Extension
It Starts With Us
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Engaging Youth and Adults in Science
John David Tucker, Mike Keller, Melissa Goodman
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Grains
Forages
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
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.
- 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.
- 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 the problem to be addressed using STEM.
- Adults will gain a better understanding of STEM related topics.
- 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.
- Adults will have answers to questions pertaining to STEM.
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
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
