Science, Engineering & Technology
Science, Engineering and Technology
The United States is falling dangerously behind other nations in developing its future workforce of scientists, engineers, and technology experts. America now faces a future of intense global competition with a startling shortage of scientists. Only 18% of US high school seniors are proficient in science. A mere 5% of current US college graduates earn science, engineering and technology degrees compared to 66% in Japan and 59% in China. Couple these statistics with the fact that current scientists and engineers are retiring in record numbers, and it becomes clear that America faces a crisis in its ability to keep up with increasing demand for professionals trained in these fields.
For more than a century, 4-H has engaged our country’s youth in the building blocks of economic success. This has meant a solid focus on agriculture science, electricity, mechanics, entrepreneurship, and natural sciences. Today, 4-H out-of-school opportunities also exist in subjects like rocketry, robotics, bio-fuels, renewable energy, and computer science.
1 Million New Scientists; 1 Million New Ideas
The 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology program is part of the long-term solution for improving science literacy and aptitude of America’s youth. 4-H is addressing our nation’s critical challenge by preparing 1 million new young people to excel in science, engineering and technology by2013. As a public-private partnership, 4-H can focus a variety of resources and expertise to strengthen young peoples’ discovery and exploration of science. We believe fostering passion in science today will shape educational and career decisions tomorrow.
Science Engineering and Technology in New York State
New York State 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology programs reach more than 460,000 youth with hands-on learning experiences to encourage young minds and to fill the pipeline of young leaders proficient in science. These experiences are supported by more than 15,000 dedicated adult volunteers who are placing 4-H youth on a path towards successful careers.
4-H youth development is directly connected to the research and resources of Cornell University and other land-grant institutions of the Cooperative Extension System. This connection strategically positions 4-H to strengthen US global competitiveness and leadership.
“Toolkit” curriculum inspires kids to jump into Science, Engineering & Technology
The “Science Toolkit” curriculum offers fun, engaging one-hour activities that can be combined in a six-hour unit and spark a student’s interest in the fascinating world of science, engineering and technology.
Through these experiential learning programs, youth become more engaged in SET-related learning experiences, share their experiences with their families at home, show greater interest in these areas at school and, hopefully, enroll in longer-term Science, Engineering and Technology projects through 4-H. Science Toolkit topics include astronomy, entomology, animal science, GPS and GIS technology and nutritional science.
Activities include a diverse set of hands-on experiences, such as:
• Creating a race course for a “field day” event using GPS units
• Building paper gliders to illustrate the way wind currents work
• Dissecting a wasp’s nest to learn how these insects live in a colony
• Visiting local water bodies to measure types and levels of pollution
The curriculum is set up so that leaders can “grab and go” with no need for complicated preparation or knowledge of the topic.
Youth grow science skills with hydroponics lab. Youth in New York City are involved in an intensive curriculum that uses hydroponics technology (growing plants in a nutrient solution) to increase understanding of scientific and environmental concepts, as well as to increase youth’s skills related to critical thinking, team building, communication and scientific inquiry. The program also addresses the gap in learning between different gender groups and races. Youth construct hydroponic growing units and grow edible crops. The process of designing and building the growing unit, growing plants, monitoring plant growth factors, and harvesting and marketing plants, provides students with a hands-on experience in plant biology, sustainable agriculture, environmental and earth sciences, marketing and social implications of science and technology.
Science, Engineering & Technology in the classroom. Across New York State, teachers are incorporating Science, Engineering & Technology curriculum in their classrooms and in afterschool programs. Lessons in water quality, how clouds form, basic scientific measuring and different states of matter are available in age appropriate activities. Incubation and embryology is one of the most popular school collaboration curriculums. Youth have the opportunity to experience hands-on biology lessons at an early age (Grades 2-5), such as developing hypotheses, observational skills, and communication skills by observing chicks in the embryonic state. These laboratory exercises also emphasize teamwork, research in controversial ethical issues and problem-solving skills using reason, observation, and experimentation. 4-H staff provide teachers with safety training and help teachers feel comfortable and confident in bringing science to the classroom. Curriculum uses current terminology and explains physiological processes that are easy to understand and that engage both the student and the teacher.
Many Cornell University departments are actively engaged in youth outreach projects focused on science, engineering and technology. Projects such as ladybug citizen science, climate change backyard measurements, “smart” textile design and invasive plant control are a few of the choices. As youth get older, they can participate in the annual Career Explorations conference at Cornell, where more than 500 youth meet face-to-face with Cornell researchers and interact with them during hands-on experiences.
