Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2024Jul 1, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024
4-H Summer Transportation Institute Sparks Career Interests
Author: Casey Townsend
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Kentucky State University hosted their 2023 Summer Transportation Institute (STI) Camp for high school students on campus. The camp was a two-week residential camp consisting of fourteen students. The KY Transportation Cabinet and Federal Highway Administration sponsored the camp. The students engaged with the Rollover Simulator in action at the Kentucky transportation Cabinet, in addition to science and engineering aspects of the KY Transportation Cabinet Materials Lab. Campers part
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Homeschool Dissection Club: Taking a Stab at STEM
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
According to Center for Strategic and International Studies,” early STEM education provides the necessary foundation for those pursuing degrees and careers in the field later on. STEM education centers around programs designed to help students gain skills required to succeed in the innovation-focused twenty-first century job market. Typically, this includes critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and digital literacy- all important for future careers. However, many stud
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4-H & KYFB AGRI SCIENCE FAIR
Author: Dora Centers
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
4-H and KYFB Agri Science Fair First year for our partnership with Knott Co Farm Bureau for Agri Science Fair. The competition was open to 4th through 8th grades countywide. The categories included Food Science, Nutrition, Environmental, Biological and Engineering Sciences. The county 4-H agent promoted the new program and event by visiting science classrooms at all 7 elementary schools in the county distributing over 1,000 promotional flyers. Knott Co Farm Bu
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BEYOND THE HORIZON
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The problemAs adults we see the world as large and complicated. We've had experiences, traveled, lived. Our youth often only see the world around them. While the world of electronic screens is not seen as real. Classes in school, in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, are just that "Classes" to many youth. The practical use of, and the opportunities incumbent in these areas of study are not yet real to many 4-Hers. How to teach youth the very practical uses of S
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4-H Lego Club Cruises into the National Corvette Museum
Author: Christina Hogue
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
4-H Lego Club “Cruises” into the National Corvette Museum The Monroe County 4-H Lego Club is one of the county’s most popular clubs. Although it may not be a traditional club, its uniqueness allows for 4-H’ers to be very creative.Each year, the Lego Club partners with Tompkinsville’s Ace Hardware for a showcase event. 4-H’ers improve communication skills and leadership skills. The success of this partnership caused the club leader to exp
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Tractor and Small Engine Club
Author: Erica Spurgeon
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Pulaski County 4-H introduced a new club to the county in October of 2022. Tractor and Small Engine Club started as a partnership between a local sponsor, Valley Farm Equipment, and our county 4-H program. Valley Farm Equipment has always been willing to lend a hand to sponsor programs or to teach lawn mower and tractor safety during Safety Day events. An employee of Valley Farm Equipment, who is also a 4-H parent, stepped up to volunteer as the club leader. The goal for this club is to prepare
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Farm Safety Day teaches youth proper practices.
