Science, Engineering, Technology

4-H science, engineering, and technology (SET) projects engage youth in hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a positive youth development context. Youth improve their science, engineering, and technology knowledge, skills and abilities.

There are 4-H projects in these types of areas:

Animal Science
Biological Science including embryology, entomology, marine biology, and veterinary science
Consumer and Family Science including textiles, fiber science, and kitchen science
Physical Science including energy management, sustainability, and geology
Plant Science and Gardening including agriculture and gardening
Environmental Education including astronomy, climatology, forestry, outdoor adventure, and water education
Engineering and Technology including website design, computers, gis/gps, and video production, aerospace, electricity, electronics, robotics, engines, and woodworking
Shooting Sports

Find 4-H Curricula and Activity Guides at 4-H Curricula

National Youth Science Day

The focus of 4-H NYSD activities is a single science experiment designed to engage young people across the nation. By encouraging youth, adult mentors, partners and influencers to participate in 4-H NYSD, we can help all to experience science in a fun, constructive manner, increase interest in the sciences and encourage participation in support of 4-H programs.

4-H SET Initiative

4-H, the nation’s largest nonformal youth education program, has made a commitment to help address youth science literacy needs in the U.S. through its 4-H Science Mission Mandate. This effort seeks to engage youth across the country in out-of-school time science programming that is experientially based, uses inquiry methods, and supports the National Science Education Standards. By offering engaging science programming in nonformal settings, youth are provided with a variety of options that address different learning needs and promote excitement in learning about phenomena in the natural world.

The California 4-H Program has launched a statewide 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative. The goals of the California 4-H SET Initiative are to improve 4-H members’ understanding of science and help address the critical need for more scientists and engineers in the workforce. The expected outcomes of the initiative are to help youth improve their knowledge and skills around science, engineering, and technology; connect learning with real-world situations where youth can adopt and use new science methods or improved technology to solve problems; and, in the long term, increase the number and diversity of youth pursuing higher education and careers in science, engineering, and technology fields.