Extension
It Starts With Us
Expand Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math (STEM) Education
Expand Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math (STEM) Education
Aubrey Clark, Scott Darst
4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H Communications and Expressive Arts Core Curriculum
The Madison County Cooperative Extension surveyed local teachers and found that classrooms were not assessed on science they tend not to offer it. Madison Co 4-H programs offer activities that align with NGSS producing youth who are more aware of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
According to 4-H Science Academy (2012), "Science and engineering are human enterprises. To be scientifically literate, youth need to jointly understand scientific and engineering concepts, to be able to engage in scientific and engineering practices, and see themselves as consumers of and contributors to the scientific community."
4-H youth will successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher learning, will utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life, and will choose a career path in science, engineering or technology.
Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community, practice the scientific method, set and achieve goals through a 4-H program, and use the skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology.
Youth learn and develop life skills though 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 skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community, practice the scientific method, set and achieve goals through a 4-H program, and use the skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology.
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
Outcome: Youth will learn new skills in science, engineering and technology. While learning these skills youth will utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life.
Indicators: Percentage of youth engaging in classroom SET activities
Method: Pretest and posttest of skills and knowledge
Timeline: Annually
Audience: Youth Ages 9-18
Project or Activity: SET School Enrichment Activities: Forestry, Electricity, Entomology, Rocketry, Eco-Bots, etc.
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum varies, National Youth Science Day materials, KT 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
Content or Curriculum: Junk Drawer robotics, Lego robotics
Inputs: robots, meeting space, 4-H Agent, volunteers
Date: annually
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Core Curriculum
According to The Tech Edvocate, “By the time all of our students graduate in a few years or so, over half of the available jobs will be in the STEM field and a large chunk of the rest will require employees to have some STEM knowledge. When students are introduced to robotics in their school years, they can discover any interests and talents that they may have in this job market. Without the knowledge or access to robotics education, there’s no way for students to build interest in t
