New Club for Maui’s Youth—4-H Science Makers

Starting now, the Maui 4-H and Youth Development Programs of UH Mānoa Cooperative Extension is inviting Maui Youth (4-H Maui) to join a new club – 4-H Science Makers.

The SPIN (SPecial INterest) Club is a collaboration between 4-H Maui, Maui Science Center and Maui Makers, Inc. Kids will learn engineering and building skills as well as scientific concepts through the process of creating exhibits for the Science Center.

As one of the oldest and most effective programs of non-form education in Hawai’i, 4-H consists of hands-on projects and demonstrations, leadership development, and personal economics. 4-H teaches pride in workmanship and accomplishments, personal interaction with peers, and respect for the environment. The program also teaches important life skills such as leadership, decision-making, and personal-coping skills and helps them acquire and use knowledge.

Starting in July, the 4-H Science Makers will take part in designing and creating a number of interactive stations for the Maui Science Center with the assistance and mentorship of Maui Makers.

The exhibits are based on Electric Circuitry, Air Dynamics and Energy, Light Science and more. The process of designing and then building exhibits is an incredible learning opportunity itself for Maui’s youth.

The interactive exhibits and stations will be proudly shared with learners of all ages at various public and school events, and later at the Maui Science Center’s “home”.

The 4-H Science Makers club is free to members. Local organizations and businesses are invited to explore Partnership and Sponsorship opportunities.
Other 4-H Clubs include ( but not limited to) TED-Ed, Animal Science, Computers, Cooking, Robotics.

The Maui Science Center (MSC) is a non-profit organization established in August of 2014 with the mission to bring both educational and cultural forms of recreation to Maui residents and visitors. This will be the first interactive destination on Maui where families and school groups can explore science through interactive educational and entertaining experiences. The MSC is currently in a planning and exhibit development stage, with the goal to open it’s initial location in late 2016 early 2017. In the meantime the MSC Team is bringing interactive and highly popular events to local schools and Maui gatherings.

Maui Makers is a non-profit dynamic community workspace that gives access to technology, manufacturing equipment and educational opportunities to Maui residents and students. Maui Makers holds public meetings, classes and a variety of special interest workshops for makers of any skill level and background, including the youngest learners and engineers. In addition, they provide access to 21st-century tools allowing community members to design, prototype and manufacture items using tools that would otherwise be inaccessible or unaffordable such as 3-D printers, digital fabrication machines and computer-aided design (CAD) software.

For more information on how to become a Club Leader or on how to join 4-H Maui please contact Nancy Ooki at 244-3242 or e-mail at: [email protected]

To learn more about or to get involved with Maui Science Center visit here.

For information about upcoming workshops at Maui Makers space and/or to become a member, click here.