Extension
It Starts With Us
Science & Natural Resource Awareness
Science & Natural Resource Awareness
Rebecca Konopka
4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Core Curriculum
4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it’s important that we care for and respect these resources. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generations.
Youth and clientele need to learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, engineering and technology issues in Kentucky and globally. Through the Land Grant University and Extension system, 4-H can expand its impact and extend its reach in science, engineering and technology (4-H SET) by providing opportunities for hands-on scientific learning and discovery in 4-H clubs.
Youth will choose a career path in science, engineering or technology subject matter.
Youth will utilize the scientific method in decision in making.
Youth will use scientific techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that will solve problems in their community and positively sustain the natural resources in the home, community and world.
Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology.
Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in science, engineering and technology with others.
Youth will practice scientific methods learned from 4-H.
Teens will mentor younger 4-H’ers in science, engineering and technology.
Youth will make decisions in their daily lives that positively impact natural resources.
Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment in their home and community.
Youth will use problem solving and logical reasoning skills and apply them to environmental issues.
Youth will increase interest and engagement in natural resources, science, engineering and technology.
Youth will learn new skills in natural resources, science, engineering and technology .
Youth will be introduced to careers in SET and natural resources.
Youth will develop an interest in environmental science and sustainable practices and technologies.
Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Initial Outcome: Youth will increase interest and engagement in natural resources, science, engineering and technology.
Indicator: Participation increases in 4-H SET and natural resource programming.
Method: LEGO Wizards, Win With Wood, Forestry Field Days, NRESci Academy, etc.
Timeline: Ongoing
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology.
Indicator: 4-H members successfully compete in the FIRST LEGO League and robotic competitions.
Method: 4-H LEGO Wizards Club
Timeline: July – December
Long-term Outcome: Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Indicator: 4-H members complete community service projects.
Method: Natural Resource & Environmental Science (NRESci) Academy
Timeline: Ongoing
Initial Outcome: Youth will learn new skills in natural resources.
Indicator: 4th grade students complete leaf collections.
Method: School Enrichment; 4-H Leaf Collection Project
Timeline: August - October
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Audience: Middle & High School Students
Project or Activity: 4-H NRESci Academy
Content or Curriculum: 4-H & UK Curriculum
Inputs: Staff, Industry Professionals, Specialists
Date: September – July
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Forestry Field Days, Win With Wood
Content or Curriculum: UK Forestry materials
Inputs: Staff, volunteers, specialists
Date: September – October
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: 4-H LEGO Wizards Club
Content or Curriculum: FLL, 4-H Robotics Curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, grants, staff
Date: July – December
Audience: 4th & 5th grade classrooms
Project or Activity: Exploring Your Environment Science Days & Project WET History Days
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Exploring Your Environment, Electricity, Entomology, Aerospace, Project WET
Inputs: teachers, staff
Date: January – April
Audience: Elementary Classrooms
Project or Activity: Butterfly Life Cycles
Content or Curriculum: Butterfly WINGS
Inputs: teachers, staff
Date: April – May
Audience:4th Grade Classrooms
Project or Activity:4-H Leaf Collections
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Forestry
Inputs:teachers, staff
Date: August - October
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Author: Rebecca Konopka
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it’s important that we care for and respect these resources. The first step in conserving natural resources and protecting our environment is to educate on natural resource processes. 4-H school enrichment programs allow 4-H to expand its i
