Science, Engineering, and TechnologyPlan of Work

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Hickman County CES

Title:
Science, Engineering, and Technology
MAP:
Engaging Youth and Adults in Science
Agents Involved:
John David Tucker, Mike Keller, Melissa Goodman
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Science, Engineering, and Technology
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Grains
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
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).  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.  According to the Hickman County Needs assessment and out of the 129 people that responded to our survey with 4 being important and 1 not important, "more youth life skills" was rated at 3.63.  This tells us that STEM, because it can teach life skills, has been identified as a for Hickman County youth.

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.
  • Adults will continue to utilize the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service for all topics regarding STEM.


Intermediate Outcomes:


Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Long-term Outcome: Increase in science, engineering, and technology among youth.

Indicator: Number of youth who indicate they are interested in learning more about science, engineering, and technology projects.

Method: Observation; Data analysis

Timeline: Ongoing


Intermediate Outcome: Science, engineering, and technology practices are adopted as part of everyday living.

Indicator: Increase in the number of individuals adopting new practices and changing behaviors.

Method: Observation; Written and verbal evaluations; Individual reports

Timeline: 2024-2025 School Year


Initial Outcome: Knowledge gain and new opinions and aspirations in regards to science, engineering, and technology fields.

Indicator:  Number of youth who participated in project, activity, or event for science, engineering, and technology projects.

Method: Observation; Written and verbal evaluations

Timeline: 2024-2025 School Year


Intermediate Outcome: Row crop and livestock producers gain knowledge of Ag technologies.

Indicator: Producers implement new technology on their farms.

Method: Program Evaluation

Timeline: 2025 Crop Year

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Building Simple Circuits, Snap Circuits

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Energy and Electricity

Inputs: Extension Staff, School Teachers, youth, volunteers

Date: 2024-2025 Program Year


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Robotics

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Junk Drawer Robotics

Inputs: Extension Staff, School Teachers, youth, volunteers

Date: 2024-2025 Year


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Snap Circuits

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Set

Inputs: Extension Staff, School Teacher, youth, volunteers

Date: 2024-2025 Year


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Robotics

Content or Curriculum: 4-H SET

Inputs: robotics set, volunteer training

Date: July 2024 and during 2024-2025 school year


Audience: Hickman County Grain Crop and Livestock Producers

Project or Activity: Precision Ag Demonstration

Content or Curriculum: Supplied by Ag Agent

Inputs: Ag Agent, Local Precision Ag Dealers, Local Banks, UK Specialist

Date: 2025 Crop Year


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