4-H Robotics Project

two male and one female 4-H youth inspecting a robotics control program on a laptop

They’re not just a creation of science fiction, they exist all around us. Robots combine aspects of design, mechanics, and electronics together to manufacture materials, travel where humans can’t, collect data, and aid people with disabilities. Join or start a 4-H robotics club, participate in the 4-H robotics challenge, or exhibit a robotics project.

Ages and Stages of Youth Development

Beginners

Get started learning about robots by participating in a robotics workshop. Learn to build a robot and to program basic functions.

Juniors

Expand upon your engineering knowledge and create your own robot designs. Learn about using sensors and a variety of flow commands within your robotics program. Explore opportunities to participate in advanced robotics competitions.

Seniors

Expand on your programing knowledge by learning to create new programing blocks or by learning a programing language like Robot C. Utilize your robot to complete complex tasks. Further explore career opportunities related to robotics.

4-H Programming Priorities

Leadership

Youth can show leadership within the robotics program by helping to facilitate a workshop on robotics as well as by mentoring younger youth in the project area.

Health & Wellness

Youth can explore a variety of career opportunities, many involving the use of technology and robotics in the healthcare fields and in promoting health and wellness.

Science

Robotics is filled with science, technology, engineering and math concepts. Youth will learn about physics, mechanics, electricity, and computer science.

Agriculture

The use of technology within agriculture is increasing every year. Learn about the use of robotics in agriculture.

Get Involved

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Youth Voice

  • Create and share a video about programing a robot
  • Give a presentation on robot types
  • Demonstrate a robot build
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Community Service

  • Utilize a robot to improve your community by picking up trash
  • Teach younger 4-H members how to program a robot
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Career Connections

  • Aerospace
  • Engineering
  • Manufacturing
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Pharmaceutical

Exhibit Ideas

  • Build a robot from a kit and describe how the design allows the robot to perform specific functions
  • Design and build a robot to complete a specific task
  • Program a robot and exhibit the robot and program
  • Make a poster on various types of robots

Learning Resources

Related Topics

4-H Projects, 4-H Physical Sciences, Technology & Engineering Project

Related Content

Youth judging fruits, vegetable and plants

4-H Bounty

4-H Bounty is a monthly club guide that focuses on leadership activities, community service, youth-in-action and specific project areas, as well as prepares youth and their families for county and state events.

4-H youth exhibiting a cat to two judges.

South Dakota 4-H Seeks Project Committee Members

October 20, 2021

These committees cover a range in interests, from traditional animal projects and youth-in-action events, to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

A young girl with a notebook observing a sprig of flower blossoms.

Projects & Resources

For schools, this page serves as a compendium of evidence-based curricula that our local 4-H professionals can teach or share. This page provides parents and volunteers with project resources and easy-to-digest “hot sheets” for navigating the latest trends/issues affecting youth.