diverse category that includes a variety of exhibits 4-H’ers can get involved in. Through participation in this category, 4-H’ers will gain more knowledge about Nebraska’s rich history and diverse geography. Take close note of the rules to ensure your exhibit qualifies.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – GEOSPATIAL

• Be sure to follow STEM General Information guidelines A – H (see pg. 110)

DEPARTMENT H – DIVISION 880 – GEOSPATIAL
Division 880                Classes 001-008              Pay Category L

LEGO BUILDING

ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – LEGO BUILDING

1. Be sure to follow STEM General Information guidelines A – H (see pg. 110).
2. Each exhibit must have a name and age attached.
3. The LEGO Supporting Information sheet must be included with the exhibit. Exhibits without the information sheet will be lowered by one ribbon placement.
4. Display on a board with sides, preferably with LEGOs stuck to the board so the exhibit may be moved easily. (Jelly role type baking pan or cardboard box, flat board will not be judged.) The exhibit should not exceed 17 inches x 12 inches and not more than 12 inches high. Exhibits exceeding dimensions or not on an acceptable board will be lowered one ribbon placement.
5. The Extension Office & Nemaha County Ag Society will strive to exhibit the models safely, but we will not be responsible for items lost.
6. The exhibits in LEGO Building are educational exhibits. Exhibitors may use whatever means are most effective in showing what they have accomplished in a project they have planned themselves.
7. Youth are allowed only 1 exhibit per class and may only exhibit in 2 classes in this division. Youth will choose one of the two exhibits for the interview judging. Only exhibits that go through the interview process will be eligible for the TOP Award in this division.
8. Only Juniors may exhibit in Classes 901-902.

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 881 - LEGO BUILDING
Division 881                  Classes 901-904                Pay Category L

LEGO Building Exhibit (Model) - An exhibit that is made from a model or a set design giving the directions on construction (CF8811)  FOR JUNIORS ONLY (ages 8-10)

LEGO Building Exhibit (Original) - An exhibit that is original and is not made from a set design of plans or a model. (CF8812)

SMALL ENGINES

ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – SMALL ENGINES

1. Be sure to follow STEM General Information guidelines A – H (see pg. 110).

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 890 - SMALL ENGINES
Division 890           Classes 901-903             Pay Category L
CRANK IT UP – UNIT 1

WARM IT UP – UNIT 2

TUNE IT UP – UNIT 3

STEM: ENERGY

This category provides 4-H’ers a way to present their ideas about renewable energy sources. Through participation in this category, 4-H’ers will learn more about physics, friction, energy, and elasticity. In addition, participants will make a display to go along with their findings. For help getting started with this project, contact your county 4-H office.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – ENERGY

1. Be sure to follow STEM General Information guidelines A – H (see pg. 110).
2. Renewable Energy Resources:

• United States Department of Energy: https://www.energy.gov/clean-energy
• U.S. Energy Information Administration: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/renewable-sources/
• Natural Resources Defense Council: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/renewable-energy-clean-facts

DEPARTMENT H – DIVISION 895 – 4 WHEELIN’ (Age: Beginner to Intermediate)
Division 895               Classes 901-904              Pay Category L

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 900 – ENERGY
Division 900          Classes 001-006, 902-904                Pay Category L

STEM: WOODWORKING

In this category, 4-H’ers have the opportunity to create exhibits about varying levels of woodworking. In addition, participants can also create informational exhibits about their woodworking projects. Through involvement in STEM, Woodworking 4-H’ers will be better educated about the topic and improve their woodworking skills.
ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – WOODWORKING

1. Be sure to follow STEM General Information guidelines A – H (see pg. 110).
2. Requirements: All articles exhibited must include a plan (with drawings, sketch, or blueprint) stating dimensions and other critical instructions a builder would need to know how to build the project, and 4-H'ers name & 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.
3. 4-Hers must be in Unit 3 or Unit 4 for the exhibit to be considered for the State Fair. All projects must have an appropriate finish.
4. 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 an 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.

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 910 - WOODWORKING UNITS 1 & 2
Division 910              Classes 901–902, 905-906                Pay Category L
MEASURING UP - UNIT 1
Develop skills such as measuring, squaring, and cutting a board, driving nails, and using clamps and screws. Build a picture frame, a letter holder, a box, or an airplane.

MAKING THE CUT – UNIT 2
Measure, cut, sand, drill, and use advanced hand and power tools. Apply paint and use bolts and staples. Build a sawhorse, birdhouse, toolbox, or a stool.

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 911 - WOODWORKING UNITS 3 & 4
Division 911             Classes 001, 003–008                   Pay Category A

NAILING IT TOGETHER - UNIT 3
Practice measuring angles, cutting dado and rabbet joints. Use a circular saw, a table saw, and a radial arm saw. Sand and stain wood.

FINISHING UP - UNIT 4

STEM: WELDING

This category helps 4-H’ers learn the basics of welding. In addition, 4-H’ers get the opportunity to present their knowledge on the topic and display what they have made. Involvement in STEM Welding gives participants a first-hand experience in a skill that can be used for a lifetime.
ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – WELDING

1. Be sure to follow STEM General Information guidelines A – H (see pg. 110).
2. All welds exhibited in class 1 or 2 must be mounted on a 12-inch-high x 15-inch-long display board of thickness not to exceed 3/8 inch. Attach each weld to 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, and 5) electrode/wire/rod ID numbers. Attach a wire to the display board so it can be hung like a picture frame. No picture frame hangers accepted.
3. If no plans are included with welding art, welding article, welding furniture, or composite weld project, the item will be disqualified.
4. All outside projects MUST have an 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.
5. Class 1: 4-H Welding Project

• All welds should be made with the same electrode/wire/rod size and number.
• Welds should be made only on one side of the 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 ½ “ to 2” wide and 3 ½ “ to 4” 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–1/4 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

6. Class 2: 4-H Welding Project

• 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 are, first E-6013, second E-7014, and E-6010 for DC reverse polarity only.
• Welds should be cleaned with a chipping hammer and a wire brush. Apply a coat of light oil (penetrating oil) to the metal to prevent rusting. Wipe off excess oil.

7. Classes 3 & 4: 4-H Welding Project

• 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.

DEPARTMENT H - DIVISION 920 – WELDING
Division 920             Classes 001–007           Pay Category A

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