Explorers of the Deep, 4-H Bringing Ocean Exploration to the Classroom 

Experts from Rutgers University and National 4‑H Council hosted a live webinar training for over 250 participants on this year’s STEM Challenge, Explorers of the Deep. 

Designed by Rutgers University, Explorers of the Deep, focuses on the mysteries and adventures of ocean exploration—with robots! The challenge includes three activities which develop observational and critical thinking skills while exploring the interconnected nature between the ocean, global climate and humans, regardless of where you live. The Aug 10^th webinar was attended by a mix of 4-H educators, out-of-school, and in-school educators. 

Explorers of the Deep challenge kit consists of three activities that can be done all at once or individually, making it highly adaptable for classrooms, afterschool programs, clubs and more:  

Ocean Robot Test Tank is an activity where youth learn how to “ballast” their ocean robot by adding weights to replicate the sinking and floating behavior of a real ocean robot. They will investigate data collected by ocean robots and learn about the value of ocean exploration.  

Ocean Expedition is a board game where youth navigate their ocean robot around the world while learning key ocean concepts. Topics include aquaculture, climate change, innovation, human impact and the ocean ecosystem. The game includes Augmented Reality (AR) components! 

Ocean Communicator is an activity in which young people investigate challenges that ocean scientists, engineers and technologists are currently exploring. They design and advocate for innovations and technical solutions that inspire public action.  

More information about the kit and where to purchase it, can be found here: https://4-h.org/parents/4-h-stem-challenge/