Advancing the knowledge and appreciation of youth in Agriculture and Pure and Natural SciencesPlan of Work

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Russell County CES

Title:
Advancing the knowledge and appreciation of youth in Agriculture and Pure and Natural Sciences
MAP:
Advancing the knowledge and appreciation of youth in Agriculture and Pure and Natural Sciences (4-H)
Agents Involved:
Christy A. Martin, Sherri A. Coffey
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Health 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Science, Engineering and Technology 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:
People, animals, and plants depend on our Earth’s natural resources. The air, soil, and water are vital to our existence. Therefore it is important that we care for and respect these resources. Learning how to conserve resources can protect our environment for current and future generations.

If youth learn good agricultural practices, they can increase productivity on their family farm. Learning about agriculture can also impact their decision of a career in agriculture in the future.

Youth will learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices, and innovative technologies that positively address science, engineering, and technology (SET) issues. 4-H youth development programs can expand its impact and extend its reach in SET by providing opportunities for hands-on scientific learning and discovery.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Youth will utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life.
Youth will pursue a career in science, engineering, or technology subject-matter.
Youth will utilize the scientific method in decision-making.
Youth use responsible practices that will positively sustain natural resources to conserve and protect the environment in their home and community.
Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Youth will engage in entrepreneurial agriculture practices.
Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skills learned through 4-H agriculture and natural resource programming.
Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy, sustainable food systems
Intermediate Outcomes:
Youth will use and apply skills gained from 4-H science, engineering, and technology.
Youth will share new skills in science, engineering, and technology with others.
Youth will practice scientific methods learned in 4-H SET learning opportunities.
Youth will make decisions in their daily life that positively impact natural resources.
Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment in their home and/or community.
Youth will use problem-solving and logical reasoning skills and apply them to environmental issues.
Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture, and animal sciences.
Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability.
Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
Youth can influence the purchase of locally-grown products.
Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.
Youth pursue a career in agricultural or natural resources.
Initial Outcomes:
Youth will increase interest and engagement in science, engineering, and technology.
Youth will learn new skills in science, engineering, and technology.
Youth will be introduced to careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Youth will develop an interest in environmental sciences and sustainable practices/technologies.
Youth will gain knowledge of the interrelationship and interdependence an ecosystem.
Youth will identify the natural resources that are used in their home and community.
Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture, and animal sciences.
Youth will gain understanding of healthy, sustainable food systems.
Youth will learn agricultural life skills, including decision-making, communications, record-keeping, leadership, and service.
Youth explore career opportunities in agricultural or natural resources.
Evaluation:

Outcome:       Youth learn and/or implement energy conservation practices.

Indicator:        30% of youth conserve energy through recycling

Method:          post-program evaluation; opportunity to recycle through 4-H

Timeline:        at conclusion of program 


Outcome:       Youth learn electricity concept and construct circuits

Indicator:        1/3 of youth can complete a circuit with minimal help after instruction

Method:          observation during activity

Timeline:        spring 2017


Outcome:       Youth implement ATV safety measures.

Indicator:        50% of youth with ATVs wear helmets and safety attire

Method:          post-program survey

Timeline:        at conclusion of program


Outcome:       Youth learn and implement bicycle safety practices.

Indicator:        50% of youth practice bicycle and road safety

Method:          post-program evaluation

Timeline:        at conclusion of program

            

Outcome:       Youth acquire knowledge in selection and care of animals.

Indicator:        30% of youth can care for their animals with minimal adult help

Method:          observation; conversations with youth, families, and leaders

Timeline:        throughout program year


Outcome:       Youth learn about entrepreneurship and career opportunities in agriculture

Indicator:        Youth express an interest in agriculture careers.

Method:          conversations with youth, volunteers, and families

Timeline:        throughout program year


Outcome:       Youth appreciate wildlife conservation practices and principles of good sportsmanship.

Indicator:        25% of youth develop and appreciation for wildlife and best management practices

Method:          conversations with youth and families

Timeline:        throughout program


Outcome:       Youth learn and/or adopt recycling or other environmental stewardship or conservation practices.

Indicator:        25% of youth reduce wasteful practices

Method:          post-program survey

Timeline:        at conclusion of program


Outcome:       Youth learn basic plant science and/or grow some of their own food

Indicator:        1/3 of youth learn to grow and care for a plant

Method:          post-program evaluation; conversations with youth and volunteers

Timeline:        throughout program

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:Youth ages 9-18

Project or Activity:                 Energy conservation

Content or Curriculum:       NEED resources

Inputs:                                    curricula; county recycling center

Date:                                       Spring 2018


Project or Activity:                 Electricity education

Content or Curriculum:       NEED, 4-H electricity project books, circuit kits

Inputs:                                    Snap Circuits; youth; volunteers

Date:                                       Spring 2018


Project or Activity:                 ATV safety

Content or Curriculum:       4-H national resources

Inputs:                                    videos, fact sheets, leader and parent cooperation

Date:                                       winter 2018


Project or Activity:                 Bicycle safety

Content or Curriculum:       4-H project books

Inputs:                                    videos, fact sheets, leader and parent cooperation

Date:                                       winter 2018


Project or Activity:                 4-H Horse Education Program

Content or Curriculum:       4-H horse toolkit

Inputs:                                    volunteer leaders, curriculum, meeting locations

Date:                                       throughout year


Project or Activity:                 4-H Livestock Education Program

Content or Curriculum:       4-H livestock toolkit

Inputs:                                    volunteer leaders, curriculum, meeting locations

Date:                                       September - June


Project or Activity:                 Wildlife education

Content or Curriculum:       KY AWAKE

Inputs:                                    curriculum

Date:                                       October - May


Project or Activity:                 Ornithology education

Content or Curriculum:       KY AWAKE

Inputs:                                    curriculum

Date:                                       October - May


Project or Activity:                 Ecosystems

Content or Curriculum:       4-H core curricula

Inputs:                                    curriculum, volunteer leaders, videos

Date:                                       Fall 


Project or Activity:                 Gardening and Botany basics

Content or Curriculum:       Youth Master Gardener Program

Inputs:                                    curriculum, volunteer leaders

Date:                                       Spring


Project or Activity:                 Environmental stewardship and conservation practices

Content or Curriculum:       4-H core curricula

Inputs:                                    curricula and demonstration materials

Date:                                       Winter

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