February 2010

The The 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative combines non-formal education with hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a positive youth development context to engage youth in improving their SET knowledge, skills and abilities. 4-H SET combines the strengths of 4-H Youth Development non-formal experiential-based delivery modes and strong youth-adult partnerships to address SET content as defined by the National Science Education Standards (1996).

• Updates from the California 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology Initiative
  
  
  1. Nine counties applied for California 4-H SET RFP funds (up to $5,000). Funds will support local “4-HSET-Ready” Efforts related to Annual County 4-H SET Plans. The Efforts from the nine counties range from professional development to program implementation and outreach in environmental education and robotics. Funding decisions will be announced in mid February.
     
     
  2. Six counties applied to participate in the TechXcite program: Butte, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Merced and Los Angeles. TechXcite is an engineering curriculum, developed by Duke University and sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), to engage youth in after school, camp and club settings in rich and vibrant exploration of engineering, mathematics, science and technology. 4-H staff, volunteers, and community partners will be trained in the first two units this spring - bionic arm and solar oven cooking - and provided kits of materials and supplies to conduct the activities with youth. More information about California's participation is available by contacting Steven Worker at smworker@ucdavis.edu. More information about TechXcite is available at http://techxcite.pratt.duke.edu/
     
     
  3. California continues to participate in National 4-H SET Efforts -
     
     Katherine Heck, California 4-H Center for Youth Development, will be working with a national committee to develop evaluation instruments to use on the Assessment Tools in Informal Science (ATIS) website, created by the Program in Education, Afterschool and Resiliency (PEAR) at Harvard University.  The ATIS website is a repository of informal science assessment tools.  Katherine will share her experience with the California 4-H SET evaluation projects.
     
     Steven Worker, 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Corodinator, will be serving as a 4-H SET Regional Facilitator for the National 4-H Western Region. 4-H SET facilitators serve in an important leadership role to foster communication and cooperation between 4-H SET State Liaisons and the national 4-H SET leadership.
     
  
  
  

• The Statewide Winter 2010 4-H SET workshops will be held on February 6, 2010 at UC Davis, Merced, Santa Barbara and Riverside locations.  Over 150 4-H staff, volunteers, members and community partners are registered to attend! This professional volunteer development opportunity will help prepare 4-H volunteers, teens and staff to incorporate science, engineering, and technology into 4-H projects and activities in a hands-on, experiential manner.  Update: The Shasta site has been canceled. While registration for most locations is now closed, a few are still available: UC Davis (addition of the Rabbit curriculum) and Merced. More information is available at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=4208
  
  
• The 2010 California 4-H Camping Conference will be held April 23-25, 2010 at the Nevada State 4-H Camp at Lake Tahoe. The California Camping Conference inspires ideas and innovation and helps camp administrators create fun, safe, and rich learning experiences for both campers and camp staff. This year, the conference will feature 4-H SET activities designed for outdoor settings, including outdoor cooking, engineering, and astronomy.  Registration is $120 and due April 8, 2010. More information is available at http://groups.ucanr.org/_4Hbaseca/files/75357.pdf
  
  
• The 2010 State 4-H Leaders' Forum, with the theme of "Upgrade! S.E.T. Your System! Go!" will be held November 5-7, 2010 at the Asilomar Conference Center.  Portions of the Forum will focus on sharing ideas about the various ways that  4-H educates its members in the Science, Engineering and Technology initiative, facilitated by volunteers, and staff. Workshop proposals are due July 1 and Forum registration is due September 1.  More information is available at http://www.ca4h.org/conference/slf/
  
  

• A new California 4-H SET curriculum is now available - Rabbits: From the Animal's Point of View. Wild rabbits are found on every continent except Antarctica. Domesticated rabbits come in many breeds that vary in shape, size, and color. But what does it mean to be a rabbit? This  curriculum introduces youth to rabbits, their behavior, nutritional and housing needs, and appropriate care through hands-on, inquiry-based activities that follow the experiential learning cycle. This download is available at http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/Items/8389.aspx
  
  
• The 4-H2O Curriculum targets youth between the ages of 9 to 11 in new and established 4-H venues. Utilizing adapted curriculum the project will train after-school leaders, teachers, and parents to deliver concepts focusing on general watershed science, including water quality pollution monitoring, water conservation, and mitigation of pollutants. Download the curriculum units at http://groups.ucanr.org/_4HSETWaterQualityOC/4-H20_Curriculum/
  
  
• The Butterfly WINGS program was developed by the University of Florida. Targeted at 4^th-8^th graders, this curriculum helps kids explore scientific ideas through hands-on research with scientists investigating butterfly biodiversity, distribution, and host-plant preferences. Find more information at: www.4-H.org/curriculum/wings.
  
