Extension
It Starts With Us
2021 Natural Resources Education and Technology Enhances Family Economics
2021 Environment, Science & Technology
Dan Allen, Joan Bowling, Kathy Byrnes, Linda Brown-Price, Mary Averbeck, Denise Donahue, Diane Kelley, Hort agent
Agriculture
Science, Engineering, and Technology
According to KEEC’s 2015-2020 Environmental Education Master Plan (2015), “…the average Kentuckian is able to answer correctly slightly more than half of the environmental knowledge questions included on the survey. This result leaves ample room for improvement” (p 27). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. The KEEC (2018) defines environmental literacy as “…the ability to recognize the components of healthy natural and man-made systems and the actions necessary to maintain, restore, or improve them” (p. 4) and states that environmental education is a pathway to environmental literacy (KEEC, 2018).
Kenton County is bordered by two major rivers the Licking and the Ohio. The watersheds, portions of the county that are part of the Eastern hardwood forest, and areas pertaining to Natural Resources were identified in the 2019 Kentucky CES Community Needs Assessment. Focus groups for the needs assessment as well as additional stakeholders including the Expansion & Review committee, County Extension Council, County 4-H Council, and the Land Use Committee for the Kenton Lands property regularly identify natural resource education as an area of high importance as reflected in the Community Needs Assessment. Natural Resources have an important role in Kenton County’s social, economic, and environmental progress.
Although not the largest industry in the Commonwealth, STEM careers do have a large economic impact. Through November 2019, Kentucky exported $13.25 billion of aerospace products and parts, a 16.7% year over year increase (Lopez, 2020). Kentucky has seen a 63% employee increase in the private aerospace products and parts manufacturing industry since 2002 (Lopez, 2020). 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. STEM knowledge has benefits; 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.
The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is the 8th largest cargo transport airport in the North America and the 34th largest in the world. There are over 15,000 people currently employed in aviation and aerospace. As reported by Northern Kentucky Tri-ED. More jobs paying good wage with benefits was ranked fourth overall by the random sample of residents who completed the community needs assessment. The interest of residents, the opportunity to increase STEM knowledge among youth and adults involved in programming, and the opportunity for economic enhancement for families.
- Youth will increase STEM literacy in the general population
- Youth will innovate in addressing social problems and situations using STEM
- Youth will increase the number and diversity of individuals pursuing educational opportunities and careers in STEM related fields
- Youth will increase and diversify the pool of trained STEM educators and employees.
- Youth will use scientific techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that will positively sustain the natural resources in the home, community and world.
- Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
- Youth will become aware of the need to manage and preserve the natural resources in Kenton County and will become better stewards of natural resources on their property.
- Increased awareness of social concerns that could be addressed by practicing stewardship of natural resources
- Youth will apply STEM learning skills in contexts outside the 4-H Program e.g., school classes, science fairs, invention contests etc.)
- Youth will and use new methods or improved technology.
- Youth will demonstrate the use of developed life-skills everyday situations.
- Youth will express interest and/or demonstrate aspirations toward STEM Careers.
- Youth will raise questions and identify problem to be addressed using STEM.
- Youth will be environmentally literate.
- Youth will make decisions in their daily lives that positively impact natural resources.
- Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment in their home and community.
- Youth will use problem solving and logical reasoning skill and apply them to environmental issues.
- Youth and volunteers will implement best management practices and participate in classes and programs offered by extension service.
- Youth will understand factors involved in plant growth and seed development.
- Youth will identify parts of soil.
- Youth will understand how water affects the surface of the earth.
- Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration.
- Youth will be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship
- Youth will be engaged in STEM related activities.
- Youth will have an improved attitude toward STEM related subjects.
- Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communications, and leadership.
- Youth will increase their awareness of opportunities to contribute their STEM skills to society
- Youth will develop an interest in environmental sciences and sustainable practices and technologies
- Youth will gain knowledge of the interrelationship and interdependencies within an ecosystem.
- Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
- Youth will become aware of living versus non-living things.
Outcome: Youth plan and implement a Science, Engineering and Technology project (e.g., Aerospace, Electricity, Robotic etc.).
Indicator: Youth complete a Science, Engineering and Technology project.
Method:
- 4-H Common Experience Survey
Program Indicators:
- Number of youth who indicated they are interested in learning more about science, engineering, or technology projects? (KOSA)
- Number of youth who participated in project, activity, or event for science, engineering, and technology projects? (PRACTICE)
- 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?” (SEEC)
- 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?” (SEEC)
Outcome: Youth plan and implement a natural resource project (e.g., entomology project, forestry project, etc.).
Indicator: Youth complete a natural resource project.
