Madison County CES

Title:

Expand Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math (STEM) Education

MAP:

Expand Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math (STEM) Education

Agents Involved:

Aubrey Lawson, Scott Darst

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Science, Engineering, and Technology

Situation:

Local teachers in Madison County had been searching for new activities for science, engineering, and technology due to the new science standards for Kentucky’s 4^th and 5^th grade classrooms. With lack of funding and resources, 4^th and 5^th grade teachers are struggling to offer diverse technology activities to their students. 

According to National Science Foundation, “In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.”

Long-Term Outcomes:

4-H youth will successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher learning, and/or trade school and will pick a career path in science, engineering or technology.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth apply the scientific method, set and achieve goals and use other skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology in other activities at home, school and in the community.

Initial Outcomes:

Youth develop life skills through 4-H, increase interest and engagement in science, engineering and technology, learn new skills in science, engineering and technology, and be introduced to careers in SET.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Youth apply the scientific method, set and achieve goals and use other skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology in other activities at home, school and in the community. 

Indicator: Number of youth participating in a 4-H SET Club or activity, percentage of favorable/correct results from 4-H Common Measures Surveys, and observation

Method: Participation records, observation of 4-H project work, 4-H Common Measures evaluations

Timeline: Ongoing for project observations, at end of project for surveys

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth Ages 9-18

Project or Activity: SET School Enrichment Activities: Forestry, Electricity, Entomology, Rocketry, Eco-Bots, Ozobots, Physics Zoo, etc.

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum varies, National Youth Science Day materials, KY department of Fish and Wildlife resources, Agent time, Volunteers

Inputs: meeting space, project tools and equipment, project and experiment supplies, grants, journals or record books, other as needed.

Date: Annually

Audiences: Youth ages 9-18

Project or Activity: 4-H Lego Robotics Club and 4-H Coding Club

Content or Curriculum: Junk Drawer robotics, Lego robotics

Inputs: robots, meeting space, 4-H Agent, volunteers

Date: Annually

Success Stories

We Ain't Zooming, We Are Live "Streaming!"

Author: Brandon Darst

Major Program: Natural Resources

According to Penn State Extension, "Youth play an important role in becoming informed citizens and future decision makers. Engaging them in educational opportunities about water, science, and technology now will help to create a future generation of water stewards and innovators." In an effort to teach children about watersheds and human impact, the CES has teamed up with a local 4th grade classroom from Waco Elementary. The Madison County CES and Waco Elementary have a history of the

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