Laurel County CES

Title:

Engaging discovery, exploration and understanding in science, engineering and technology

MAP:

Science, Engineering and Technology

Agents Involved:

Adkins and Whitson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Science, Engineering and Technology 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

4-H Youth Development Programming

Situation:

Kentucky ranks 47th in the nation for the number of scientists in the work force, according to the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation. A key to producing more scientists is to introduce youth to the wonders of science and technology at an early age. Local teachers and extension council members identified science, engineering and technology as needed programs in the county. Extension’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through non-formal education for the entire family. Extension agents and volunteers take the results of university research and explain it in such a way that different age groups can learn and apply the information to their own lives.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth will utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life.
Youth will choose a career path in science, engineering or technology subject matter.
Youth will utilize the scientific method in decision making.

Intermediate Outcomes:

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 in 4-H SET clubs.
Teens will mentor younger 4-H’ers in science, engineering and technology

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will increase interest and engagement in science, engineering and technology.
Youth will learn new skills in science, engineering and technology.
Youth will be Introduced careers in SET.
Teens will participate in science, engineering and technology 4-H programs to acquire new skills.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will gain interest of and engage in science, engineering and technology and seek careers in these fields.
Indicator: Participants will attend and participate in extension programs and practice life skill activities
Method: observation, judging rubrics and survey's
Timeline: September-August


Intermediate Outcome: Participants will be capable of applying scientific skills learned and demonstrating the practice of those skills. Youth will mentor others in science related programs while practicing scientific methods learned through SET Projects.
Indicator: Observation and demonstrated abilities
Method: surveys, observation, pre and posttest evaluations
Timeline: September-August

Long-Term Outcome: Youth will utilize the scientific method in problem solving and decision making and choose science related careers.
Indicator: An increase in youth participants in science related careers and leadership positions
Method: observation, surveys and pre-posttest evaluations
Timeline: September- August

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth ages 5-19, adults
Activity: (NYSD) National Youth Science Day Project
Content or Curriculum: National 4-H science project
Inputs: 4-H agents, teachers, assistants, school system
Date: October


Audience: Youth ages 5-19, adults
Project or Activity: Activity: Aerospace Rockets to the Rescue
Content or Curriculum: National 4-H curriculum
Inputs: 4-H agents, teachers, assistants, volunteers, school system
Date: ongoing

Activity: GIS/GPS Geocaching
Content or Curriculum: National 4-H, Geocaching.com
Date: ongoing

Activity: Robotics
Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Eco Bot Challenge, Junk Drawer Robotics and NXT Robotics
Inputs: 4-H agents, KY4-H Foundation supports county programs through SET grants, SET grants for software, materials, State staff for SET trains volunteers and county staff in SET programs, local schools, organizations and business
Date: ongoing

Activity: Energy
Content or curriculum: Wired for Wind, NEED
Inputs: 4-H agents, KY4-H Foundation supports county programs through SET grants, SET grants for software, materials, State staff for SET trains volunteers and county staff in SET programs, local schools, organizations and business
Date: ongoing

Activity: Physics
Content or curriculum: Motion Commotion, Physics Zoo
Inputs: 4-H agents, KY4-H Foundation supports county programs through SET grants, SET grants for software, materials, State staff for SET trains volunteers and county staff in SET programs, local schools, organizations and business
Date: ongoing

Activity: TechXcite Activities
Content or curriculum: TechXcite curriculum
Inputs: 4-H agents, KY4-H Foundation supports county programs through SET grants, SET grants for software, materials, State staff for SET trains volunteers and county staff in SET programs, local schools, organizations and business
Date: ongoing

Activity: Ag in the Classroom
Content or curriculum: Acres of Adventures, Ag in the classroom
Inputs: 4-H agents, KY4-H Foundation supports county programs through SET grants, SET grants for software, materials, State staff for SET trains volunteers and county staff in SET programs, local schools, organizations and business
Date: ongoing

Activity: Biotechnology Camp
Content or curriculum: A Crime, A Clue and You
Inputs: 4-H agents, KY4-H Foundation supports county programs through SET grants, SET grants for software, materials, State staff for SET trains volunteers and county staff in SET programs, local schools, organizations and business
Date: ongoing

Activity: Tech Takeover
Content or curriculum: Style Engineers
Inputs: 4-H agents, KY4-H Foundation supports county programs through SET grants, SET grants for software, materials, State staff for SET trains volunteers and county staff in SET programs, local schools, organizations and business
Date: summer

Success Stories