Engaging in discovery, exploration , and understanding in science, engineering and technologyPlan of Work

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Oldham County CES

Title:
Engaging in discovery, exploration , and understanding in science, engineering and technology
MAP:
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Agents Involved:
Kelly Woods, Traci Missun
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Science, Engineering, and Technology
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Master Gardener
Situation:

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). Data gathered in the 2019 Oldham County Assessment shows concerns from county residents regarding youth and adults being career ready, having qualified employees for existing or future jobs and the need for citizens who will tackle community needs. In Extension programs, youth will learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, engineering and technology issues in Kentucky and globally. SET programs will prepare youth for future careers.


Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth will utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life.

Master Gardener volunteers will educate others about using research-based science to make decisions about agriculture and food production.  

 



Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in science, engineering and technology with others.

Master Gardeners will demonstrate understanding of the scientific method for testing theories and arriving at conclusions.


Initial Outcomes:

Youth will increase interest and engagement in 4-H science, engineering and technology. Youth learn new skills in 4-H science, engineering and technology programs.

Master Gardeners will increase understanding of scientific methods used in agriculture research.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth will increase interest and engagement in 4-H science, engineering and technology. Youth learn new skills in 4-H science, engineering and technology programs.  Master Gardeners will increase understanding of scientific methods used in agriculture research.

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they are interested in learning more about science, engineering, or technology projects? (KOSA)  Number of Master Gardeners reporting new knowledge gained


Method:  Participant Survey;
Timeline: After Session Completion

 Intermediate Outcome: Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in science, engineering and technology with others.  Master Gardeners will demonstrate understanding of the scientific method for testing theories and arriving at conclusions.

Indicator: Number of youth who participated in project, activity, or event for science, engineering, and technology projects? (PRACTICE); Number of Master Gardeners who successfully complete test following program

Method:  4-H Online Enrollment; Testing
Timeline: May 2021

Long-term Outcome: Youth will utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life. Master Gardener volunteers will educate others about using research-based science to make decisions about agriculture and food production.

 Indicator: Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #6 “Is 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself?” Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #13 “Is 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader?” 

Number of Master Gardeners who help teach related programs to the public.

Method: 4-H Common Experience Survey; Volunteer Hours Reports

 Timeline: May 2021

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4th Grade 4-H members

Project or Activity: Eco Bots (Lesson may be revised due to COVID restrictions)

Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Science Curriculum,

Inputs: 4-H Staff, OC Schools, District Board funding

Date:  2020-2021 School Year


Audience: 5th Grade 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Engineering Design, Knex Cars (Lesson may be revised due to COVID restrictions)

Content or Curriculum: Junk Drawer Robotics

Inputs: 4-H Staff, OC Schools, District Board funding

Date: 2020-2021 School Year


Audience: 4th Grade 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Motion Commotion (Lesson may be revised due to COVID restrictions)

Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Science Experiment

Inputs: 4-H Staff, OC Schools, District Board funding

Date: 2020-2021 School Year



Audience: 4th Grade 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Electrical Circuits (Lesson may be revised due to COVID restrictions)

Content or Curriculum: Investigating Electricity

Inputs: 4-H Staff, OC Schools, District Board funding, Electrical Kits

Date: 2020-2021 School Year


Audience: 5th Grade 4-H Members

Project or Activity:  DNA Extraction (Lesson may be revised due to COVID restrictions)

Content or Curriculum:  Science Sleuths

Inputs: 4-H Staff, OC Schools, District Board Funding

Date:   2020-2021 School Year


Audience: Master Gardeners

Project or Activity: Research Methodology program

Content or Curriculum: Develop curriculum with UK Specialists

Inputs: Agriculture Agent, UK Specialist

Date: Spring 2021


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