Author: Rusty Wolf
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The problemAccording to the US Bureau of labor and statistics agriculture is the most dangerous sector in America with around 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. Petroleum power portion of 4-H SET curriculum has long been underused in this county and this was a trial run of the interest with the youth in our county.The educational program responseIt is important for extension to install proper farm safety practices at a young age in our traditional agricultural audience. For this program I pa
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Dissections in December
Author: Genaea Sarantakos
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The problem: 4th grade teachers expressed interest in cow eye dissection to help solidify the following Core Content Standards:4-LS1-2. Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brains, and respond to the information in different ways. Emphasis is on systems of information transfer.4-PS4-2. Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen. Exa
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Master Builders Afterschool SPIN Club
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The Master Builder Aferschool SPIN Club has brought many things to the Bracken County 4-H Program. Not only has this club brought several new faces to 4-H it also engages participants in ways other clubs cannot. The use of Legos in educational settings enriches students in various ways, fostering creativity, collaboration, problem-solving skills, and a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. Lego activities are hands-on and provide a tangible way for studen
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STEM Day Camp Introduces Youth to Renewable Energy
Author: Victoria Riehemann
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Kentucky is facing a shortage of people to fill technology careers and related fields. There is a need to have trained scientists to solve problems and educate others on issues that are rising, and have a knowledgeable workforce to operate, service, and maintain advancements in robotic manufacturing and production technology. In these fields of technology, women and minorities have been under-represented as holding these careers. According to the Community Assessment Report (2019) for Bullitt Co
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4-H Joins 7th Grade Central Time Menifee Central
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Electricity powers our homes and businesses. According to Trade Nations, Careers in the trades span a variety of industries that are all rapidly evolving. With technology, communication, transportation, and energy all changing by the day, tradespeople are some of the most smart and informed professionals in their fields. Careers in the electrical trade can provide students with a strong set of skills. 7th graders at Menifee Central participate in the new 4-H program during
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4-H STEM club
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Kenton County Cooperative Extension 4-H utilized the results of yearly expansion and review surveys as well as the community assessment survey and established a 4-H STEM club. Club membership has varied from 13 to 8 but a consistent group participates. Members are representative of the Kenton County population and the participants range in age from 9-14 years. The previous teen leader for the club is currently studying pre-medicine and received multiple college scholarships as w
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4-H STEM: Suture and First Aid
Author: Genaea Sarantakos
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The problemFollowing our December dissection lab, our 4-H community requested more hands- on STEM opportunities for youth to participate in. The educational program responseWith the help of 4 UK Medical School students who expressed interest in volunteering with 4-H, they created and hosted a highly hands-on workshop for youth to explore medical sciences. Youth learned and experienced suturing, how to splint injuries, stop the bleed, and treat burns.The participants/target audience4-H youth
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BCHS Enrichment Program
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
At the onset of the 2023-2024 academic term, a group of educators from Bracken County High School approached me to contribute to their newly established enrichment initiative. They had observed the success of my after-school welding club and expressed interest in integrating it into their program. Since September 2023, I've been instructing welding sessions once a month, each lasting 20 minutes, for BCHS students.During these sessions, one student demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm for weldi
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Nationwide Drone Programming
Author: Jacob Hall
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Year after year, we are losing something in society. We, as educators, are losing connections with the children we serve as 4H professionals. We sometimes fail to realize not every child has a prize heifer to show or may not have the agricultural aspect of life that many are blessed to have. However, they do have a mind that is intrigued by technologies that are offered. One of the prime technologies we see today are drones. They are entering into so many markets and offering many new jobs.We pr
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School Enrichment
Author: Rebecca Hayes
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The problemThe problem that the school enrichment clubs are addressing is the low number of 4-H enrollment and attendance at activities. The other main problem is that students and families did not know what 4-H has to offer them. The educational program response4-H has been offered and accepted to provide enrichment in all 6 of the Carter County Elementary Schools. The educational program response was monthly classroom visit to provide enrichment activities to enhance what they are learnin
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Grayson County Fourth Grades Love 4-H
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The Grayson County 4-H Agent has increased school program reach throughout the counties four elementary schools. Positive youth programming spans primarily from grades second through fifth grades, with an occasional Kindergarten group. The opportunities to reach so many youths throughout these grades have increased program and club participation as well as the significant increase in youth attending 4-H camp each year. The agent has created a rapport with the youth at the schools, as well as the
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Afterschool 4-H Club
Author: Eric Collins
