Welcome to 4‑H’s RU STEM Program!
A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program designed to connect young people to Rutgers University faculty and their research. Our goal is to inspire young people grades 5-12 to get involved in STEM.
Join us for the 2022 4-H STEM Challenge ! Explorers of the Deep, focuses on the mysteries and adventures of ocean exploration focusing on scientific tools such as ocean robots, or gliders. Ocean exploration helps scientists prepare for and adapt to changing ocean conditions. Many of these changes in ocean conditions are affecting the environment, such as melting glaciers, increasing ocean temperatures, declining fisheries and an increase in frequency and severity of storms. Since Earth is an ocean planet, these impacts affect humans and organisms all around the world, regardless of their proximity to the ocean.
The Explorers of the Deep kit includes 3 core activities designed for 4-8th graders. Here is what is inside:
Ocean Robot Test Tank: Prepare an ocean robot for a research mission. Participants “ballast” their ocean robot by adding weights to create the sinking and floating behavior of a real ocean robot. Finally, they investigate data collected by ocean robots and learn about the value of ocean exploration.
Ocean Expedition: Play a board game to navigate your ocean robot around the world while learning key ocean concepts. Topics include aquaculture, climate change, innovation, human impact and the ocean ecosystem.
Ocean Communicator: Investigate challenges that ocean scientists, engineers and technologists are currently addressing. Each challenge requires innovations and technical solutions that inspire public action.
Get information on how to purchase your kit here!
Check out our On Campus Events for a listing of on-campus STEM programs and the County STEM Opportunities page for clubs and programs happening in your county. Want to volunteer to teach a STEM program – check out our Volunteers page!
4-H Rutgerscience Saturdays
Young people (grades 5-8) can experience the cutting edge research happening at Rutgers University through hands-on investigations alongside scientists and engineers.
Scientist Volunteers
Rutgers University scientists are getting involved in 4-H! We offer a variety of on-campus symposia and 4-H learning opportunities for young people grades 5-12. Check the events page for the latest programs.
4-H STEM Events
Recruiting 2023 TEEN Cafe Leaders
Teen Science Cafés are a free, fun way for teens to explore the big advances in science and technology affecting their lives. Teens and STEM experts from Rutgers University engage in lively conversations and activities to explore a topic deeply.
The New Jersey 4-H Science program is looking for approximately six energetic and science interested teens to participate in a teen leadership council to support and direct the Teen Café program. This program is for students in grades 9-12. We expect to meet in person (and/or virtually via Zoom) once a month for one hour in the evening. We will design and implement programs in 2023 for about 40 New Jersey teens on STEM topics.
There are two committees Teen Café leaders can apply to be a part of: 1. The Logistical Committee (helping to run back end logistics of the Cafes) 2. The Facilitators Committee (helping to lead the Cafes along with the faculty member(s))
We will be hosting an organizational meeting at Rutgers University at the Marine Science Building on the Cook Campus. Date TBA. We will also provide an online link to join the meeting virtually and participate.
If you are interested in being a Teen Café leader, please apply by filling out an interest form.
For more information or questions contact: Janice McDonnell, Science Agent mcdonnel@marine.rutgers.edu Or Alesha Vega, STEM Coordinator aleshav@marine.rutgers.edu
We’re back! – Youth ages 10-14, please join us for our first STEM Explorers Academy on Sat., December 3, 2022
Youth ages 10-14 are invited to register. Please register by Saturday, November 19th.
Spots are limited, Register Today!
We are currently at max capacity for this program. Please check back for future STEM Academy Programs.
Past Events
Educators – Please join us for a professional development training at New York Aquarium on October 15, 2022.
Educators – Please join us for a professional development training at New York Aquarium on October 15, 2022.All educators are invited to apply including Out of School Time (OST), 4-H, and K-12 classroom educators.
Fill out an application today
We will notify applicants by September 30, 2022 of acceptance into the program. Only 20 spots available!