Be part of the very first Union County 4-H STEM Knowledge Challenge, a brand-new STEM competition packed with hands-on challenges, teamwork, science knowledge, engineering, coding, trivia, robotics, and more.
This exciting all-day event is open to all youth ages 5–18, including youth outside of Union County. You do not have to be a 4-H member to participate. Youth may compete as individuals or as part of a team, although we highly encourage forming teams so participants can compete in more events and qualify for overall team awards.
Whether you already love STEM, are involved in robotics or science programs, or simply want to explore something new, this event is for you. Participants will rotate through different STEM events throughout the day, giving youth the opportunity to experience a variety of competitions and challenges.
The competition is currently planned for October 10, 2026.
Age Divisions
- Junior Division: Ages 8–12
- Senior Division: Ages 13–18
- Cloverbuds (ages 5–7) may participate in the STEM Fair
All competition categories will be split into Junior and Senior divisions. Junior participants will only compete against and study Junior-level material, while Senior participants will only compete against and study Senior-level material.
Competition Events
Below are all the events that will take place.
STEMBowl
Team Competition (Ages 8–12 and 13–18)
A fast-paced, buzzer-style competition where teams answer STEM questions, think quickly, and work together under pressure.
Science Team Challenge
Team Competition (Ages 8–12 and 13–18)
A hands-on team challenge where participants rotate through three timed STEM activities. Challenges may involve engineering, coding, robotics, electricity, science, problem-solving, and more.
STEM Skills Challenge
Individual and Team Competition (Ages 8–18)
An identification and knowledge-based competition featuring STEM concepts, lab safety, tools, coding, technology, engineering, and critical thinking.
STEM Fair Competition
Individual Competition (Ages 5–18)
Youth may create and present a STEM project, experiment, invention, or engineering design. Projects will be completed before the event and presented during the competition.
Why Participate?
The STEM Knowledge Challenge is designed to help youth:
- Build confidence
- Strengthen teamwork and leadership skills
- Explore STEM careers
- Practice critical thinking and problem-solving
- Gain hands-on STEM experience
- Meet other STEM-minded youth from across North Carolina
Whether you enjoy robotics, coding, engineering, science fairs, trivia, technology, or building challenges, there is something for everyone.
Awards & Recognition
Awards will be presented across all competition areas, recognizing both individual achievement and teams
STEM Bowl Awards
- 1st–3rd Place Junior Teams
- 1st–3rd Place Senior Teams
- 1st–5th Place Junior Individuals
- 1st–5th Place Senior Individuals
Individual scores will be tracked throughout the competition, allowing top-scoring participants to also receive individual recognition.
STEM Team Challenge Awards
- 1st–3rd Place Junior Teams
- 1st–3rd Place Senior Teams
STEM Skills Challenge Awards
- 1st–5th Place Junior Individuals
- 1st–5th Place Senior Individuals
- 1st–3rd Place Junior Teams
- 1st–3rd Place Senior Teams
Individual scores will be tracked throughout the competition, allowing top-scoring participants to also receive individual recognition.
STEM Fair Awards
- 1st–5th Place Junior Division
- 1st–5th Place Senior Division
All Cloverbud participants will receive participation recognition.
Overall Awards
Overall awards will also be presented to recognize well-rounded STEM achievement across multiple events.
Team overall scores will combine results from:
- STEM Bowl
- STEM Team Challenge
- STEM Skills Challenge
Individual overall scores will combine results from:
- STEM Bowl
- STEM Skills Challenge
- STEM Fair Competition
Overall awards will include:
- 1st–3rd Place Overall Junior Teams
- 1st–3rd Place Overall Senior Teams
- 1st–5th Place Overall Junior Individuals
- 1st–5th Place Overall Senior Individuals
More information, rules, study materials, and registration links will be released soon.
