Extension
It Starts With Us
Science, Engineering and Technology becoming meaningful in the lives of Youth
Engaging Youth in Science
Vicki R. Boggs
Agriculture
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Volunteer Development
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 and explorations of science and technology at an early age.
-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.
-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.
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.
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 2020-June 2021
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 2020-June 2021
Audience: Youth (Grades 6-8)
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; 4-H program Assistant; Extension Specialists; Extension Volunteers
Date: July 2020-June 2021
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 2020-May 2021
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 2020 -June 2021
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; 4-H Program Assistant; Extension Staff and Teacher/School Volunteers
Date: Spring 2021
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 2020-June 2021
Author: Dawna Peters
Major Program: Agriculture
Success Story: 2021 Virtual Chick IncubationWritten By: Dawna Jace Peters, 4-H Youth Development Agent for Leslie County COVID-19 shut down our in-school programming which led to virtually programming. In 2021 we did our first ever Virtual Chick Incubation in Leslie County. All schools within Leslie County were made aware of the Virtual Chick Program via social media, newsletters, and email. A series of interactive lessons were taught via Nearpod. Nearpod is an online tool that uses slide-b
