Success Story4-H STEM club



4-H STEM club

Author: Diane Kelley

Planning Unit: Kenton County CES

Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology

Plan of Work: 2023 21st Century Life Skills/Developing Human Capital

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Kenton County Cooperative Extension 4-H utilized the results of yearly expansion and review surveys as well as the community assessment survey and established a 4-H STEM club. 

Club membership has varied from 13 to 8 but a consistent group participates.  Members are representative of the Kenton County population and the participants range in age from 9-14 years.  The previous teen leader for the club is currently studying pre-medicine and received multiple college scholarships as well completing her Gold Achievement Form.  Her leadership opportunities were directly reflected on multiple scholarship forms as well as her willingness to speak publicly and assist with programs.  Her grandparents credit her 4-H experiences with her current success acquiring funds for college. 

Club members' parents stated they value the program as accessory science education for youth interested in science and as well the opportunity to use the manipulatives, they do not have access to at home or at school.  The club served as a successful recruitment tool for 4-H summer campers, male & female adult camp volunteers, a shooting sports coach, a club leader, and two 4-H Council members. 

Lessons have included 4-H STEM club programs including eco-bots, owl pellets, and straw rockets.  Lessons have also included design and build programs such as gumdrop bridges, photovoltaic solar cells and houses which included light variance, and vegetable bucket gardens for fair entry. 

 The connections between 4-H programs and the many opportunities that exist for 4-H members are discussed with youth and adults at monthly meetings. 

Youth members provide written statements on the worksheets developed by the 4-H agent to demonstrate cognitive outcomes.  The cognitive outcomes expressed in written comments reflect the intent of NGSS and success of the STEM lessons in achieving the goals of the 4-H program.     







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