February 2009

The 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative combines non-formal education with experiential and inquiry-based learning, in a youth development context, to increase literacy and engage youth in improving their knowledge, skills and abilities in science, engineering and technology. 4-H SET experiences are framed in science, engineering, and technology concepts based on National Science Education Standards (1996) and intentionally target the development of SET knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• The Acting Direct, Sharon Junge, has announced the new 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Coordinator: Steven Worker.  
  
  In collaboration with the 4-H SET Leadership Team (Richard Mahacek, Martin Smith, Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty, and Sharon Junge), Worker will be responsible for creating and implementing program development, volunteer development and curriculum delivery strategies for the 4-H SET program plan.  He will also assist in:
  
  
  • Development, implementation, and providing staff and volunteer development related to 4-H SET programs.
  • Creation and oversight of 4-H SET curriculum development and dissemination. 
    
  • Coordination of 4-H SET marketing, communication and outreach.
  • Coordination of efforts to increase visibility and public relations for the California 4-H YDP SET Program.
  
  Worker formerly surved as 4-H YDP Older Member Program Representative coordinating older youth, recognition and technology programs in the State 4-H Office for the past seven years.  His accomplishments during his tenure as the State 4-H Program Representative include: restructuring the 4-H State Leadership Conference; strengthening the state 4-H incentives and recognition program including the creation of the 4-H Golden Clover Awards and reformatting of the 4-H Record Book program; building a vibrant and active State 4-H Field Day; and designing a strong public 4-H web presence and a staff 4-H information system (WRP).
  
  He earned a bachelor's degree in computer science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2001 and a Master's degree in community development at UC Davis in 2007.
  
  
• On Saturday, February 7, over 200 4-H volunteers, youth and county 4-H staff gathered at one of five locations through California for a 4-H SET Training.  Each of the ­sites followed the same agenda and connected part of the morning with phone confe­rence and in the afternoon using Adobe Connect.  Trainings covered four areas:
  
  • Facilitation - focus on inquiry in experiential learning.
  • Delivery - focus on Clubs and Camps.
  • Partnership - campus and community collaborations.
  • Curriculum - each site offered an introduction to two curricula (five different curricula were offered with each location sharing two) - Power of Wind, Give Robots a Hand, Oak Woodland Wildlife, It Came From Planted Earth, and Vet Science.

  The materials, PowerPoints and curricula from the trainings are available at http://www.ca4h.org/projresource/SET/training/

  Photographs of the trainings are available at http://www.ca4h.org/photogal/thumbnails.php?album=126

  
  4-H Volunteers train in the Oak Woodlands Wildlife curriculum.­

  
  4-H members and volunteers participate in an experiential and inquiry-learning activity.
  
  
  

• For staff: The Groundwater Resources Association and UCCE Groundwater Hydrology Program present Introduction to Groundwater and Watershed Hydrology: Monitoring, Assessment, and Protection.  The training will be held February 23-24, 2009 in Orange County.  This shortcourse will review the fundamental principles of groundwater and watershed hydrology, water quality, and water contamination.  More information is available at http://www.grac.org/monitoring.asp
  
  
• An upcoming webinar funded by the National Science Foundation, Imagine Math as a Vehicle for Community Partnerships, will be held on Feb. 26, 2009 from 10am-11am, Pacific Standard Time. This webinar will be of use to those involved in after-school programming in need of fun, interactive ways to teach math skills. To participate, contact Delores Holland at dehollan@aed.org. 
  
  
• For 4-H programs looking to connect SET with garden-based learning, the spring workshops offered by Life Lab Science Program may be of interest.
  
  • Math and Science in the Garden: A workshop to be held on February 27, 2009, focusing on activities for 4th-8th grade students. Cost is $150 per person.
  • The Growing Classroom: A 2-day workshop, March 13-14, 2009 focusing on gardening activities for grades 2-6. Cost is $300 per person.
  • Plant It, Grow It, Eat It: Garden-based Nutrition Education: A workshop on March 27, 2009 focusing on ways to teach nutrition through gardening. Cost is $150 per person.
  To register for one or more of these workshops and for more information, visit: https://p2.secure.hostingprod.com/@lifelab.org/ssl/eventreg.html
  
  
• Join more than 10,000 science educators at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education, March 19-22, 2009 in New Orleans, LA. Programs and workshops will feature topics on collaborating on content to best assess and reflect science teaching, best practices in science programs, and the latest research on teaching science in informal settings. Visit: http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2009new/?lid=tnavhp
  
  
• 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology will be featured at the 4-H State Leadership Conference, August 6 - 9, 2009 at UC Merced!  4-H SET will be a major component of the Friday, August 7 educational tracks.  Participants will explore experiential and inquiry-based learning along with signing up for training in a specific curricula.  More information will be available about the Conference and 4-H SET in April.  http://www.ca4h.org/conference/slc/
  
  

• The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program (JDS) is an arts curriculum that teaches wetlands and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. Contact the California Waterfowl Association for information at: duckstamp@calwaterfowl.org. The deadline is March 15, 2009.
  
  
• Apple company offers three technology curricula for high school students.
  
  Challenge Based Learning: For a generation of students with instant access to information, Challenge Based Learning (CBL) is an engaging multidisciplinary approach to teaching that lets students leverage the technology they use in their daily lives to solve real-world problems. Click Here­
  
  Quick Start Activities: Guide you step by step to proficiency through ten easy projects you can do in your classrooms. You can learn to create slideshows, presentations, and movies, host blogs and video chats, present data visually, and more to enrich your lesson plans in a variety of subject areas. Clic! k Here
  
  ­Integration Activities: Integration Activities are complete lesson plans with real-world case study examples that ensure students master core subjects and 21st-century skills such as critical and creative thinking, collaboration, information literacy, and more. Click Here
  
  

• The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program (JDS) is an arts curriculum that teaches wetlands and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. Contact the California Waterfowl Association for information at: duckstamp@calwaterfowl.org. The deadline is March 15, 2009.
  
