4-H Youth Development - Science
4-H Youth Development Education
Prim, Farley, Townsend, Sorrell, Agnew, Harney, Reilly,
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Agriculture
Natural Resources
The National 4-H goal of the 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative is to address America's critical need for more scientists and engineers by engaging more 4-H youth in hands-on science, engineering, and technology topics. By introducing youth to Science, Engineering, and Technology related topics, youth may spark an added interest in the topic.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 2017 STEM Jobs Update, Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers help drive our nation’s innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas and new companies. For example, workers who study or are employed in these fields are more likely to apply for, receive, and commercialize patents. STEM knowledge also has other benefits; while often very specialized, it can be transferred to a wide variety of careers, particularly management occupations, while increased technology in the workplace means that, to handle non-repetitive tasks, workers need the critical thinking and technical skills that come with STEM training. In the United States, there were nearly 8.6 million STEM jobs in 2015, an increase of 10.5% from 2009 while non-STEM occupations grew only 5.2% in that same period. (Fayer, 2017) and STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8.9 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to 6.4 percent growth for non-STEM occupations (Noonan, 2017). Keeping these opportunities in mind, the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase STEM literacy among youth in Kentucky to help fill the need for a diverse pool of STEM literate individuals to meet expanding job opportunities. Kentucky 4-H provides SET education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of aerospace, biotechnology, computer science, energy and electricity, robotics, physical sciences, and petroleum power.
Youth will gain a better understanding of Science Engineering and Technology (SET) topics through 4-H Science educational activities and increase the number of youth pursuing education and careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H SET hands-on educational activities.
Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in SET with others.
Youth will gain a better understanding and knowledge of SET.
Youth will show increased interest and engagement in SET.
Long-Term Outcome: Long-term Outcome: Youth will gain a better understanding of Science Engineering and Technology (SET) topics through 4-H Science educational activities and increase the number of youth pursuing education and careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Indicator: observation, scholarship applications and references written
Method: client/teacher/parent observation and testimonials
Timeline: July 2020 – May 2021
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H SET hands on educational activities. Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in SET with others.
Indicator: observation
Method: client/teacher/parent observation and testimonials
Timeline: October 2020 – May 2021
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain a better understanding and knowledge of SET. Youth will show increased interest and engagement in SET.
Indicator: observation
Method: client/teacher/parent observation and testimonials
Timeline: October 2020 – May 2021
Audience: 4-H members, Youth, Students
Project or Activity: Enviroscape Activity
Content or Curriculum: Project WET
Inputs: Enviroscape model, paid staff, school facility, district board funds
Date: October 2020 and April 2021
Audience: 4-H members, Youth, Students
Project or Activity: Water Cycle - Incredible Journey
Content or Curriculum: Project WET
Inputs: paid staff, school facility, district board funds
Date: October 2020 and April 2021
Audience: 4-H members, Youth, Students
Project or Activity: Electricity Unit Pop Can Lamp
Content or Curriculum: CES pubs, Personal Services Lets Make a Lamp book
Inputs: paid staff, school facility, district board funds
Date: February 2020 - April 2021
Audience: 4-H members, Youth, Students
Project or Activity: Electricity Snap Circuit Kits
Content or Curriculum: CES pubs, CES Electricity pub, S.E.T.
Inputs: paid staff, school facility, district board funds
Date: September 2020 - May 2021
Audience: 5th-12th graders
Project or Activity: Hydroponics
Content or Curriculum: Soil less Growing Systems
Inputs: Extension Staff, Extension Board
Date: July 2020-December 2020
Audience: 5th-8th Graders
Project or Activity: Robotics
Content or Curriculum: Junk Drawer Robotics
Inputs: Volunteers, Middle Schoolers/High School Students, Extension
Date: July 2020-December 2020
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Author: Casey Townsend
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
On August 11, 2020, approximately 13 school teachers were trained on how to implement a robotics program at Holy Trinity School. A series of 12 questions were asked pertaining to their comfort levels before the WeDo program vs afterwards on a 5 star scale. The teachers' comfort level for the WeDo information was 3.27 stars before vs 4.73 after, comfort level with the materials was 4.0 stars before vs 4.73 start after, and the We Do lessons learned was 3.55 stars before vs 4.55 after. &
Author: Casey Townsend
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
A six week program took place at Holy Trinity School in Newport, Kentucky with lead STEM Teacher Susan Bier and 30 youth participants. Their comfort level to describe how to program a robot was rated 3.27 stars before the program and 3.8 stars after the program took place. Youth rated 3.23 for their desire to learn more about careers in robotics, coding and programming.