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Expand Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math (STEM) Education
Expand Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math (STEM) Education
Julia Reid, Scott Darst
Science, Engineering, and Technology
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 4th and 5th grade classrooms. With lack of funding and resources, 4th and 5th 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
According to Center for Strategic and International Studies,” early STEM education provides the necessary foundation for those pursuing degrees and careers in the field later on. STEM education centers around programs designed to help students gain skills required to succeed in the innovation-focused twenty-first century job market. Typically, this includes critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and digital literacy- all important for future careers. However, many stud
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Last year was the Pilot year for the 4-H Outdoor Adventure and our goal this year was to expand it to more participants from across Kentucky. The issue the CES tries to combat is youth being separated from nature. Through this camp, we reintroduce youth to the wonders of the natural world around them through hands on learning. Whether it was learning about outdoor cooking, filleting a fish, tracking, wildlife, orienteering, fire making, hiking, preserving food the youth were engaged and pa
