Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center

08/26/2026

🎁Your gift makes a difference!

Help us keep programming free for Maine youth! Your support and generosity will help us with program materials and improvements in the building. 🤗

Donation link: https://engage.umaine.edu/4-h-science-center/?a=13797032

If you need assistance making a gift, please contact [email protected]

08/25/2026

📣 Registration extended through September 3!

A few spaces remain in the fall 2026 STEM for ALL: Inclusive Science Teaching & Learning Institute, a virtual professional learning experience for K–12 educators.

STEM for ALL will help you make one meaningful, manageable change in your teaching to increase student participation, engagement, and belonging in science.

This is in-depth professional learning—but it is designed for the reality of educators’ lives. You will not be asked to overhaul your teaching, complete piles of assignments, or use every resource provided. The entire institute involves approximately 15–20 hours spread across the fall semester.

Participants will:

🌱 Explore how culture and identity shape science learning
🧪 Learn practical, research-based teaching strategies
💬 Receive an individual Intercultural Development Inventory assessment and debrief
🤝 Learn with a supportive cohort of K–12 educators
💡 Implement one focused classroom change
🧭 Have access to optional individual coaching

Can’t attend every live session? With participants’ permission, sessions will be recorded so you can catch up afterward.

🏫 Special group rate: $149 per person when three or more educators register from the same school or district.

📅 September–December 2026
💻 Fully virtual
⏱ Approximately 15–20 hours total
🗓️ Register by September 3
👩‍🏫 Limited to 16 educators

➡️ Learn more and register: https://sites.google.com/maine.edu/stemforall/home

08/21/2026

We had our last in person Dissect and Detect last week. We were sad to say goodbye to this awesome crew. 😭

We dissected lumpfish and learned that vertebrates have a whole new gross-factor than invertebrates! Bones are definitely a game changer!🩻

Thanks for being adventurous and trying something new with us!

08/21/2026

Forgot to post this from July! It was wet, but it was fun :-)

08/18/2026

Register now for Intro to Robotics, Part II!

Who: Youth ages 8-18
When: September 28, 2026, from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
What: In this workshop, come explore LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime kits! Youth will engage in hands-on learning, computer programming, and design with guidance and support from 4-H staff. Participants will build and code a functioning robot and get a taste of what the world of robotics is all about!

Registration Link: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000007Ok2T

08/14/2026

It was a busy week and some change at the Bangor State Fair! The youth projects were amazing and the animals were impressive! 🐃🐐

We had a busy one with beaded critters, touch tank, seaweed squishies, flower bookmarks, and straw rockets!

To those who stopped by, thanks for hanging out :-) Keep up all the good work, everyone :-) Until next year! 🎡

08/11/2026

Power Protectors: 4-H STEM Challenge

How much energy do we use, and how can we power our world with sun, wind, and other renewable energy? Step into the role of an engineer in this hands-on challenge! We will explore basic energy concepts, figure out how much energy we use, and experiment with alternative energy. We will apply problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration skills to design challenges.

Cost: Free
Ages: 9 – 12
Dates/Time: Mondays, September 21, 28 & October 5th 4:00-5:00 pm
Registration Deadline: September 3, 2026
Capacity: Limited to 12 youth

Register online: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000007IYNN

08/07/2026

A shout out to Farm to Table from last week! We had a lot of fun doing a number of activities: touch tank, seaweed squishies, canoeing, and water quality investigations! It was a whirlwind, but it was great!

08/04/2026

Save the Date: Maine 4-H Day at UMaine Football

Join Maine 4-H at the University of Maine on Saturday, October 17, as the Black Bears take on Bryant University! The game begins at 1:00 p.m.

Come early to connect with other 4-H members and families, learn about upcoming 4-H opportunities, and enjoy time together before cheering on the UMaine football team.

Tickets will be $15 per person. A registration link and additional event details will be shared soon. We hope you can join us!

https://um-tickets.evenue.net/promotions/4HFB

The official 2026 Football schedule for the University of Maine Black Bears

07/31/2026

❓Do you know a youth (age 5 - 18) that would be interested in hands-on learning here at the 4-H Science Center? Let us know they type of programs you would sign your youth up for! Reminder: our programs are free!

🤳Leave us a comment below with:
1) the age of your youth.
2) the type of program/s your youth would be excited to participate in.
3) days of the week and times that would work for your family.

Your youth's voice matters! How can we feed their spark to make learning fun?! 🔥