The 4-H robotics program helps children develop technology, problem-solving, and teamwork skills as they build and program NXT Lego robots. Youth can explore robotics as 4-H club members (must live in Weber County) and by participating in 4-H Aggie Adventure Camps during the summer. The camp schedule is announced in April each year. Robotics-themed camps are among the first camps to fill up, so interested parents are encouraged to register quickly.
In addition to camps and clubs, Weber County 4-H offers the following robotics events, which provide 4-H club members with an opportunity to meet other county youth and demonstrate their robotics skills:
- Robotics Challenge Nights (3-12th grades) - In these events, teams build and program robots to achieve four missions. For each mission, youth earn blue (15 points), red (10 points) or white (5 points) honors for each challenge. Scores from their high three Challenge Nights are used to calculate their total score for the year. Ranks are presented as follows:
- Cadet - 50 points
- Captain - 90 points
- Commander - 150 points
- Robotics Showcase Nights (K-2nd grades): In these non-scored events, youth earn certificates for participation). Youth who participate in at least three Robotics Showcase Night will earn their Cadet Rank.
In addition to these opportunities, robotics club members can enter exhibits in the county fair. Youth can select the classes in which they want to enter, however the most relevant classes for the robotics project include:
Class HCDA - Robotics
- Lot 1: Programmed robot constructed from Lego's or other building systems
- Lot 2: Poster or other display item explaining gear ratios
- Lot 3: Diagram or screen shot of programs written for robots using Lego MindStorm or other software
- Lot 4: Photo or video collection of robots build highlighting and/or comparing features of each
- Lot 5: Other item related to robotics not listed above.
Club members enrolled in 3rd-12th grade can also compete in any of the twenty county 4-H contests and portfolio competition.