Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) exploration are an important part of the 4-H youth development program

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • March 10, 2013
  • 332
                        
Summary: The push to move today’s students into STEM studies (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is nothing new for 4-H. The youth development program has been emphasizing these areas in its projects for years. In 2007, the America COMPETES Act became law. The Act recognized the fact that fact that the United States of America was quickly falling behind and losing its competitive edge in not only science and technology, but also in educating students of all ages in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, referred to by the acronym STEM. As a result, increased funding began to flow to national institutions like the National Science Foundation, and a nationwide effort began to encourage students to pursue these fields. There is even bonus grant money for college students studying STEM areas. The 4-H program was already way ahead of the game, however. “So many of our 4-H project areas have a direct correlation to the STEM areas,” emphasized Barb Airgood, an Ohio State University Extension program coordinator for Tuscarawas County. “A quick overview of our Family Guide that describes projects makes that very clear.” Indeed, there is a section in the Guide entitled ‘STEM projects’. These include several levels of Rockets Away projects and Science Fun with Flight in the aerospace science category. Five different projects are listed under electronics. Food science is there, too: there is a Nutrition project and Science Fun with Dairy Foods explores the science behind food production. Robotics is another huge interest area, and a third, master level project has just been added for 2013. Students in Robotics 1 and 2: NeXT Technology use Legos&Copy; to create a Lego NXT&Copy; robot that utilizes computer software. This is not just a project designed to build an entertaining toy; rather, members access online video instruction from the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy. Additional resources are available through Ohio State University Extension, and the Robotics projects are also applicable for small groups to explore together. By the third level, students are no longer using Legos&Copy; but have advanced to independent work with different platforms. There is even an Ohio State Extension specialist in robotics to assist with the project as members learn firsthand about Newton’s Laws of Motion. Small Engines, ATVs, Bicycles, and Tractors and Machinery projects incorporate a strong STEM component. So do Welding and Woodworking. There are projects exploring Veterinary Science, and those who take animal projects all find an extensive science piece in areas of Animal Science. Genetics, animal diseases and medical treatments are topics that any upper level 4-H member in the animal projects can usually easily discuss in-depth. “There are also unlimited exploration opportunities for 4-H members who choose to take a self-determined project,” noted the program coordinator. “They can choose a project in absolutely anything they can dream up, as long as they develop guidelines and objectives for their project that are approved by the 4-H office.” Examples of potential STEM self-determined projects that members have undertaken include Astronomy; Weather; Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils; Computers; Discovering Genetics; Climate Change; and Viruses, Bacteria, and Fungi. Those are just a few of the ideas that the Family Guide presents to get the wheels turning. “We also have the school based Science Alive curriculum being used in the schools,” said Airgood. “This school-enrichment curriculum challenges youth to develop STEM skills as they complete hands-on activities suitable for youth in grades 3 to 6 in projects like Chick Quest, Bread of the Harvest, Rockets Away, Weather Together, Fishy Science, and Go! Plants.” “If you look at all our projects that 4-H member take through their clubs you will find STEM skills in all of them with some more than others. 4-H is continuing their efforts to create programs to assist with developing future generations of critical thinkers and innovators.” To learn more, go to http://www.ohio4h.org/


Loading next article...

End of content

No more pages to load