Hillsborough County 4-H STEM Learning Lab

Wrap yourself in STEM as you turn simple fabric into a functional blanket through design, measurement, and innovation! 

Design, measure, and build your own cozy fleece blanket while exploring the STEM concepts behind textiles and fabric engineering! In this hands-on two-session workshop, participants will learn how fabric is manufactured, investigate material properties, and use math skills to measure, calculate, and create a finished no-sew fleece blanket. Students will discover how precision, planning, and problem-solving are essential skills used by engineers, designers, and manufacturers every day. 

Over two 1.5-hour classes, youth will select materials, measure and cut fleece, and complete a colorful no-sew blanket to take home or gift for the holidays. This engaging project combines creativity, practical life skills, and STEM learning in a fun and supportive environment. No sewing experience is required, and all materials are provided.  

Discover the buzz of engineering in Busy as a Bee: Chain Reaction Rube Goldberg Machine! In this hands-on STEM adventure, students will work together to design, build, and test a whimsical chain reaction machine inspired by the busy world of bees. Using a variety of everyday materials, participants will create a series of connected actions where one simple trigger sets off a fascinating sequence of events. As they experiment, solve problems, and make improvements, they will experience the excitement of turning creative ideas into working solutions. 

This engaging activity brings STEM concepts to life by exploring the principles of physics, engineering, force, motion, energy transfer, and cause-and-effect relationships. Students will apply the engineering design process as they plan, build, test, and refine their machines, developing critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance along the way. Perfect for curious minds, Busy as a Bee encourages innovation, creativity, and teamwork while demonstrating that science and engineering can be both educational and incredibly fun. 

Put your engineering skills to the test as you design, build, and race your very own mousetrap-powered car! In this exciting two-part STEM adventure, participants will discover how stored energy can be transformed into motion while learning the principles of physics, engineering design, and problem-solving. During the first 1.5-hour session, students will construct a working mousetrap car and explore concepts such as force, friction, energy transfer, and vehicle design.  

The challenge doesn't end there! In the second 1.5-hour session, participants will analyze their car's performance, identify areas for improvement, and apply the engineering design process to refine and optimize their creations. Through testing and redesign, students will gain hands-on experience with real-world engineering practices while developing critical thinking and perseverance. The program wraps up with a final competitive race where improved designs compete for distance, speed, and overall performance. Come ready to build, experiment, innovate, and race your way through STEM learning! 

Spark curiosity and light up learning with LittleBits Circuit Creators! In this hands-on STEM experience, students will explore the exciting world of electricity by building simple electrical circuits using LittleBits electronic components. Through guided experimentation, participants will discover how power, inputs, outputs, and energy flow work together to make devices function. Students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering skills while learning the fundamentals of circuitry in a fun and engaging environment. No prior experience is needed, making this an excellent introduction to electronics and technology. 

Over two 1.5-hour class sessions, students will design, build, test, and improve interactive projects that bring their ideas to life. Possible activities include creating a motion-activated night light that turns on when movement is detected and building a mini fan-powered vehicle that demonstrates how electrical energy can be converted into motion. As students troubleshoot and refine their designs, they will gain a deeper understanding of engineering design principles while experiencing the creativity and excitement of STEM innovation. This program encourages exploration, teamwork, and confidence as students discover the power of circuits all around them. 

Discover the science behind clean water in this engaging, hands-on STEM experience! In Water Filtration Engineering, youth will become environmental scientists and engineers as they investigate water pollution challenges and explore how filtration systems help provide safe, clean water. Through inquiry-based experiments, participants will test water quality, observe contaminants, and design filtration devices using everyday materials. Students will apply the engineering design process to create, test, and improve their own water filters while learning about real-world water treatment systems. 

This two-session program combines Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts with teamwork and problem-solving skills. Participants will collect data, measure results, analyze performance, and compare different filtration methods. By the end of the program, students will understand how engineers protect water resources and will have designed a working filtration system of their own. This exciting hands-on activity encourages critical thinking and demonstrates how STEM can be used to solve important environmental challenges that impact communities around the world. 

Discover how plants, people, and science come together through 4-H Plant a Row! In this hands-on learning experience, youth will plan, plant, and care for a garden row dedicated to growing fresh produce for local families and community food programs. Participants will explore the science of plant growth, soil health, water cycles, and environmental stewardship while developing valuable gardening skills. Through observation and data collection, students will learn how variables such as sunlight, moisture, and nutrients affect plant development, bringing STEM concepts to life in a meaningful and engaging way.  

As young gardeners nurture their crops from seed to harvest, they will apply principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve real-world challenges. Youth will measure plant growth, track weather conditions, calculate planting distances, and analyze harvest yields, strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By combining STEM learning with community service, Plant a Row empowers students to make a positive impact while discovering how innovation and agriculture work together to help feed their communities.