Michigan State University Extension

4-H Youth Development

 

 

4-H Science Engineering & Technology

4-H Science and Technology Programs

Science can be defined as the study of the world around us; a thread that runs through all aspects of our lives. Science is the theory that lies behind all 4-H projects. Technology can be defined as the tools and applications of science that help individuals advance their world and their own development. 

The strength of 4-H lies in its strong volunteer base; its emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning opportunities; programs that connect learning to real-life situations; and its connection to the Land-Grant University system.

The Michigan 4-H science and technology program area cuts across all program and project areas.  It is also specific projects in 4-H such as aerospace, computers, small engines, electricity, electronics, astronomy and robotics.

4-H Family Science Weekend

The 4-H Family Science Weekend is designed to give families a chance to explore the wonderful world of science in a fun, hands-on way. Children have a tremendous sense of curiosity. As adults, we sometimes forget what an exciting world is all around us. This weekend experience will help parents, grandparents and other adults rediscover the wonders of our world through a child's eyes and also give them ideas for continuing this approach to discovery learning back home.

SET (Science Engineering and Technology)

Science is a Blast!

Come to the 4-H Science Blast on October 31, 2009 at Michigan State University! The “Science is a Blast” flyer (PDF) gives you all the details and can be used to spread the word in your community. Please join us for this fun morning of science, engineering and technology exploration.

4-H National Youth Science Day

Biofuel Blast National Science ExperimentOn October 7, 2009, 4-H National Youth Science Day will give young people nationwide the opportunity to join leading scientists in experimenting with biofuels to discover which ones will lead us to a sustainable future. Be part of this opportunity to explore, learn - and have a blast - with the Biofuel Blast National Science Experiment. For more information, visit the 4-H National Youth Science Day home page at https://www.4-h.org/nysd/ .

Bring attention to 4-H and the many activities members and volunteers are involved in with your county by hosting a 4-H open house as part of National 4-H Week. Showcase Science, Engineering and Technology by incorporating the Biofuel Blast National Science Experiment or other SET activities into the open house. The following resources may be used with open house planning and general 4-H promotion:

Learning Resources

Learn about the National 4-H Council's 4-H SET resources for Science, Engineering and Technology education.

SET

Grant Opportunities

Find out how 4-H clubs can apply for software grants through the 2008 ESRI GIS Grant Program for 4-H (U.S.) and how clubs are using grants.

National 4-H GIS/GPS Leadership Team

4-H teen-adult teams are invited to help develop and grow the 4-H geospatial and community mapping programs across the country by serving on the national leadership team. A highlight for the team is participation in the ESRI International GIS Conference in San Diego, which is attended by 14,000 GIS educators and professionals from more than 100 countries.

Veterinary Science

In a 4-H veterinary science project, young people can explore the broad scope of veterinary medicine and animal health. They also can learn how animal management and feeding affect animal health.

Learning Materials

National 4-H Publications

Aerospace Adventures
4H1569 Aerospace Adventures 2: Lift-Off  (36 pages)
4H1570 Aerospace Adventures 3: Reaching New Heights (36 pages)
4H1571 Aerospace Adventures 4: Pilot in Command  (36 pages)
This series, written for young people in kindergarten through twelfth grade, provides fun and challenging learn-by-doing activities to develop important life skills to help young people prepare for the workplace. (4HCCS, 1997)


Aerospace Adventures is available from the MSUE Educational Materials Distribution Center, Michigan State University, 117 Central Services, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039. Visit the center at http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/mainsearch.cfm

MSU Resources

Abrams Planetarium
http://www.pa.msu.edu/abrams/index.html
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 517-355-4672

Other Resources Aerospace and Rocketry

The following information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
http://www.aopa.org/
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, Maryland 21701

Estes Industries, Inc.
http://www.estesrockets.com/
1295 H Street
Penrose, CO 81240

General Aviation Manufacturers Association
http://www.gama.aero/
1400 K Street NW, Suite 801
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-393-1500

Michigan Aeronautics Commission
http://www.michigan.gov/aero/0,1607,7-145-6771_6903---,00.html
2700 Port Lansing Road
Lansing, MI 48906-2160

Phone: 517-335-9283

NASA Glenn Research Center
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/home/index.html
21000 Brookpark Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44135
Phone: 216-433-4000

National Aeronautic Association
http://www.naa.aero/
Reagan Washington National Airport
Hangar 7, Suite 202
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 703-416-4888

Rocketarium
http://www.rocketarium.com
Rocketarium.com Inc
2200 Kings Highway 3-L,
PMB 15 Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Phone: 941-268-2724

Young Astronaut Council
5200 27th St NW
Washington, DC 20015
Phone: 301-617-0923

Other Resources Science and Technology

The following information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

American Association for the Advancement of Science
http://www.aaas.org/
1200 New York Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-326-6400

Michigan Science Teachers Association
http://www.msta-mich.org/
3300 Washtenaw Ave
Suite 220
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: 734-973-0433

National Science Teacher’s Association
http://www.nsta.org/
1840 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201-3000
Phone: 703-243-7100

Science Books & Films
http://www.sbfonline.com/
P.O. Box 3000
Denville, NJ 07834
Phone: 800-783-4903

More information on learning materials available to support these activities can be found on the Michigan 4-H Educational Materials Web page or through the MSU Bulletin Office.

Training & Events

For upcoming training and events in this area, check the 4-H Volunteer Workshops web site, the MSU Extension Calendar and the 4-H Exploration Days web site.

Contact Information

For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

Jacob DeDecker, Program Leader
4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
USA
Phone: 517-432-7575
Fax: 517-353-6748
Email: dedecke4@msu.edu


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Last Updated: October 9, 2009
Last Reviewed: October 2009