The Lancaster County Super Fair is an event that showcases the talents and skills of 4-H/FFA members in the area of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The exhibits on display cover a wide range of topics, including Aerospace, Computer, Geospatial (GPS), Electricity, Robotics, Power of Wind, Small Engines, Model Vehicle, Woodworking, Welding, Safety, and Bicycle projects.
For 4-H members, interview judging is an essential part of the competition. It is an opportunity for them to speak with judges about their static exhibits and share their trials and lessons learned. Interview judging also teaches them what judges look for in the exhibit and how to improve their skills.
Projects at the Event
Projects on display range from traditional fields, such as woodworking and welding, to high-tech disciplines such as Geospatial and Robotics. Some of the standout projects from the event include:
Aerospace: Members who are passionate about space can showcase their projects about the principles of spaceflight, rocket construction, and model airplane building. They can also demonstrate the physics of flight and how to make successful rocket launches.
Computer: Computer projects include topics such as programming, App development, Cybersecurity, and Web development. Participants can demonstrate their knowledge from different programming languages, frameworks, and platforms.
Geospatial (GPS): Geospatial projects are highly relevant today, as they involve the application of technology to map out positions and track movements of animals and people. In the fair, 4-H members can showcase their knowledge of Geospatial concepts and how they use technology such as drones to create accurate maps.
Electricity: Electricity projects are critical in teaching 4-H members about circuits, design, and the proper handling of electrical equipment. Members can learn about basic electronics, circuit design, Troubleshoot electrical circuits and Electrical safety practices.
Robotics: Robotics projects teach 4-H members the intricacies of building robots, programming them and solving complex tasks. Members bring robots designed with VEX and LEGO Mindstorms to compete against one another.
Power of Wind: Wind power projects educate 4-H members on how the wind can be harnessed to create energy. Members can build and test wind turbines in different ways to improve their efficiency, which could be useful in areas where wind energy is a primary source of power.
Small Engines: Small engine projects are practical, and members can gain knowledge on how to maintain small-scale engines such as lawn mowers, ATVs, and other small engines. Members learn about small engines’ components, including carburetors, spark plugs, and electrical systems.
Model Vehicle: Model vehicle projects are diverse, and different members present projects on different types of vehicles,including automobiles, airplanes, and boats. The members bring different models they have built and demonstrate the engineering principles involved.
Woodworking: Woodworking projects exhibit members’ talent in working with wood on a range of furniture items, toys, wooden craftworks, and other items. They can demonstrate their knowledge of wood types, joinery, and design principles.
Welding: Welding projects involve joining metals together to create something functional, artistic, or decorative. Members can demonstrate their knowledge about different welding techniques, tools and equipment, and how to take welding safety precautions.
Safety: Safety projects teach 4-H members the importance of safety in everyday activities. Members can create projects that demonstrate best practices for fire safety, farm safety, or develop training for other 4-H members.
Bicycle Projects: Bicycle projects show how to improve bicycle performance and maintain their safety. Members can show how to repair and maintain a bike, as well as build custom bikes that suit specific riding styles.
Interview judging
Interview judging is a critical aspect of the Lancaster County Super Fair, where 4-H/FFA members get the chance to speak to judges and explain their projects while showcasing their skills. The interview judging process involves the observation of the member’s exhibit and conversation with the member.
When Judging, the judges look for a demonstration of the extent of the project, a member’s ability to have a meaningful conversation about the topic, and how the 4-H’er considers the exhibit in the context of what they learned.
The interview is a critical stage where members can showcase their knowledge to the judges, learn about their project’s strengths and areas for improvement, and practice their communication and presentation skills. It is an opportunity for members to demonstrate their work’s level of sophistication and creativity and ask judges specific questions in areas where they need improvement.
Conclusion
The Lancaster County Super Fair provides 4-H/FFA members with an opportunity to showcase their ingenuity, creativity, and expertise in science, engineering, and technology fields. Members can share their knowledge about critical sciences such as energy, robotics, computer science, and physics.
Judges use interview judging sessions to give feedback about members’ projects, encourage them to work harder and deliver excellence, and emphasize the importance of good communication and presentation skills. Ultimately, the event celebrates the power of science and technology and provides members with an opportunity to grow and nurture their interests.
Posted by Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County on 2014-08-11 16:24:14