Kenton County CES

Title:

2023 Natural Resources Education and Technology Enhances Family Economics

MAP:

2023 Environment, Science & Technology

Agents Involved:

Dan Allen, Joan Bowling, Diane Kelley, Lori Clark, Denise Donahue, Brandon George, 3rd 4-H Agent

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Agriculture & Natural Resources

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Science, Engineering, and Technology

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• 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

Intermediate Outcomes:

• 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

Initial Outcomes:

• 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.

Evaluation:

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)

Learning Opportunities:

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 2023 - May 2024

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: January-April 2024

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 2023 thru May 2024

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; 4-H Butterfly Wings;
Inputs: 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum, Kentucky Natural Resources Curriculum, UK entomology specialist
 Date: May – August 2024

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 2024

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; Bee Ambassador Program Project Butterfly WINGS Youth Guide: (Grades 4-8)
 Date: Early Summer 2024

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: Solar program agent developed

Date: September 2023 - May 2024

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 2024

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 2023, Fall 2024

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 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 2023, Fall 2024

Audience: Kenton County Residents
Project or Activity: Establishing Wildflowers Meadows and Lawn Alternatives
Content or Curriculum: UK Forestry, Agent Designed
Inputs: UK Specialists, Local agents
 Date: Fall 2024

Audience: Kenton County Residents
Project or Activity: Increasing pollinator habitat and utilizing Kenton County native plant species
Content or Curriculum: UK Forestry, Agent designed
Inputs: Agents, UK Specialists
 Date: Spring 2025

 Audience: Kenton County Residents
 Project or Activity: Invasive Plant Management
 Content or Curriculum: UK Forestry, Agent designed
 Inputs:UK Specialists, Local Agents
 Date: Fall 2024 

Audience:Kenton County Ag Community
 Activity:Livestock Pond Management
 Content or curriculum:UK and KSU Materials
 Inputs: Ag Agent
 Date: Spring 2023, 2024

Audience: 4-H Youth

Activity: Exploring Science and STEM

Content or Curriculum: Exploring Science Curriculum

Inputs: Agent and Volunteer Leader

Date: September 2023 - May 2024

Audience: 4-H Youth

Project or Activity: Raptors Rock!

Content or Curriculum: Project Wild

Inputs: Agent, Local rescue organization

Date: June 2023

Success Stories