ISU extension brings STEM, 4-H together with ‘Buckets of Junk’

One person’s junk is another person’s treasure — that is what a group of kids from around the county discovered as they created art from pieces of scrap metal to be sold just in time for the Jasper County Fair.

The art project is called Buckets of Junk, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at the Newton DMACC.

Stacey Wilson, Jasper County ISU Extension Youth Coordinator, said the idea came from wanting to incorporate a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) activity in the fair. She said other counties had “bucket of junk” activities which successfully raised money for their county fair and their 4-H projects.

“Besides the welding, they learn a lot of things that fall under that (STEM) category ... the science of the welding and the heat to weld the metals together, the math measurements, the overall engineering for the design seem to be a good fit for the area,” Wilson said.

The metal came from Co-Line Manufacturing in Sully. Each bucket is made from similar pieces of metal, and the 4-H’ers were not allowed to add an extra scrap, but the individual paint jobs make each creation unique.

The contest has room for eight contestants and the spots are filled first come first serve, though this year there was a waiting list due to high interest. Four students were selected as alternates for the Buckets of Junk auctions at this year’s county fair.

The statues will be auctioned of before the annual livestock auction at 5:30 p.m. July at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Colfax. The money goes towards 4-H scholarships and the 4-H award ceremony in the fall.

Around the county, the statues were placed in public places such Advantage Credit Union and Farm Credit Services in Newton, as well as Great Western Bank and Key Co-Op in Sully, First State Bank in Colfax and First State Bank in Baxter.

Wilson said the Buckets of Junk STEM project is attempting to attract more female participants, as educators nationwide recruit more women into STEM career fields. What began as a welding contest, now has an equal number of boy and girl 4-Hers.

“We have had many girls sign up to do this, just as many girls as boys, and I thought it would probably be mostly boys, but we have had several girls participate,” Wilson said.

Addison Ross is a former Buckets of Junk contestant. Though she did not participate this year, she said welding her ballerina statue was a great learning experience which taught her about determination.

“I learned (welding) can be difficult sometimes, but you still have fun with it,” Ross said.

Contact Samuel Nusbaum at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or snusbaum@newtondailynews.com