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Experience robots in action at 2017 4-H Showcase April 8

Dig in to the world of robotics by watching more than 20 middle-school teams showcase their programming and design skills at the fifth annual 4-H Robotics Showcase event in Elgin on Saturday, April 8.

In addition, young spectators can get a taste of the action by making a miniature no-till planter using a small robot.

"Come check out what 4-H Robotics is all about!," said Donna Nuger, University of Illinois Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development. "This is a fantastic opportunity not just for our 4-H youth, but also for community members of all ages to check out the world of robotics and technology."

For this year's HealthBot challenge, each 4-H team is designing a robot to perform tasks related to healthy living and healthy choices. Each successfully completed task can earn points in the table event portion of the showcase. The event also will include programming, design and teamwork categories.

"We also welcome everyone to participate in the youth Ag Innovators Experience: Healthy Soils CSI," said Nuger. "In this interactive experience, youth learn how agriculture is reducing its carbon footprint with no-till farming, and they make a miniature no-till planter using a robotic 'bug' and miscellaneous items. They can really be creative!"

The 2017 4-H Ag Innovators Experience Healthy Soils CSI challenges youth to understand the composition of soil and the impact tilling soil has on the entire soil ecosystem. They also will use tiny robots to find a solution on how to keep good soils from going bad. The 4-H Ag Innovators Experience program is presented by National 4-H Council and Monsanto.

All the action will begin at noon and wrap up about 4 p.m. at Abbott Middle School, 949 Van St. in Elgin.

This 2017 4-H Robotics Showcase is hosted by University of Illinois Extension in cooperation with the Abbott Middle School in Elgin and the Blue Box Bots FTC Team. Food will be available for sale at the event.

Do to program growth, another local 4-H Robotics Showcase was held in a second location this year on March 18 in Downers Grove.

For information, please call University of Illinois Extension at (630) 584-6166 or contact Donna Nuger, 4-H Youth Development Educator, at dnuger@illinois.edu.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please notify at least two weeks prior to the event.

4-H Youth Development programs provide positive opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery. For more information on the 4-H program in your county, visit go.illinois.edu/extensiondkk.

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