Leslie County CES

Title:

Science, Engineering and Technology becoming meaningful in the lives of Youth

MAP:

Engaging Youth in Science

Agents Involved:

Vicki R. Boggs, Ray Wilson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Science, Engineering and Technology 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

4-H Youth Development Programming

Situation:

According to the Council on Postsecondary Education, jobs in science, engineering, and technology are essential for the economic prosperity of Kentucky’s citizens and communities. These disciplines fuel innovation, per capita income, and the creation of 21st century jobs. Despite these benefits, Kentucky continues to perform poorly when compared with other states. Kentucky ranks 47th in the number of scientists and engineers and 41st in the number of science and engineering occupations. With demand for scientists accelerating and student interest in these fields dwindling, action must be taken to ensure both our state and our nation remain competitive in research, innovation, and technology. A key to producing more scientists is to introduce youth to the wonders of science and technology at an early age.

Long-Term Outcomes:

-An increased interest in science, engineering, and technology among youth.

-Science, engineering, and technology concepts are incorporated into everyday living.

-Youth will explore related careers and enroll in courses to prepare them for these careers.

-Performance on state and national standardized tests in related subjects will increase.

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Adopt and use new methods or improved technology in everyday life.

-Youth will partner with adults to identify and address issues using scientific inquiry.

-Youth will participate and/or compete in science, engineering, and technology related projects and programs.

-Youth will develop at-home, community or container gardens to increase access to affordable, nutritious foods for their family.

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will be able to define scientific terms.

-Youth demonstrate basic knowledge of biotechnology, rocketry, circuitry, gardening, and other SET fields.

-Youth will be able to program a robot to complete specific, useful tasks.

-Youth can identify the life cycle of various animals, including horses and chickens.

-Youth’s opinions, motivation and excitement toward science, engineering, and technology will positively change.

Evaluation:

Long-term Outcome: Increase in science, engineering and technology among youth.

Indicator: Increase in number of individuals pursuing SET careers and enrolled in SET classes.

Method: Observation; Data analysis

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Science, engineering, and technology practices are adopted as part of everyday living.

Indicator: Increase  number of individuals adopting new practices and changing behaviors.

Method: Observation; Written and verbal evaluations; Individual reports

Timeline: July 2018-June 2019

Initial Outcome: Gaining knowledge, new opinions and aspirations in regards to science, engineering, and technology fields.

Indicator: Acquisition of knowledge, skills, opinions, and aspirations.

Method: Observation; Written and verbal evaluations; Individual reports

Timeline: July 2018-June 2019

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth (Grades 7-10)

Project or Activity: 4-H Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences (NRESci) Academy

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum; 4-H SET Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent; ANR Agent; 4-H program Assistant; Extension Specialists; Extension Volunteers

Date: July 2018-June 2019

Audience: Youth (Grades 4-6)

Project or Activity: 4-H Science Explorers Program

Content or Curriculum: 4-H SET Curriculum; National 4-H Youth Science Day program materials

Inputs: 4-H Agent; 4-H Program Assistant; Extension Specialists; Teacher/ School Volunteers

Date: September 2018-May 2019

Audience: Youth and Community all ages, targeting (Grades 4-8)

Project or Activity: 4-H/Ag. Gardening

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum; Ag Resources; Junior Master Gardeners Curriculum

Inputs: Extension Staff; School and Extension Volunteers

Date: July 2018-June 2019

Audience: Youth (Grades 9-12)

Project or Activity: The Biology of Tree Grafting

Content or Curriculum: UKAg Publications

Inputs:  ANR Agent; Extension Staff, teacher/school volunteers

Date: Spring 2019

Audience: Youth (Grades 3 & 4)

Project or Activity: 4-H Chick Incubation Project

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Poultry Curriculum and related materials

Inputs: 4-H Agent; ANR Agent; 4-H Program Assistant; Extension Staff and Teacher/School Volunteers

Date: Spring 2019

Audience: Youth (Grades 3-12)  Also Adults

Project or Activity:  4-H Horse Club

Content or Curriculum:  4-H Approved Livestock/Horse Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent; Certified Livestock Volunteers, Parents; Community and Extension Volunteers, Extension Specialists and Specialists in the Field

Date:  July 2018-June 2019

Audience:  Youth, Families and Community

Project or Activity:  4-H Country Ham Project

Content or Curriculum:  4-H approved Livestock/Swine Curriculum

Inputs:  4-H Agent; ANR Agent; Certified Livestock Volunteer, Extension Specialists

Date:  January 2019

Success Stories