FOREST CO., Pa. — The Forest County 4-H Robotics will be hosting two open houses in February.

The Forest County 4-H program invites the community to learn about the robotics program that is available to youth between the ages of 8-18 (as of January 1).

The 4-H Robotics Program uses a variety of opportunities to engage youth in scientific inquiry and engineering design. As youth participate in the 4-H Robotics program they:

1. Build understanding of basic science concepts related to robotics
2. Apply the processes of scientific inquiry and engineering design
3. Build skills in science, engineering and technology
4. Use the tools of technology to enhance their learning
5. Explore related careers
6. Apply the skills and knowledge they are developing to new challenges

The Junk Drawer Robotics curriculum teaches youth how to use common everyday items to build robots. The curriculum teaches the design process and emphasizes developing knowledge and skills on advanced projects.

The Robotics Platform utilizes the Lego NXT kits to build and program robots for task. The program focuses on the basics through Lego WeDo’s and develops into the programming of NXT bots.

Learn more about the 4-H Robotics program by attending one of two open houses set for February. The first opportunity is set for Thursday, February 4, at the Marienville Library from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The second open house is set for Thursday, February 11, at the Penn State Extension office in Tionesta from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For questions regarding the program, contact Jennifer Grooms at 814-755-3544.

The 4-H program is a youth development program of Penn State Cooperative Extension. It is open to all youth between the ages of 8 and 18, without regard to ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or place of residence.