4-H Academy @ Purdue

Explore Agricultural and Biological Engineering, where cutting-edge science, technology, and engineering come together to solve real-world agricultural challenges, through designing and building an autonomous mini tractor. Learn about using 3-D design software and printers to translate your ideas into reality, developing programs to control a tractor’s movement, and designing engines to power tractors. The best part? Teams will put their tractors to the test in an epic tractor-pull showdown on the final day!

Are you interested in a career in veterinary medicine? Come discover what it takes to work in the animal health field. Youth will have a hands-on learning experience that helps them learn more about the Veterinary Science profession, and opportunities for careers in animal health. Topics included in the workshop include general health care, physiology, anatomy and careers. Youth will have the opportunity to work alongside Purdue Veterinarians and staff through various clinical activities. 

Dive into the fascinating world of AI in this hands-on class. Learn how to build smart machines, explore ethical challenges, and discover how AI is transforming our world. You'll gain the skills to shape tomorrow. No prior coding experience required – just curiosity and a passion for innovation. Enroll today and become part of the AI revolution!

Ready to be the hero your community needs? Join us for a 3-day session where you’ll level up your leadership skills and take on real-world challenges like a true changemaker! Think of it as your own "Avengers Assemble" moment, where you’ll team up with others to tackle issues like poverty through simulations and connect with organizations that are already making a difference. By the end, you’ll have your own action plan to save the day – no cape required!

View resources from the 2020 workshop here.

Explore how digital technologies and data sciences are being leveraged to make agriculture more efficient, productive, and sustainable through the Digital Agriculture workshop. Learn more about the applications of robotics, sensors, and programming in agriculture through hands-on activities and tours. This workshop will also explore the variety of science, technology, and engineering disciplines that collaborate to develop digital agriculture solutions. 

Have you ever wondered how raw agricultural crops can be turned into a processed food product? Join the Department of Food Science at Indiana 4H Academy to explore fermentation by making your own fermented food product and participate in a sensory evaluation of the food. You’ll even get to take home the final product! Participants will also explore food safety, chemistry, food processing, and more through exciting, hands-on activities. We can’t wait to see you there!

Explore career pathways within Creative Arts to work as a group to complete the design of a “new” state of the art, university dormitory that will be the highlight of student life. Groups will learn to design and shape the dormitory through interior/structural design, fine arts, digital/graphic arts, and landscape art. Participants will gain real-life expertise in these professions through hands-on learning opportunities that will guide them to “Create Your Career”.

Food Fraud: The Food Fraud module will help you learn about data, evidence, and scientific reasoning so you will be ready to work in the entomology and wildlife forensic labs on campus during 4-H Academy. Wildlife Forensics: During this module, students will learn about the field of wildlife forensics including a brief introduction of the discipline and examples of different types of crime against wildlife. Hands-on activities will include labs on how to collect evidence (hairs, prints) and use it to solve crimes. Forensic Entomology: Insects in Investigations: In this workshop, students will learn about the application of insect evidence in criminal investigations.  The workshop will have a mixture of lecture, hands-on insect collection, experimental design and data collection to discuss insect behavior and development, and the use of insect evidence in investigations.

Note: Some online prework is required for this course!!

The Intro to EMS workshop is focused on careers in the Emergency Medical Services field. This workshop provides participants with hands-on learning opportunities to practice the skills associated with careers as First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and Fire Fighters.

Students become CPR certified and learn through hands-on activities: scene size‐up, patient assessment, rescue techniques, scene preservation, radio procedures and tours of fire stations, emergency helicopters and Mobile Simulation Ambulances.

Learn about fisheries, forestry and wildlife science through hands‐on activities like wildlife radio telemetry, darting, aquatic sampling, mist-netting and more. Topics may vary annually based on instructor availability. Participants will also learn about the many natural resources career opportunities. ​

Program Description: Show Me The Money!

Ready to level up your life skills and become a financial decision-making pro? Join us for Show Me The Money!, a dynamic three-day experience designed to help high school students master essential adulting and financial know-how.

What to Expect:

From day one, you’ll step into a whole new role as part of a “family” navigating real-world financial scenarios. You and your teammates will make key decisions on budgeting, spending, and saving to thrive in your fictional household. With hands-on activities and engaging field trips, you'll gain skills that stick.

Highlights:

• Car Buying Challenge: Visit a local dealership and learn how to make smart car-buying decisions.
• Real Estate Exploration: Tour homes and discuss the ins and outs of buying or renting property.
• Grocery Showdown: Compete in a grocery shopping challenge to see who can snag the best deals.
• Bargain Hunt: Put your savvy shopping skills to the test in a fun bargain-shopping experience.
• Financial Planning Workshops: Dive into practical sessions on budgeting, saving, and long-term planning.

By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with the confidence and knowledge to handle real-world financial challenges and set yourself up for success beyond high school.

Are you ready to take charge of your financial future? Show us what you've got at Show Me The Money!

The Science of Flight Workshop will help youth learn more about aviation and the science and opportunities that surround it. During the workshop, they will build model rockets and planes, explore aviation facilities, and study aerodynamics to learn about the principles of flight as well as be exposed to career opportunities in aviation and aerospace.

Explore weather and climate science and disaster preparedness by analyzing weather patterns, creating disaster response plans, and learning how scientists track extreme weather events. Discover how emerging technologies are revolutionizing weather prediction and disaster response and recovery efforts. Build skills that could launch you into a rewarding career in meteorology or emergency management.