  
• Grab and Go Activities, created for 6^th-12^th graders, are single activities designed to further knowledge in a specific curriculum area. The activities are available on a variety of topics, including healthy living and decision making. Visit: www.4-hdirectory.org (search 'grab and go').
  
  
• From the Understanding Science team, and activity on number patterns - In this activity for grades 6-16, students are challenged to discover the relationship among six numbers. In the process, they engage in observation, collaboration, questioning, formulating explanations, developing expectations/predictions, and testing and modifying their ideas. Students are then asked to reflect on whether they were doing science.  Find it at: http://www.understandingscience.org/lessons/number_patterns.html
  
  

• Design Squad is a high-energy reality TV show that faces college-age contestants with real-world engineering tasks and clients. Design Squad has extended the concept of their show by creating an outreach program. Their new online workshop features an experienced leader who guides kids through a science activity. Learn how to effectively lead hands-on activities by visiting: http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html.
  
  
• Visit 4-H2Online! This new website focuses on water resources, and youth can engage in activities related to water quality and conservation. To date, youth have saved 2 billion gallons of water. Start discovering the wonder of water at: www.4-H.org/4-H2O.
  
  
• The National Science Foundation has funded a project called "Advanced Technology Education Television" (ATETV). This new online resource produces videos on different occupations and career categories using examples from community colleges, their students, recent graduates, and employers. You can even download these videos or imbed them in your website. Currently, there are many video episodes that deal with SET topics, such as "What is GIS" and "Environmental Engineering." View these videos and more at: www.ATETV.org.
  
  
• Science and Engineering Indicators (SEI) 2010, a biennial production by the National Science Foundation, provides information detailing the state of the United State's science and engineering enterprise. It includes statistical data that tells us the outlook for American science and technology in today's global economy. The report demonstrates that the state of U.S. science and engineering is still strong, but our nation’s global primacy in science and engineering has significantly dropped in recent years. For more information, visit: http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=116202&WT.mc_id=USNSF_51
  
  
• The Center for Ecoliteracy's Smart by Nature: Schooling for Sustainability (Watershed Media/University of California Press, 2009) portrays a growing movement of educators, parents, and students who are remaking K-12 education to prepare students for future environmental challenges. The book offers strategies for greening campuses, rethinking school food, and transforming schools into model sustainable communities. More information is available at http://www.ecoliteracy.org/books/smart-nature-schooling-sustainability
  
  
• PlantingScience is a learning and research resource, bringing together students, plant scientists, and teachers from across the nation. Students engage in hands-on plant investigations, working with peers and scientist mentors to build collaborations and to improve their understanding of science. The spring 2010 session runs from Feb 15 to April 30, 2010. More information is available at http://www.plantingscience.org/
  
  

• Humboldt County invites 4-H members to participate in the 2010 Winter Poultry Fanciers 50th Anniversary Show on February 13, 2010 at the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds. A 4-H show, junior showmanship classes and an avian bowl for juniors will be offered. More information is available at http://www.humboldtpoultry.org/
  
  
• The last Regional Education Outreach Summit on Bio-Security in 4-H will be held Feb 27 in Kern County.  The Summit will help to improve the understanding of 4-H adult volunteers, veterinarians, and administrators from fairs and exhibitions about existing bio-security risks associated with 4-H Animal Science projects in California and issues related to traceability. Register by February 15 at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=4238
  
  
• The Marine Advanced Technology Education Center, MATE, will be holding a summer institute for faculty development. Titled "Intermediate Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Building for Classroom Projects," this program will be held July 26^th - August 1^st, 2010. Among other activities, participants will build a small-scale, fully functional ROV that can be replicated with students. More information can be found at: http://www.marinetech.org/education/summer_institutes/2010_Information.php.
  
  

• The Foundation of the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. is sponsoring the annual 4-H Honey Bee Essay Contest. 4-H members may submit an essay on this year's theme, “Is My Community Honey Bee-Friendly?” There are cash prizes for the national winners: 1st Place - $750.00; 2nd Place - $500.00; 3rd Place - $250.00. Essays are due by February 12, 2010. More information is available at http://www.ca4h.org/4hresource/updates/attach/2010/Jan/2010%20BeeKeeping%20Essay%20Announcement.doc
  
  
• 4-H youth, in grades 7-12, with an enthusiasm for agriculture and its importance in society are encouraged to consider submitting for the National Ag Day Essay Contest. The submission deadline is February 12, 2009. The national winner selected will receive $1,000 prize and a trip to Washington, D.C. for the award presentation. For more information, please visit http://www.hpj.com/agdayessay
  
  
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites you to submit projects for the 4th annual Rachel Carson "Sense of Wonder" contest. Enter poetic works, photographs, essays or dances that highlight your love of some aspect of nature. The deadline for team entries is June 16, 2010. For more information, including contest rules, visit: http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/thesenseofwonder/index.htm.
  
