As our world becomes increasingly dependent on science, technology,and a healthy sustainable environment, the requirement for citizens with technological, scientific and ecologial literacy is critical.  With increasing frequency voters are asked to pass judgement on issues such as genetic engineering, regulation of technology, and the fate of endangered species. 

National and statewide education reform efforts place science literacy at the forefront. Community-based education programs such as 4-H provide the opportunity for youth to learn and use the processes and concepts of science to understand meaningful everyday phenomenon and issues related to science, technology, and the environment.

The STEL workgroup plans and coordinates research and extension program activities in the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), taking full advantage of the 4-H youth development program features and culture that encourage youth and families to apply what they learn to make a difference in their community.  STEL reaches out to other ANR workgroups and liaisons with external groups that have an interest in incorporating science, technology, and environmental literacy in their programs and activities.

• Collaborative Pond Mapping
The 4-H Pond Mapping project will increase the environmental literacy of youth by designing learning-by-doing activities that lead to a greater knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the natural environment. Youth learn about the importance of watersheds. They will also develop skills in using simple tools to map the perimeter and depths of a pond or lake. The end product is to produce a flyer with a map of a pond to increase the community's environmental awareness of the area. The curriculum that will be developed will support cross-age instruction (teens teaching younger youth) and will incorporate the learning cycle model of science teaching. The project is a collaboration between the US Forest Service and the STEL Workgroup. Both entities will take a continuous and active role in the development, testing, and distribution of the curriculum. Groups are welcome to volunteer to be pilot-test sites.

Group at Pond

• Effective, Research-Based Experiential Learning Models
The STEL Workgroup will develop a program and manual to provide step-by-step instruction in developing educational programs for the public using the "learning cycle" method of teaching and strategies for adapating materials using inquiry-based pedagogy. Research will be conducted on the effectiveness and boundaries of the learning cycle in experiential learning.

• It Came From Planted Earth
The 4-H Science Education and Resources for Informal Educational Settings (4-H SERIES) Project is a learn by doing curriculum focused on environmental and societal science issues important to everyone's life. The unit "It Came From Planted Earth" is being revised to reflect current issues i.e. land use, water rights, integrated pest management, and biotechnology. Given the decreasing farm population and widespread lack of understanding among consumers about the sources of their food and fiber, agricultural education is vitally important to the future of farming and ranching. Increasingly, people with limited agricultural knowledge and background are determining agricultural policy. What the future holds for agriculture will determine the quality of life for all farmers and ranchers, suppliers, food processors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. All youth, as future voters, will make decisions about agriculture's future. Review of the new activities are being piloted test and new groups are always welcome.

• Technology Based Curriculum
The STEL Workgroup will design and evaluate a hands-on, interactive, technology-based curriculum appropriate for youth 12-18 years of age. The project will involve teens in after-school science and engineering projects and provide opportunities for teens to learn scientific and technological concepts through instruction and field-based experiences. The project-based instructional model will be assessed to determine its effectiveness in increasing science, mathematics, and technology literacy.