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Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) –Charting Our Course
--Janet Edwards
4-H is uniquely positioned to develop our country's future generation of scientists and engineers. 4-H programs provide youth with hands-on learning experiences that foster exploration, discovery and passion for the sciences.
The 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) program is a national priority of the 4-H Youth Development Program for the next five years. In response to the national 4-H focus on SET, we can work to improve science literacy through 4-H programs and in turn increase the number of young adults pursuing careers in the science fields. 4-H can lead the way in preparing youth for the high tech and global world they live in.
To develop our local plan for SET programming in Washington State University Extension 4-H, we need your input. A SET Committee made up of faculty, staff, volunteers and youth will explore the opportunities, resources and expectations that are outlined in the national SET framework. You are invited to join the SET Team. The committee will meet by teleconference in July to begin their work in addressing the SET challenges and opportunities.
Please send an email message indicating your interest to Janet Edwards (edwardsj@wsu.edu) no later than July 13. I encourage you to share this invitation with volunteers and youth in your county.
Summer Science Adventures for Youth
--Janet Edwards
Are you interested in providing a science learning experience for youth in your county this summer? It is not too late to take advantage of new learning opportunities.
You could include a variety of science adventures as part of your summer camp or an afterschool program. Do you want to offer a special one day adventure focusing exclusively on science? You provide the audience (grade 3 to 8) and Chuck Todd, Janet Edwards and teen leaders will bring you some exciting hands on experiments and activities to provide youth with science learning adventures. Topics can include energy curriculum in heat, light and motion as well as other topics that support 4-H projects in food science, plant science, animal science and natural resources.
We have great curriculum resources and a little grant money to support the programs. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities, contact Janet Edwards (edwardsj@wsu.edu) soon. We will see if we can fit into your schedule!
Just a Reminder!
When you have new Extension staff that will be working in some capacity with 4-H, please let Nancy in the State 4-H Office know. They will be added to mailing lists, added to the 4-H Talk list serve, sent a 4-H Welcome Packet, and be assigned a state 4-H staff person as a point of contact, as appropriate. 4-H News is sent via the 4-H Talk list serve each week. Archived copies of previous weeks “Tuesday 4-H News” are available on the 4-H web site: http://4h.wsu.edu/. Please send submissions by Friday of each week to Tiffany Boswell, State 4-H Office, tiffany_boswell@wsu.edu. Detailed event information and registrations forms can be found on the 4-H web site.