  
• Bard College at Simon’s Rock is a small and unique college located in Massachusetts.  Simon’s Rock gives motivated high school students the opportunity to begin college immediately after 10^th or 11^th grade.  Simon’s Rock has partnered with 4-H to offer $20,000-per-year scholarships to high school 4-H members who have been nominated by 4-H staff.  Of particular interest to the 4-H SET program is Simon’s Rock 3:2 signature Engineering program with Columbia University, where students earn a B.A. from Simon’s Rock and a B.S. in Engineering from Columbia’s School of Engineering.  For more information, please visit: http://www.simons-rock.edu/ and e-mail Steven Coleman at scoleman@simons-rock.edu.
  
  

• The NOAA Office of Education has issued a request for applications for informal/nonformal science education projects that engage the public in educational activities that utilize emerging and/or advanced technologies and leverage NOAA assets to improve understanding and stewardship of the local and global environment. The deadline for letters of intent is February 16, 2010. More information is available at http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_opps.html
  
  
• The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program is committed to promoting higher education, in part through offering financial assistance in the form of scholarships. Statewide 4-H scholarships are available to students pursuing degrees and future careers in science, engineering, agriculture, large animal science, and/or beekeeping fields. Candidates who were 4-H members in high school, and may now apply for funds to cover educational expenses.  Scholarships are due postmarked April 30, 2010 and available at http://www.ca4h.org/4hresource/ir/scholarship/
  
  

• The 4-H Million Trees Project was featured in the Winter Olympics Torch Relay Monday, January 18! Laura Webber, founder of 4HMT, was selected because of her leadership qualities. So far, her initiative has involved over 26,000 youth, who have planted more than 74,000 trees. Fellow 4-Her Kelcie Thomas ran at 1:48 pm and Laura ran at 1:57pm MST on Monday, January 18. Catch pictures and a highlights video after the event! For more information, visit: http://www.livepositively.com/#/olympic_torch_relay.
  
  
• Imperial County: As a follow-up to the 4-H National Youth Science Day experiment "Biofuel Blast", Imperial County 4-H is hosting a special meeting with Dr. David Grantz. Dr. Grantz, a research scientist, has set up a trial with sugar cane, exploring the possibilities of using this crop as an alternate energy souce. Imperial County 4-H is also organizing a Wildlife Field Day, where 4-H members will hike around a wildlife refuge and build bird feeders.
  
  
• Humboldt County: Humboldt is gearing up for their 2^nd annual 4-H SET Expo! On April 24^th, Humboldt County 4-H members will gather to showcase their SET projects, such as hands-on activities, science-related presentations, and a petting zoo. The public and other 4-H members will get a chance to see 4-H in action while having a blast!
  
  
• Sonoma County: A 4-H Club in Sonoma County recently held a Science Field Day for primary 4-H members. About 30 kids arrived at 9:00, when the fun activities began! The primary members loved learning about static electricity and how air takes up space. They even made "atomic green slime"!
  
  
• Placer County: H.B. Fuller Co., that has gifted Placer County 4-H $10,000 this year to promote SET programs which include 1) organizing Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) teams in local high schools as afterschool SET involvement; 2) holding two week-long summer rocketry day camps for youth; 3) digital photography countywide projects; and 4) holding a science-based summer camp focusing on science, engineering, and technology sessions that utilize mathematics led by teens.  These teens will be participating in the California Camping Conference  in April for additional training.  We will be piloting several of the Camping Taskforce curriculum during this year’s camp.  We also conduct an Embryology outreach program with over 125 incubators with automatic turners that reached over 7,000 students this past year. 
  
  

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4-H SET Leadership Team
Sharon Junge, Acting State 4-H Director
Richard Mahacek, Merced County Director & 4-H Youth Development Advisor
Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty, Santa Cruz/Monterey 4-H Youth Development Advisor
Martin Smith, CE Specialist, UCD Veterinary Medicine Extension
Steven Worker, CA 4-H SET Coordinator