The problem

As adults we see the world as large and complicated.  We've had experiences, traveled, lived.  Our youth often only see the world around them. While the world of electronic screens is not seen as real. Classes in school, in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, are just that "Classes" to many youth. The practical use of, and the opportunities incumbent in these areas of study are not yet real to many 4-Hers. How to teach youth the very practical uses of STEAM/STEM/SET knowledge?

The educational program response

4-H Aerospace Camp utilizing the 4-H Aerospace Curriculum is one response. We create interesting, fun applications using the 4-H Aerospace Curriculum. We included, Principles of flight: Lift, Drag, Thrust, Weight as well as weather, physics, rocketry, glider building etc. The Bernoulli Principle, Newton's First and Third Laws. All with an emphasis on how to apply these principles.

Additionally we had a class with mini EV tractors, and a Tractor Pull Competition. These youth learned, what a "moment" in physics is, energy budgeting, gearing, and traction principles. An additional topic was careers. introducing youth to potential careers is a major goal.  Finally we let the youth apply these principles. We had each youth take a "Discovery" flight with a Certified Flight Instructor. The youth get to actually fly the plane, with a little back up.

The participants/target audience

This program was aimed at Middle and High Schoolers.

Other partners (if applicable)

We worked with Madisonville Regional Air port for facilities, Torey Earle our 4-H SET specialist, Tim Stombaugh from Ag. Engineering, Wilson's Flying service, 9 Certified Flight Instructors, 4 adult volunteers, and and the  owners of 6 Cessna 150's, and 2 Cessna 172's who were kind enough to loan us aircraft.

Program impact or participant response.

We have conducted this camp 13 times over the last 16 years (we missed the COVID years).  The impact has been phenomenal Every youth has rated the overall program as excellent. As well as the individual Classes, principles of flight, gliders, rockets, EV vehicles.  But more importantly the youth that have participated report that it as a reason to stay in 4-H. A highlight experience. Additionally several youth have not only gone on with improved knowledge of practical application of science. Several have attended EKU, MTSU, Embry Riddle or other Aviation/Aerospace university level programs and started careers in the industry. Some current 4-H Teens have gotten their Drone license. Several of the instructors and committee members are 4-H Alumni. some of them discovered aerospace as an opportunity at this camp in the past. One past participant, who flies for Frontier Airlines, was getting married on this date and couldn't come, but he sent two scholarships for new kids to gain the experience.

This program shows not just short term excellent ratings, but long term impact on lives of youth that apply science in a variety of ways, as well as those specifically in the aviation/aerospace industry.