Frequently
Asked
Questions

Aerospace – Frequently Asked Questions

My county is not sending someone in the Aerospace National Qualifying contest. However I am competing in the related project book class. Can I represent my county in the Aerospace National Qualifying contest?

Unfortunately we can only accept contestants that have been selected and registered by the county. If your county normally sends contestants in the Rockets Away or Aerospace projects but not the Aerospace National Qualifier please contact your agent and ask them to start sending a contestant in that category. This also applies to the Electricity and Small Engines.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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ATV – Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) contest?

The ATV contest will be held at the Waterman Farm on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The agricultural fields and dairy pastures surrounding the farm provide a unique setting for the ATV contest. Directions to Waterman Farm can be found on the Map page or by downloading this map.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Bicycle – Frequently Asked Questions

A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Computer – Frequently Asked Questions

A 4-H'er won our county's Senior Computer Project. Which contest should he or she be enrolled in for the Ohio State Fair?

If the 4-H'er is 14 years or older then he or she should be enrolled in the Computer National Qualifier. For more information on this contest click the Computer link. This contest includes a written quiz on computer technology; a 5 to 10 minute illustrated talk (Do not use a computer as a visual aid); and a problem or mini assignment to solve within 20 minutes.

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I would like to use a PowerPoint Presentation as a visual aid in my speech for a Computer Contest. Is this allowed?

Visual aids are an excellent way to enhance your speech. You may use any number of visual tools during a National Qualifier Contest. Visual aids may include: models, posters, overhead slides and PowerPoint Presentations. Remember however that these are just visual aids. Keep the focus on you the speaker. The judges are judging you and not your visual aids. A IBM/PC laptop computer and projector will be present. Please bring your presentation on CD. If you have a laptop that runs your presentation feel free to bring it.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Electricity – Frequently Asked Questions

I am competing in the Electricity Project and the Electric Energy National Qualifier. My county registers and interviews at the same time as the Electric Energy National Qualifier. How do I compete in both contests?

4-H'ers in both projects are free to register for the 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM time slot to exhibit in the other classes. Click here for more information on the Electric Energy Qualifier.

An electricity project, from Investigating Electricity, shows a picture and gives directions for making a circuit with a mercury switch. I was unable to find a mercury switch at a supply contractor or local stores. Is there a substitute recommendation that you have for this particular project item from the book?

There are several solutions:

1) Mercury switches are still available, but they are a hazard if broken or disposed of improperly. A inexpensive solution is to contact any heating/air conditioning contractor who may have thermostats lying around.  Many thermostats had a mercury switch that was tilted by a bimetal coil that responded to temperature.  You may even offer to return the switch to the contractor when you are finished with it so that the mercury is recycled properly.

2) A mercury switch may also be ordered from http://www.mouser.com
Mouser Electronics has no minimum order, an 800 number for ordering, and will accept credit cards.  For a glass mercury switch, order "107-1003." For a metal mercury switch (won't easily break), order "107-1001."

3) You may wish to order a "non-mercury tilt switch." It has a little copper ball inside that rolls against the contacts when tilted.  This switch is "107-1006." This switch has four leads on it.  To wire it, position the switch with the arrow pointing up. The two leads on the left (vertical) are one connection (connect these two leads together).  The two leads on the right (vertical) are the second connection (connect these two leads together).

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Lawn Care – Frequently Asked Questions

A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Lawn Tractor – Frequently Asked Questions

What project should I enroll in to be eligible for the Lawn Tractor Contest?

A 4-H'er should be enrolled in one of the following: Lawn Care, Small Engines, a relevant Self Determined Project, or Tractor. There is no specific project for Lawn Tractor. There are two divisions in Lawn Tractor at the State Level: 12 and 13 year olds and for 14 years old and over. The winner of the 14 years old and over division (or class) earns the opportunity to represent Ohio in the National 4-H Engineering Science and Leadership Event.

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Where is the Lawn Tractor Contest?

