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This spring, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County 4-H STEM Ambassadors brought hands-on technology and engineering experiences to two exciting community events: Spring Into Science at Princeton University (April 18, 2026) and Rutgers Day at Rutgers University (April 25, 2026). What made these events truly special was that our own STEM Ambassadors designed, built, and set up the entire experience themselves. From assembling the stations to guiding participants through the activities, our young leaders were in charge from start to finish, and they did an outstanding job.
The centerpiece of both events was a Makey Makey game pad station that drew crowds of all ages. Using aluminum foil, cardboard, and alligator clips, the STEM Ambassadors built custom game controllers and used them to teach participants something truly fascinating: you are part of the circuit! Participants wore a foil bracelet connected to the Makey Makey earth clip, and when they touched the game pad, the electrical current flowed through their body, completing the circuit and triggering the game on screen. Suddenly, science was not just a concept on a page. It was something they could feel and experience in real time. Games included a dancing game, Whack-a-Mole, Bouncy Face, and soccer, and children and adults alike lit up the moment they realized they were the missing piece of the circuit!
At Rutgers Day, the excitement continued with the addition of Sphero robots, where participants got to try their hand at coding and controlling robots through play. It was another crowd favorite that kept the energy high all day long.
These events are so much more than games. They are about showing young people and their families that STEM is creative, accessible, and deeply connected to the world around them. When a child realizes that electricity can flow through their own body to power a game they built themselves, that is a moment they will not forget. We are incredibly proud of our 4-H STEM Ambassadors for their leadership, preparation, and enthusiasm. They represented Mercer County 4-H beautifully, and the community absolutely noticed.
More STEM programming is on the way this summer, so stay tuned! Interested in joining 4-H or learning more about our programs in Mercer County? Visit our website!