Dozens of local youth have discovered a way to combine summer fun with learning. They will participate in an interactive activity that challenges youth to use critical thinking and science skills to address an agriculture problem.

Led by Illinois 4-H members, the Fish Farm Challenge activity is part of the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, presented by Monsanto, which aims to make agri-science relevant and fun for youth.

Youth will work in groups to engineer a food-distribution system that evenly dispenses soy-based fish food pellets over a mat, which represents a fish farm tank. This system can then be transferred to an aquaculture tank on a tilapia farm.

The activity will take place as part of summer camp activities at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello during the June and July. Those dates include June 7, 12, 19 and July 3 beginning at 10 a.m. daily.

Population trends project the world population will grow by two billion in the next 40 years, requiring a 70 percent increase in food production to feed the world. National 4-H Council and Monsanto Company partnered to develop the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience to respond to this challenge by stimulating youth interest and involvement in agriculture and science.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Judy Mae Bingman, University of Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Manager

Judy uses powerful words and photography to tell the Extension story. She is a skilled communication strategist and storyteller with demonstrated success in building teams and creating strong organizational brand identities that deepen Extension’s impact among key audiences, build brand loyalty, strengthen employee talent, and expand public engagement. She is a frequent conference presenter at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference and helps Extension staff across the nation tell compelling stories.