Method:
- 4-H Common Measures Experience Survey
Program Indicators:
- Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H natural resource programming (PRACTICE)
- Number of youth who used the skills and knowledge learned in 4-H to conserve natural resources (PRACTICE)
- Number of youth who have gained an understanding of ecosystems in Kentucky (KOSA)
- 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?” (SEEC)
- 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?” (SEEC)
Activity: Natural Resources Science School Clubs
Content or Curriculum: Natural Resources Science Curriculum
Inputs: Computer and video equipment, University of Kentucky 4-H Livestock curriculum and agriculture publications, University of Kentucky specialists, other 4-H and agriculture agents and their materials, Kentucky Department of Agriculture materials, other universities’ materials and publications, outside agricultural entities and materials, local 4-H and agricultural leaders, local agricultural production sites, Volunteers, Program fees, and Program funds
Date: September 2020 - May 2021
Activity: Envirothon Team
Content or curriculum: Projects WET, WILD, Learning Tree; Natural Resources
Inputs: Computer and video equipment, University of Kentucky 4-H Livestock curriculum and agriculture publications, University of Kentucky specialists, other 4-H and agriculture agents and their materials, Kentucky Department of Agriculture materials, other universities’ materials and publications, outside agricultural entities and materials, local 4-H and agricultural leaders, local agricultural production sites, Volunteers, Program fees, and Program funds
Date: September 2020 - May 2021
Audience: Kenton County Youth Activity: School audience programs
Content or Curriculum: Project W.I.L.D., Project W.I.L.D. Aquatic, Project Learning Tree
Inputs: 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum, Kentucky Natural Resources Curriculum
Date: September 2020 thru May 2021
Audience: Kenton County Youth Activity: Natural Resource Educational programs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Entomology, Project W.I.L.D., Project W.I.L.D. Aquatic, Project Learning Tree, 4-H Natural Resources
Inputs: 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum, Kentucky Natural Resources Curriculum, UK entomology specialist
Date: May – August 2021
Audience: Kenton County Youth Activity:
Container Creations Content or Curriculum: 4-H Garden materials
Inputs: 4-H Natural Resources, Project Food, Land & People Resources
Date: Spring 2021
Audience: Kenton County Youth Activity: 4-H Birds, Bees and Bugs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Entomology
Inputs: 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum, Kentucky Natural Resources Curriculum, UK entomology specialist, Entomology Curriculum Guide for 4-H in the Classroom, Teaming with Insects, Level 1; 4-H Entomology Resources: State Fair; Project Butterfly WINGS Youth Guide: (Grades 4-8)
Date: Early Summer 2021
Audience: Kenton County Youth Activity: 4-H School Programs including after school
Content or Curriculum: Acres of Adventures, The Power of the Wind Youth Guide
Inputs: NYSD materials, 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum, Kentucky Natural Resources Curriculum
Date: September 2020 – May 2021
Audience: Kenton County Residents
Project or Activity: Master Naturalist Program
Content or Curriculum: Master Naturalist curriculum
Inputs: Agents, UK specialists, agencies like Conservation District, State of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife
Date: Jan 2021, Jan 2023
Audience: Kenton County Farm Operators
Project or Activity: Soil Types and How to Conserve
Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum, Agent designed
Inputs: UK and other Land Grant research
Date: Fall 2020, fall 2021, fall 2022, fall 2023
Audience: Kenton County Woodlot owners
Project or Activity: Controlling Forest Invasive Species
Content or Curriculum: UK curriculum, Agent designed
Inputs: UK Research for Local Forest System
Date: Spring 2022, Spring 2024
Audience: Kenton County Urban Residents
Project or Activity: Taking Care of the Trees in My Neighborhood
Content or Curriculum: UK Forestry
Inputs: UK Specialists, NKY Urban Forestry Council
Date: Fall 2020, fall 2021, fall 2022, fall 2023, fall 2024
Audience: Kenton County Residents
Project or Activity: Establishing Wildflowers
Content or Curriculum: UK Forestry
Inputs: UK Specialists, Local agents
Date: Spring 2022, Spring 2024
Audience: Kenton County Youth
Project or Activity: Understanding Forest System and Weather
Content or Curriculum: UK Forestry and Project WILD
Inputs: Agents
Date: Summer 2021 Day Camp, Kenton Lands location
Audience: Kenton County Ag Community
Project or Activity: Livestock Pond Management
Content or Curriculum: UK and KSU Materials
Inputs: AG Agent
Date: Spring 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Audience: 4-H Youth
Activity: Exploring Science School Clubs
Content or curriculum: Exploring Science Curriculum
Inputs: Agent and Assistants Erlanger-Elsmere Schools
Date: September 2020 - May 2021
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment facilitated by the Kenton County Cooperative Extension staff in 2018 identified multiple issues related to youth and the environment around them. Referencing discussions held with local 4-H volunteer leaders and members of the SCS Board, and local school system personnel, pollinator lessons were shared during synchronous learning in August and September 2020. The pollinator kits created and shared with local schools fall 2020 were based on
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Natural Resources
Kenton County Cooperative Extension surveyed teachers in 3 Kenton County school districts at the end of the 2019-2020 school year requesting input for 4-H natural resource school program lessons. As a result of the surveys and discussion with local teachers even in an abbreviated in person school program year, multiple hands-on science lessons were provided to local Kenton County youth. New lessons were written, and procedures created. Lessons written in prior years were adapte
