• By Jeffrey Cates
• Posted Wednesday, August 3, 2022

How have you enjoyed your summer?

How have you enjoyed your summer? Swimming? Gardening? Exploring? Forsyth County's 4-H has been busy hosting STEAM camps and perhaps you attended one of these opportunities. Often in our program, we discuss possible careers as it relates to project-based learning themes. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) subjects are languages that don't exist independently and often they intersect with one another. Below are some examples of the intersectionality of languages exemplified in our recent camps that youth were able to explore:

• LEGO Robotics featured the intersection of coding language, engineering and dance.
• STEAM Art featured the intersection of the recognition of patterns in landscape painting, code making and bot behavior.
• STEAM Art featured the intersection of simple machines (aka levers) with sculpture.
• Acres of Adventure featured the agricultural intersections of the scientific method, paper making, entrepreneurship and farm science.

STEAM is utilized in our everyday lives that we may knowingly or unknowingly use. If you or your group are open to investigating STEAM opportunities, check out some of these resources:

• Research North Carolina natives in STEM and learn their story and contributions to our communities.
• Explore different careers and majors related to STEM. Don't forget to think about how the languages of STEAM can intersect. If a student is interested in art, they may consider combining the languages of geometry and design into a career as a 3D modeler for video games or scientific or medical imaging. If a student is interested in building, look no further than the recently launched James Webb Telescope. The team at NASA used the languages of engineering, origami and geometry to construct the satellite mirror and just like it replaced Hubble Telescope, there will need to be a replacement telescope.
• Encourage your friends and neighbors to fight boredom and investigate how they might use the languages of STEAM to benefit their Forsyth County neighbors and their future.

Forsyth County 4-H provides programming in these languages of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Even though Summer Fun programming is almost over, the learning never stops. There are still some programs available for the summer and the fall will be a new season to wonder. If you are interested in learning more about how to get your child involved with 4-H, contact the local 4-H office.

STEAM Art: Color and Light @ the Central Library - Aug 2-4, 3-4 p.m.
Explore these foundational elements of art based on the research-based curriculum developed by Clifton Taylor of UNCSA in this three day course. Classes facilitated by Jeffrey Cates of the NC Cooperative Extension in partnership with UNCSA. Ages: Middle School and High School. Registration required.

Junk Drawer Robotics @ the Clemmons Library - Aug 4, 2022 - 10-11:30 a.m.
Junk Drawer Robotics @ the Lewisville Library - Aug 5, 2022 - 3-4:30 p.m.
Junk Drawer Robotics @ the Clemmons Library - Aug 11, 2022 - 10-11:30 a.m.
Junk Drawer Robotics @ the Lewisville Library - Aug 12, 2022 - 3-4:30 p.m.
Junk Drawer Robotics engages middle school youth in engineering design through the use of common household items. The curriculum was developed to focus on scientific and engineering practices; frame activities in the experiential learning cycle; and promote small group collaborative learning. Ages: Elementary and Middle School. No registration needed.

STEAM Art @ the Central Library - Aug 17, 3-4 p.m.
The languages of science, technology, engineering and math converge in art. In a hands-on workshop we’ll create works that delve into STEAM and send you home with artwork that will allow you to continue the conversation with others. For ages 12 -18. Please click here or email Mia Jordan (jordanmc@forsyth.cc) to register.