Extension
It Starts With Us
STEM and Communications & Expressive Arts for Youth
Workforce Preparation
LDM
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Communications
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).
- The Kentucky Annual Mean Wage is $42,410 (BLS, 2019)
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations make up 1.6% of Kentucky Jobs with an annual mean wage of $68.790 (BLS, 2019).
- Architecture and Engineering Occupations make up 1.4% of Kentucky Jobs with an annual mean wage of $72,460 (BLS, 2019).
- Healthcare Occupations make up 6.6% of Kentucky Jobs with an annual mean wage of $70,740 (BLS, 2019).
- Skilled Trade Occupations make up 8.2% of Kentucky Jobs with an annual mean wage of $45,695 (BLS, 2019).
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). Keeping these opportunities in mind, the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase STEM literacy among youth in Kentucky to help fill the need for a diverse pool of STEM literate individuals to meet expanding job opportunities. Kentucky 4-H provides SET education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation Science, Technology, Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of aerospace, biotechnology, computer science, energy and electricity, robotics, physical sciences and petroleum power.
References:
Lopez, A. T. (n.d.). Think Kentucky for Aerospace and Defense. Retrieved February 26, 2020, from https://thinkkentucky.com/Aerospace/
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kentucky - May 2018 OES State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. (2019, April 2). Retrieved February 26, 2020, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ky.htm
Noonan, R. (2019, August 9). STEM Jobs: 2017 Update. Retrieved from https://www.commerce.gov/news/reports/2017/03/stem-jobs-2017-update
Fayer, S., Lacey, A., & Watson, A. (2017, January 1). STEM Occupations: Past, Present, And Future. Retrieved February 26, 2020, from https://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2017/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-occupations-past-present-and-future/pdf/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-occupations-past-present-and-future.pdf
Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. Using age appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communication & Expressive Arts Curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading and personal communication capacities. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006) Research also shows a positive association between arts participation and a number of desirable academic and social outcomes, such as school grades, test scores, enrollment in post-secondary education, attainment of a bachelor’s degree, and higher levels of literacy and civic engagement. (Child Trends, 2012) Kentucky 4-H provides communication and expressive arts by engaging youth in hands-on educational experiences that inspire confidence and foster a love for the arts. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of public speaking, visual arts, and performing arts.
* Youth will utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life.
* Youth will choose a career path in science, engineering or technology subject matter.
* Youth will utilize the scientific method in decision-making.
- Youth will utilize the skills gained to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations;
- Youth share the elements of the music, dance, drama and visual arts with their community
- Youth will be advocates for the arts
- 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 construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing
- Youth will demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups
- Youth apply elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts in creating and performing
- 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 utilize the skills gained to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations;
- Youth research a presentation topic prior to developing a speech or demonstration.
Youth write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their speech or demonstration.
Youth create a formal presentation, speech or outline using the written outline.
Youth be prepared to present before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting) and a school or county qualifying event.
Youth can identify key elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts.
STEM Outcomes to be Evaluated
- Youth plan and implement a Science, Engineering and Technology project (e.g., Aerospace, Electricity, Robotic etc.).
- Indicator of Success for Outcome
- Youth complete a Science, Engineering and Technology project.
- Method of Evaluation
- 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)
Communications & Expressive Arts Outcomes
Initial Outcome: Youth research a presentation topic prior to developing a speech or demonstration.
Indicator: Topic of 4-Her's speech and/or demonstration during County 4-H Communications Contest.
Method: Observation
Timeline: Spring 2023
Intermediate Outcome: Youth construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing.
Indicator: Score at County, Area, and/or State 4-H Communications Contests
Method: Judges Score Sheets from County, Area and/or State 4-H Communications Contests
Timeline: Spring/Summer 2023
Long-term Outcome: Youth utilize the skills gained through education and involvement in Extension programs to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations.
Indicator: County 4-H Communications Contest participants demonstrate/teach fellow 4-Hers how to conduct a speech and/or demonstration.
Method: Observation
Timeline: Fall 2021/Winter 2023
Audience: Marshall County, Community 4-H Clubs & CFS/NCCA Club Members/Students
Project or Activity: School Enrichment Programs, 4-H Club Lessons and/or Day Camp Activities
Content or Curriculum: 4-H "Exploring Our Environment" or "Acres of Agriculture"
Inputs: Marshall County 4-H Youth Development Agent, Extension Assistant, Marshall County 4-H Teen volunteers
Date: 2023-24
Audience: Marshall County, Community 4-H Clubs & CFS/NCCA Club Members/Students
Project or Activity: National 4-H STEM Challenge
Content or Curriculum: 4-H STEM Challenge Lesson
Inputs: Marshall County 4-HYD Agent & Extension Assistant, 4-H Teen Volunteers
Date: Fall 2023
Audience: Marshall County, Community 4-H Clubs & CFS/NCCA Club Members/Students
Project or Activity: 4-H Club Lessons & School Enrichment Programs -- Communications / Speech & Demonstration Contest
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Communications Contest Information & Curriculum
Inputs: Marshall County Extension for 4-H Youth Development Agent, Extension Assistant, Marshall County 4-H Teen & Adult Volunteers, community representatives, and elementary school teachers.
Date: January/February 2024
Audience: Marshall County Youth
Project or Activity: Day Camps & School Enrichment Programs -- Expressive Arts including but not limited to topics such as ceramics, basket making, photography, needlework, leather work, etc.
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Expressive Arts Curriculum & State Fair Guidelines / KET Arts Tool Kits / Kentucky 4-H Sewing & Needlework Curriculum
Inputs: Marshall County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development Agent / Extension Assistant, Marshall County 4-H Teen & Adult Volunteers, Marshall County Arts Commission, Master Clothing Volunteers, members of Marshall County Photography Club, and other local artists.
Date: 2023-24
Audience: Marshall County Youth
Project or Activity: Annual 4-H Holiday Workshop
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Expressive Arts & Home Environment Curriculums
Inputs: Marshall County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development Agent, Extension Assistant, Marshall County 4-H Teen & Adult Volunteers, and community representatives.
Date: November/December 2023
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The 4-H Thriving Model is the science-grounded in practice that describes the “magic” of 4-H. This model takes the science to explain the growth/thriving process of youth because of their 4-H involvement. Moving from the Developmental Context (4-H Programs) to Youth Thriving (Social, Emotional and Cognitive Learning) to Development Outcomes (Positive Youth Development) to Long-Term Outcomes. As outlined in a 9/6/23 publication by The developmental context
