STEM and Communications & Expressive Arts for YouthPlan of Work

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Marshall County CES

Title:
STEM and Communications & Expressive Arts for Youth
MAP:
Workforce Preparation
Agents Involved:
LDM
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Science, Engineering, and Technology
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Communications & Expressive Arts
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Mental Health and Well-being – 4-H Youth Development
Situation:

Although not the largest industry in the Commonwealth, STEM careers do have a large economic impact.

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 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.

References:

Lopez, A. T. (n.d.). Think Kentucky for Aerospace and Defense. Retrieved February 26, 2020, from https://thinkkentucky.com/Aerospace/

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kentucky - May 2018 OES State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. (2019, April 2). Retrieved February 26, 2020, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ky.htm

Noonan, R. (2019, August 9). STEM Jobs: 2017 Update. Retrieved from https://www.commerce.gov/news/reports/2017/03/stem-jobs-2017-update

Fayer, S., Lacey, A., & Watson, A. (2017, January 1). STEM Occupations: Past, Present, And Future. Retrieved February 26, 2020, from https://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2017/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-occupations-past-present-and-future/pdf/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-occupations-past-present-and-future.pdf


Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky.  The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader.   Using age appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communication & Expressive Arts Curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading and personal communication capacities.  This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006) Research also shows a positive association between arts participation and a number of desirable academic and social outcomes, such as school grades, test scores, enrollment in post-secondary education, attainment of a bachelor’s degree, and higher levels of literacy and civic engagement. (Child Trends, 2012) Kentucky 4-H provides communication and expressive arts by engaging youth in hands-on educational experiences that inspire confidence and foster a love for the arts.  Programs and projects are offered in the areas of public speaking, visual arts, and performing arts.


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:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

STEM Outcomes to be Evaluated

Communications & Expressive Arts Outcomes

Initial Outcome:  Youth research a presentation topic prior to developing a speech or demonstration.

Indicator:  Topic of 4-Her's speech and/or demonstration during County 4-H Communications Contest.

Method:  Observation

Timeline:  Spring 2023


Intermediate Outcome:  Youth construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing.

Indicator:  Score at County, Area, and/or State 4-H Communications Contests

Method:  Judges Score Sheets from County, Area and/or State 4-H Communications Contests

Timeline:  Spring/Summer 2023


Long-term Outcome:  Youth utilize the skills gained through education and involvement in Extension programs to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations.

Indicator:  County 4-H Communications Contest participants demonstrate/teach fellow 4-Hers how to conduct a speech and/or demonstration.

Method:  Observation

Timeline:  Fall 2021/Winter 2023



Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Marshall County, Community 4-H Clubs & CFS/NCCA Club Members/Students 

Project or Activity: School Enrichment Programs, 4-H Club Lessons and/or Day Camp Activities

Content or Curriculum: 4-H "Exploring Our Environment" or "Acres of Agriculture"

Inputs: Marshall County 4-H Youth Development Agent, Extension Assistant, Marshall County 4-H Teen volunteers

Date: 2024-25


Audience: Marshall County, Community 4-H Clubs & CFS/NCCA Club Members/Students 

Project or Activity: National 4-H STEM Challenge

Content or Curriculum: 4-H STEM Challenge Lesson

Inputs: Marshall County 4-HYD Agent & Extension Assistant, 4-H Teen Volunteers

Date: Fall 2024


Audience: Marshall County, Community 4-H Clubs & CFS/NCCA Club Members/Students 

Project or Activity: 4-H Club Lessons & School Enrichment Programs -- Communications / Speech & Demonstration Contest

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Communications Contest Information & Curriculum

Inputs: Marshall County Extension for 4-H Youth Development Agent, Extension Assistant, Marshall County 4-H Teen & Adult Volunteers, community representatives, and elementary school teachers.

Date: January/February 2025


Audience: Marshall County Youth

Project or Activity: Day Camps & School Enrichment Programs -- Expressive Arts including but not limited to topics such as ceramics, basket making, photography, needlework, leather work, etc.

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Expressive Arts Curriculum & State Fair Guidelines / KET Arts Tool Kits / Kentucky 4-H Sewing & Needlework Curriculum 

Inputs: Marshall County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development Agent / Extension Assistant, Marshall County 4-H Teen & Adult Volunteers, Marshall County Arts Commission, Master Clothing Volunteers, members of Marshall County Photography Club, and other local artists.

Date: 2024-25


Audience: Marshall County Youth

Project or Activity: Annual 4-H Holiday Workshop

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Expressive Arts & Home Environment Curriculums

Inputs: Marshall County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development Agent, Extension Assistant, Marshall County 4-H Teen & Adult Volunteers, and community representatives.

Date: November 2024

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