Clover Kids learn about apples and complete STEM challenge ...

Three Waukon-based Clover Kids meetings were hosted in September by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, such as the group pictured below. Clover Kids is a fun 4-H program specifically designed for children in kindergarten through third grade. The overall purpose of the Iowa 4-H Clover Kids program is to foster the development of life skills that are essential for the cognitive, social, emotional and physical maturation of kindergarten through third graders by providing a unique, age-appropriate educational opportunity.

Youth spent the afternoon investigating apples. They were challenged with the question, “Why do apples turn brown?” and made predictions of what would happen to apples when placed in water, salt water, baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. The youth helped set up the experiment and learned that iron in apples mixes with the air and turns it brown, but lemon juice can slow this process. An apple STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) challenge was also a part of the meeting.  While working in groups, Clover Kids had to build a straw tower to support their apple (pictured above). For more information about 4-H and upcoming activities contact the Allamakee County Extension and Outreach Office at 563-568-6345 or http://www.extension.iastate.edu/allamakee/. Submitted photos.