Extension
It Starts With Us
Science, Engineering and Technology becoming meaningful in the lives of Youth
Engaging Youth in Science
Dawna Jace Peters, Vicki Boggs
Agriculture
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Volunteer Development
Nutrition and Food Systems General
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 in sixth-least educated state and ranks 47th overall in percentage of residents who have a bachelor degree. When it comes to scientists they also rank 47th and engineers rank at 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. Introducing youth to the explorations of science and technology at an early age will help build a basis for future scientific understanding and help build skills that will contribute to their learning and development. Also, youth who take an early interest in science and technology tend to develop careers in the Science related field.
-An increased knowledge and interest in science, engineering, and technology among youth.
-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.
-Design and carry out experiments in order to test scientific inquiry and drawing evidenced based conclusions that are data driven guiding informed decisions.
-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 can identify the life cycle of various animals, including horses and chickens.
Youth can demonstrate using the scientific method and increasing their knowledge of biotechnology, circuitry, rocketry, gardening and other SET fields.
-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 2021 and 2022
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 2021 and 2022
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; Extension Specialists; Extension Volunteers
Date: July 2021- 2022
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; Extension Specialists; Teacher/ School Volunteers
Date: September 2021-May 2022
Audience: Youth, families and Community all ages, targeting (Grades 4-8)
Project or Activity: 4-H/Ag. Gardening
Content or Curriculum: Approved Gardening Curriculums, 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum; Ag Resources; Junior Master Gardeners Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent; FCS Agent; Extension Staff; School and Extension Volunteers
Date: May-August 2021 and 2022
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; FCS Agent; Extension Staff and Teacher/School Volunteers
Date: Spring 2022
Author: Dawna Peters
Major Program: Agriculture
Chick Incubation is a 21-day process and requires fertilized chicken eggs, an egg incubator to help control temperature, humidity and egg turning. The incubator replicates the mother hen’s environment with a warm moist environment for the rest of the gestation period for the chick. Chick Incubation is a excellent way to teach youth about nature, responsibility, science, caring from animals and life cyclesDue to COVID-19 we were unable to do a classroom setting Chick Incubation for the 2020
