1. Be familiar with the contest rules. There are several contests happening simultaneously on 4-H Day. The STEM Challenge is Class 9. You can bring up to four teams to the contest from your county.  They can be all one age division, or each team can be in a different age division. If you are not familiar with 4-H age divisions, here is a refresher:

Juniors (ages 8-10 by Sept. 1)

Intermediates (ages 11-13 by Sept. 1)

Seniors (ages 14-18 by Sept. 1)

2. Use the lessons on this site to prepare your team. All supplies and tools will be provided for your team(s) the day of the contest. 

3. In addition to designing, building, and testing their car, youth will need to be prepared to give a short presentation to a panel of judges. During your training sessions with them, have them practice sharing why they chose the design, what inspired them, what improvements they made along the way, and what they might do differently next time. 

4. Youth will also be scored on teamwork, therefore some teambuilding exercises would also help youth prepare. 

1. Work with your local 4-H agent to register your team. They will need to email the registration form to hckent@ufl.edu no later than October 11 2024. 

2. The fair offers advance purchase arm bands for the midway for $20/person (regular price day of is $40). If you would like armbands for your team(s), let your 4-H agent know. They must be purchased before the fair opens on November 7. On 4-H Day, ONE adult from your county delegation (usually the 4-H agent, program assistant, or designated volunteer) can sign for your armbands and distribute them to your delegation members. Armbands will be available at the Fair Office. 

1. ONE adult from each county will need to check in your team. During check-in, please let us know if there have been any changes or substitutions to your team(s). You will not be able to add any additional teams, but you can bring an alternate should one of your original members be unable to attend at the last minute. 

2. It is important to have the correct spelling and pronunciation of each name for the awards ceremony, which will take place in the back of Building 1 at 2 PM Eastern. 

3. Once the contest starts, adults will not be able to help youth or enter the area where youth are competing, but a spectator area will be provided. 

4. All tools and materials will be provided for registered teams.