Extension
It Starts With Us
4-H Youth Development - Science, Engineering, Technology, Natural Resource and Agriculture
4-H Youth Development Education
Prim, Farley, Agnew, Neltner, Butsch, New
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 2023 – May 2024
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 2023 – May 2024
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 2023 – May 2024
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: September 2023-April 2024
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: September 2023-April 2024
Audience: 4-H members, Youth, Students
Project or Activity: Electricity & Woodworking
Content or Curriculum: CES pubs,
Inputs: paid staff, school facility, district board funds
Date: February 2024 - April 2024
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 2023 - May 2024
Audience: 5th grade students
Project or Activity: Grow It, Eat It, Wear It
Content or Curriculum: Agriculture in the Classroom
Inputs: paid staff, volunteers, fairgrounds, district board funds
Date: September 2023
