Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is important for our youth to be successful in an ever-increasing technological society. Almost every aspect of our life is influenced, controlled, or made easier (or harder) by a STEM advancement.  Some of the fastest and most profitable jobs are STEM-based; the grease monkey of the early automobiles would be hard-pressed to diagnose car problems today without the aid and knowledge of computer-based tools.  STEM teaches youth to think critically and solve future problems with an innovative mindset. Youth can learn valuable lessons when working collaboratively and this teamwork can be the spark that solves tomorrow's issues today.  A curriculum that includes STEM activities empowers youth to manage projects in a sequential, efficiency-based system that can be extended to other areas of their life and career.  Society is concerned about global warming and the impact of fossil fuels on our future quality of life. Our youth have the potential to solve these problems in their lifetime.  To help youth learn STEM skills, Green County 4-H partnered with the National KidWind Challenge after receiving a $100 grant to challenge youth to develop a more efficient wind turbine. 

STEM concepts including the engineering design method were presented to 106 fourth-grade students at Green County Intermediate School by Cooperative Extension Service staff.  Youth were challenged to design turbine blades similar to fans that would produce the most electricity.  Different materials were offered to the students like card stock, styrofoam plates, plastic sheets, etc. to be used in designing the shape of their blades.  Using a household fan to create a consistent flow of wind, youth groups tested their turbine blades connected to a volt meter for electricity generation.  Youth were allowed to modify the design, materials, measurements, pitch, etc to create a design that would increase their electricity production from their first design.  

Youth tried multiple designs in their search to maximize electricity production.  Not all youth succeeded in producing a better design in subsequent iterations, but the youth recognized possible issues like available resources for improved blade designs, the absence of consistent winds in some areas, and the amount of overall electricity demand that today's society requires to live our current lifestyles. 93% of the youth surveyed said they felt there could be a better design created; 76% felt less intimidated by science and the process of solving society's issues because of their involvement with the wind challenge clearing the way for Green County's 4-Hers to be the next STEM Innovator!

"Designing a more efficient wind turbine may be stressful, but creating enough renewable energy to power your TV is pretty cool," 4-H member.