Starting in 2004 the 4-H Lawn Tractor Contest has moved to JD Equipment in
London , Ohio . JD Equipment is John Deere tractor and equipment dealer who has generously offered its facilities and tractors for the contest. London , Ohio is just west of Columbus on I-70. Click here for a Map.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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National Qualifier – Frequently Asked Questions

I am planning to compete in more then one National Qualifier Contest at this years State Fair. Is this allowed?

Yes this is allowed. A county may send a 4-H'er to compete in more then one National Qualifying Contest. However if that 4-H'er is fortunate enough to win more then one contest he or she will only be allowed to advance to the National 4-H Engineering Science and Leadership Event in one contest. The 4-H'er must chose in which contest they wish to advance.

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My county is not sending someone in a National Qualifying contest (Aerospace, Electricity, Small Engines etc.). However I am competing in the related project class. Can I represent my county in the National Qualifier?

Unfortunately we can only accept contestants that have been selected by the county. If your county normally sends contestants in the small engines projects but not the Small Engines National Qualifier contact your agent and ask them to start sending a contestant in that category. This also applies to the Electricity and Aerospace Contest.

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I would like to use a PowerPoint Presentation as a visual aid in my speech for a National Qualifying Contest. Is this allowed?

Visual aids are an excellent way to enhance your speech. You may use any number of visual tools during a National Qualifier Contest. Visual aids may include: models, posters, overhead slides and PowerPoint Presentations. Remember however that these are just visual aids. Keep the focus on you the speaker. The judges are judging you and not your visual aids. A IBM/PC laptop computer and projector will be present. Please bring your presentation on CD. If you have a laptop that runs your presentation feel free to bring it.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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R.C. Vehicles – Frequently Asked Questions

My R.C. Vehicle does not have a ‘reverse.' Can I use this vehicle to compete in the state R.C. Vehicle contest?

Yes you may use this vehicle in the contest. However be forewarned that the complexity of the coarse often makes backing up or reversing necessary to complete the course. It is certainly possible to complete the course without backing up. However it will be challenge.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete any written tests or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Rope – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the divisions in the 4-H Rope Contest?

There are two classes beginning in 2004. The first class, Junior Division, is for
4-H'ers 9 through 13 years of age. The second class, Senior Division, is for 4-H'ers 14 years of age and up. Any 4-H'er who won the 4-H Rope Contest in previous years (prior to 2004) is free to return in 2004 in the appropriate division.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Small Engines – Frequently Asked Questions

My county is not sending someone in the Small Engines National Qualifying contest. However I am competing in the related project book class. Can I represent my county in the Small Engines National Qualifying contest?

Unfortunately we can only accept contestants that have been selected and registered by the county. If your county normally sends contestants in the Crank It Up, Warm It Up or Tune It Up project books but not the Small Engines National Qualifier please contact your agent and ask them to start sending a contestant in that category. This also applies to the Aerospace and Electricity.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Tractor – Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 4-H Tractor Contest?

Starting in 2003 the 4-H Tractor Contest has moved to JD Equipment in London , Ohio . The move was necessary due to the demolition of the East Grand Stand at the Ohio Expo Center in 2002. JD Equipment is John Deere tractor and equipment dealer who has generously offered its facilities and tractors for the contest. London , Ohio is just west of Columbus on I-70.

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What is the tractor driving course?

There are two tractor driving courses. One course involves pulling a two wheeled implement and one involves pulling a four wheeled implement. The courses are detailed on the Tractor Page.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

F.A.Q. Top

I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Welding – Frequently Asked Questions

What is appropriate for the second project for the welding contest?

The second project for the welding ideally would be a useful project made for his family's usage. Previous projects have included: a coat tree, a saddle rack, and a welding table. Another option for the second project could be an additional project out of the Arcs and Sparks project handbook.

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Where is the Welding Contest?

