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Science, Engineering, Technology

4-H science, engineering, and technology (SET) projects engage youth in hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a positive youth development context. Through participation, youth improve their science, engineering, and technology knowledge, skills and abilities.

Through engagement in 4-H SET activities, youth will apply SET learning to all areas of their life, adopting and using new methods of approaching problems. Ultimately, the goal of the 4-H SET initiative is to increase the number of youth pursuing education and careers in science, engineering and technology.

There are 4-H projects in these types of areas:

Animal Science
Biological Science including embryology, entomology, marine biology, and veterinary science
Consumer and Family Science including textiles, fiber science, and kitchen science
Earth Science including astronomy, climatology, forestry, outdoor adventure, and water education
Physical Science including energy management, sustainability, and geology
Plant Science including agriculture and gardening
Environmental Education
Engineering and Technology including website design, computers, gis/gps, and video production, aerospace, electricity, electronics, robotics, engines, and woodworking

4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Updates

The monthly 4-H science, engineering, and technology updates are distributed to 4-H staff listserve on the 1st of the month and to the general 4-H newslist a week later. Primary contact: Steven Worker at smworker@ucdavis.edu or 530-754-8519.

SET E-News Archives

4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Initiative

Started in 2008, the goal of the 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) initiative is to address America's critical need for more scientists and engineers by engaging 150,000 youth by 2013.

The U.S. is at pivotal point in its history. Despite our country's rich legacy of innovation and global contributions, we face declining proficiencies and workforce shortages in science, engineering, and technology fields. Nationwide, only 18% of high school seniors are considered proficient in science, while only approximately 15% of today's college graduates earn degrees in science and engineering.

4-H SET activities and projects combine the strengths of the 4-H Youth Development program’s non-formal experiential-based delivery modes and strong youth-adult partnerships to address SET content as defined by the National Science Education Standards.

The 4-H SET approach is used in many settings, with many youth, and with many project topics. 4-H SET includes using current 4-H projects presented in a different way, adding new project subject matter, and focusing on certain abilities or skills not covered before.