2021 4-H STEM Challenge Presents "Galactic Quest" in Partnership with U.S. Space Force, Facebook, and Bayer

CHEVY CHASE, Md., Oct. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout the month of October, young people across the country will let their creativity guide them on a STEM learning journey to space as part of the 14^th annual 4-H STEM Challenge, Galactic Quest. The Galactic Quest adventure will conclude with a space-themed trivia game show on Facebook Live hosted by Black-ish actor & youth cause advocate Marcus Scribner on Wednesday, October 27. The 2021 4-H STEM Challenge was developed with support from signature partner, the U.S. Space Force, and national partners, Bayer and Facebook.

The 4-H STEM Challenge empowers young people to tackle the same types of scientific and engineering problems that today's top STEM professionals are working on. In partnership with National 4-H Council, the U.S. Space Force and Clemson Cooperative Extension designed four unique hands-on activities to get kids and teens to explore space as they make connections to physics, computer science, space ethics, and more.

"As commercial spaceflight takes off, the U.S. prepares to return to the moon, and the Perseverance rover continues to explore Mars, space exploration has once again captured the imagination of America's young people," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "We are excited to bring hands-on STEM learning to young people nationwide with the help of the 4-H STEM Challenge, Galactic Quest."

As young people, parents, and educators continue to find new and creative ways to stay engaged during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 4-H STEM Challenge has adapted to ensure that young people everywhere, regardless of internet connectivity or family resources, have access to STEM Challenge kits which include online and offline activities.

"Cooperative Extension plays a vital role in developing the young people of today for tomorrow's world. We are proud to have developed the curriculum for Galactic Quest with National 4-H Council," said Dr. Tom Dobbins, Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement, Director of Clemson Cooperative Extension. "With the 4-H STEM Challenge, youth get to look further than our own world to explore the excitement and challenges of real-world issues surrounding space exploration."

"The pursuit of education is one of the most important aspects of Space Force culture. Our partnership with 4-H provides synergies with STEM-minded youth and influencers to drive awareness of the U.S. Space Force and how STEM plays a significant role in guarding space," said Captain Timothy Applegate, Chief of Space Force Marketing.

Marcus Scribner, star of the hit ABC show Black-ish, will close out the monthlong STEM Challenge activities with a Facebook Live event highlighting Galactic Quest trivia. An ardent supporter of youth causes, Marcus is passionate about how science affects everyday life and how young people can affect positive change. The Galactic Quest Game Show will challenge STEM aficionados on a series of space-related questions. The first and second place winners will win cash prizes of $1,000 and $500 as well as an exclusive mentorship call from a USSF Guardian and a behind-the-scenes look at the Air Force Academy. The Facebook Live event is free and open to the public. Kids and adults alike are invited to tune in on 4-H's Facebook page on Wednesday, October 27 at 8:00 p.m. EST and play along by sharing answers in the comment section.

Youth are invited to participate in Galactic Quest from October 1-31. For additional information on STEM Challenge kits, the Galactic Quest Game Show, and more, visit https://4-h.org/parents/4-h-stem-challenge/.

ABOUT 4-H
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Learn more about 4–H at 4-H.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

ABOUT U.S. SPACE FORCE

The U.S. Space Force is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips forces which protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. Space Force responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands. The Space Force filled nearly 400 enlisted positions and more than 250 officer positions in Fiscal Year 2021. After just 10 months supporting that mission, Air Force recruiters are confident they are ready to recruit over 500 Guardians in the second year of Space Force recruiting in Space Systems Operations, Intelligence, and Cyber career fields.

ABOUT BAYER 

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2015, the Group employed around 117,000 people and had sales of EUR 46.3 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.3 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.com/.

ABOUT FACEBOOK

Founded in 2004, Facebook's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. People use Facebook's apps and technologies to connect with friends and family, find communities and grow businesses.

Facebook is a trademark of Facebook, Inc.

SOURCE National 4-H Council

Related Links

http://www.4-h.org