Starting in 2004 the 4-H Welding Contest has moved to the Agricultural Engineering Building on the campus of The Ohio State University. This location will allow for future expansion of the welding contest to include oxygen and acetylene projects and other arc welding contests. The Agricultural Engineering Building has hosted welding contests before including VICA and the Ohio FFA Agricultural Engineering Contests.

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Do we have to use AC (as opposed to DC) during the welding contest?

Lincoln Electric Company donates new welders each year that we use during the contest. At the end of the contest these welders are given away as part of the prizes to contest winners. Each welder is a AC welder. Yes AC is the only option.

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The Welding project book asks 4-H'ers to use a "stick welder". A family has a "MIG" welder. Is this allowed? They do not have access to a stick welder.

The project book instructs 4-H'ers to use Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW - commonly referred to as stick welding). 4-H'ers are free to use which ever process they feel comfortable with or have access to. However to compete at the state level you must be familiar with SMAW or Stick. At the state contest projects entered into the competition must be completed with SMAW. Additionally a portion of the state competition involves welding a sample weldment with the SMAW welding process. If you do not have access to stick welder you may wish to contact a local Vocation School or a High School Agricultural Educational Program. OSU also puts on Youth Welding Workshops. Future 4-H Welding books will cover Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or Metal Inert Gas (MIG).

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete a written test or parts identification. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or having tests or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

F.A.Q. Top

I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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Woodworking – Frequently Asked Questions

A 4-H'er won the clock trophy for Nailing It Together - Junior this year. He is 12 years old (4-H age). There is some confusion about his eligibility to compete in Finishing Up next year because the 4-H'er will still be a junior (age 13 in 2005). According to the state fair classes, Finishing Up is not divided junior/senior - all ages are together.  Is the 4-H'er eligible in this class as a junior? 

Finishing Up is a different class thus the 4-H'er would be eligible to compete even if the 4-H'er won Nailing It Together this year. Further the Finishing Up project class is not divided by age. All ages compete in the same class.

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What is different for 2007?

The tools for each woodworking project has been revised, also the evaluation sheet that you bring from home has been revised also. Each county may send one 4-H per class and also have a total of eight. Projects brought from home will be displayed in the Youth Discovery Building. The projects will be picked up after the awards ceremony, approximately 5:00 P.M. At the fair each station will have a set of necessary tools including a power drill with a screwdriver.

To see the revised rules go to the woodworking section of the website and click on the link to State Fair Tool Rules and State Fair Woodworking Details.

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When do woodworking projects need to be removed from the Youth Discovery Building ?

Woodworking project must be removed from the Youth Discovery Building by 7:00 PM the day of the contests.

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Is it ok to use "artificial" wood, like those used in decks and other outdoor projects?

Synthetic or artificial wood products are acceptable as long as they behave with the same mechanical attributes as natural wood when drilling , chipping , milling , screwing, sawing, etc. However it is important to understand that the majority of projects brought to the Woodworking Contest are made from natural wood products. Additionally since many of these artificial products cannot be stained or otherwise finished you likely be penalized in that area of scoring.

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Will I be penalized in score for not finishing a project that is not intended to be finished? Examples: Feed trough, cattle chute etc.

When "finishing" is a component of the scoring you may be penalized some or all the points for not finishing a project. It is important to note that finishing is not just stain or varnish but can be natural oils and other substances and you need not finish all surfaces when working with a piece intended to be used.

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A 4-H'er has a learning disability and needs more time to complete the hands on event. How is this handled?

We are committed to 4-H'ers and their development. We are also committed to insuring that each contestant has a positive experience. Please notify Assistant Superintendent Randall Reeder prior to the contest or event if a 4-H'er needs some type of assistance while competing. This assistance can include additional time or information read aloud. Other accommodations can be made based on the 4-H'er specific circumstance.

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I have a time conflict with two 4-H events at the state fair (one may not be 4-H engineering related). Could I come earlier/later for my event?

In the past we have been successful in accommodating state fair contestant schedules. Please contact us to work out details of your schedule.

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