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The problemIn a survey of parents conducted by the Family Resource Center at Lee County Elementary, responses indicated a desire for extracurricular activities other than sports. It was stated that not all children have the desire or ability to participate in sports, however, all children want to socialize and engage in appropriate activities with their same-age peers.The educational program responseAs an initial response, Lee County 4-H decided to start an afterschool 4-H club. The club meets o
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Apple Grant paves way for new STEM projects
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
A few years ago the Hopkins County 4-H Council invested money and resources into a Esports 4-H Club. The council along with myself saw this as a way to teach youth coding, communcation, and teamwork skills. The club has had steady growth and vaulable skills are being taught. In late Fall of 2023, I was approached by our state 4-H STEM specialist, Torey Earls, on partnering with Apple. Through this partnership, my community recived an investment of over $30,000 woth of ipads, apple pencils, cases
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Deep Dive into Drones
Author: Jacob Hall
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Many children in Monroe County find themselves at school in their Summers. With the vision of Mrs. Turner, she is combatting the "Summer Slide" where kids can lose up to 2 months worth of curriculum learned the year before, during the Summer. When speaking with Mrs. Turner, we were able to implement a Drone Day for all the kids in Summer school. The drone day would enable the kids to learn of STEM activities as well as advancements within the agricultural field. We decided w
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Integrating Drones
Author: Tyler London
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Many children in Monroe County find themselves at school in their Summers. With the vision of Mrs. Turner, she is combatting the "Summer Slide" where kids can lose up to 2 months worth of curriculum learned the year before, during the Summer. When speaking with Mrs. Turner, we were able to implement a Drone Day for all the kids in Summer school. The drone day would enable the kids to learn of STEM activities as well as advancements within the agricultural field. We decided w
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STEM Lab: Dissections
Author: Genaea Sarantakos
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The problem4th grade teachers expressed interest in cow eye dissection to help solidify the following Core Content Standards:4-LS1-2. Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brains, and respond to the information in different ways. Emphasis is on systems of information transfer.4-PS4-2. Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen. Examples o
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Afterschool Programs
Author: Lucas Powell
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
In a larger county like Fayette, getting the word out about our programs can sometimes be challenging. One great way to get youth involved is by bringing the programs to them in the classroom. Thankfully, Fayette County has schools to spare and is only growing. One great way I have found to build relationships with the schools is to start out by partnering with the FRC/YSC. Our Afterschool Program at Garret Morgan Elementary has been a success. During this program, we cover a wide range of
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Science is Magic and Educational
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Teaching children to follow directions sometimes is a chore, but when you use science activities, they learn quickly if they do not follow directions, the experiment will be a flop. When science is taught, the participants think that it is magic and are always so attentive. This was proven at STEM and 4-H camp this year. I taught science to my 4-H campers and they responded with excitement.Lesson one: Air power. Balloons were put in a bottle
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RC Pulling tractors
Author: Joshua Jackson
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Engaging youth in STEM activities can be challenging. To address this, Remote Control Tractor Pulling was introduced to help students understand practical mathematical concepts and spark interest in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. The hands-on use of RC pulling tractors captivates students, and through various challenges, they learn about power, torque, speed, energy storage, power-to-weight ratio, vehicle balance, friction, traction, stability, and safety. A workshop at Teen Conference
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Ag Teacher Training
Author: Timothy Stombaugh
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The complexity of engine and fuel technology is continually and rapidly increasing. It becomes difficult for Agriculture teachers in High Schools who teach small engine curriculum to remain current with the innovations and technology. A workshop conducted in BAE for Ag teachers gave them opportunity to see and explore new engine technology and teaching ideas in a hands-on environment. Teachers completing the program were better equipped to lead students through exercises and d
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Kentucky 4-H Computer Science Programming gets a boost from Apple Education
Author: Torey Earle
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm, Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. About 377,500 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment gr
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Program and Leadership Development skills through Kentucky 4-H SET
Author: Torey Earle
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
The following is taken from Elementary and Secondary STEM Education, National Science Board Science and Engineering Indicators:“Elementary and secondary education in mathematics and science is the foundation for student entry into postsecondary STEM majors and a wide variety of STEM-related occupations. Given the foundational nature of elementary and secondary STEM education, it is critical to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected student learning. The COVID-19 pandemic led to
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2024 Spring Project Day “Exploring the Deep Sea”
Author: Lydia Gosney
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Success Story: 2024 Spring Project Day “Exploring the Deep Sea”The Problem Our 4-H Programs were experiencing a significant gap in STEM-related activities. With summer break approaching and many families planning vacations, we wanted to provide an enriching experience for youth not vacationing near the sea. Thus, we designed a project day to bring the wonders of the deep sea to them, ensuring they could "visit" the sea through engaging, hands-on activities.The Educational P
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