  
• Apple company offers three technology curricula for high school students.
  
  Challenge Based Learning: For a generation of students with instant access to information, Challenge Based Learning (CBL) is an engaging multidisciplinary approach to teaching that lets students leverage the technology they use in their daily lives to solve real-world problems. Click Here­
  
  Quick Start Activities: Guide you step by step to proficiency through ten easy projects you can do in your classrooms. You can learn to create slideshows, presentations, and movies, host blogs and video chats, present data visually, and more to enrich your lesson plans in a variety of subject areas. Clic! k Here
  
  ­Integration Activities: Integration Activities are complete lesson plans with real-world case study examples that ensure students master core subjects and 21st-century skills such as critical and creative thinking, collaboration, information literacy, and more. Click Here
  
  

• UC Davis faculty and staff with high-school age children may be interested in COSMOS, the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science program. From July 5-August 1, 2009 students live and work side-by-side with faculty and scientific researchers on advanced topics in science, engineering and technology issues. Applications will be accepted between Feb.1 - March 15, 2009. Online applications and more details can be found at: http://cosmos.ucdavis.edu. 
  
  
• It's not too late to enter the 2009 Kids Science Challenge! Available to 3rd-6th grade students interested in practicing science, the challenge is a nationwide competition allowing youth to engage with real scientists. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28, 2009. Visit: http://www.kidsciencechallenge.com today for more information.
  
  
• PBSKids has a series of shows focused on science themes. SciGirls is a show that is looking to feature girls or women who are interested in science, engineering and technology and would like to have their science work shared on national television. Visit: http://scigirls.org/blog for more information.
  
  
• 4-H Million Trees, founded in San Mateo County, California was featured in the magazine, American Forests, Winter 2009.  The goal of the 4-H Million Trees project is to mobilize the approximately 7 million 4-H youth across the U.S. and Canada to participate in this project to plant 1,000,000 trees across the conti­nent to help reduce atmospheric CO₂.  The project utilizes the Internet to manage the hundreds 4-H Clubs, units and projects participating in the 4-H Million Trees activity.  http://4hmilliontrees.org/
  
  
• ­4-H was featured in Mechanical Engineering Magazine as the leader in providing cutting-edge content for youth in the areas of science, engineering, and technology. Kathleen Jamison, national project director for SET curriculum for National 4-H Council and an associate professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University at Blacksburg wrote the article titled "Growing a New Crop of Engineers." http://fourhcouncil.edu/uploadedFiles/MechanicalEngineeringByline.pdf
  
  
• In Santa Clara (San Jose): The Tech Museum of Innovation is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds.  The Tech is singularly focused on inspiring the innovator in everyone it reaches. Truly hands-on and interactive exhibits, divided among themed galleries, offer guests a truly memorable experience. The Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater and various unique museum programs make a visit to the bright, mango-colored Tech one you won't soon forget.  http://www.thetech.org/
  
  

• Bank of America is bringing the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI) to our community and enables us to recognize and reward non-profit organizations, local heroes, and student leaders for their contributions to communities across the country.  Outstanding high school students in their junior or senior year may apply for the Student Leaders component of NEI.  The award recipients will be students who have shown interest and enthusiasm for the kind of community work that might someday make them leaders in their neighborhoods, cities, and beyond.  Selected students will receive a paid summer internship with a local non-profit organization and participate in a six day, all expense paid leadership summit in Washington, D.C.  Applications can be submitted and a full description can be found at ! http://www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders.  The deadline to apply is Friday, February 20. 
  
  
• Funding for the NSF grant, African-American Women in Computer Science, has allowed Florida A&M University to provide scholarships from $4,000 - $10,000 per year to female African American students interested in the field of computer technology. High school or community college students interested in applying, may visit: http://www.famu.edu/?a=headlines&p=display&news=602. Please contact Dr. Black at: jblack@cis.famu.edu.   
  
  
• 4-H youths and adults with a strong interest in GIS/GPS technology are encouraged to apply to serve on the National 4-H GIS/GPS Leadership Team in 2009. Applications must be completed and signed by team members and the state 4-H Program leader. The application form is due to the State 4-H Office, Attention: Steven Worker, DANR Bldg., One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616., by February 27 and available here. 
  
  
• High school seniors & college students who were in 4-H during high school are eligible to apply for a 2009 California Statewide 4-H Scholarship for Higher Education.  Scholarships are available in many categories and may help fund educational expenses.  Applications are due postmarked by April 30, 2009. Information and applications are available at http://www.ca4h.org/4hresource/ir/scholarship/
  
  
• Nominate a 4-H member, volunteer, group or staff for a 2009 California 4-H Golden Clover Award!  Awards recognize outstanding 4-H achievement!  Recipients receive $500, a medallion, pin, and statewide recognition.  Applications are due by May 31, 2009.  Information is available at http://www.ca4h.org/4hresource/ir/goldenclover/
  
  

• RFP to submit National 4-H Science Day Experiment is being offered. Land-Grant Universities to consider submitting experiment ideas for youth to conduct during 2009 4-H NYSD and providing leadership with experiment implementation. All proposals must be submitted based upon the attached Call for Proposals. To view information about the 2008 4-H National Youth Science Day, please go to 4-h.org/NYSD . The LGU that submits the winning proposal will receive a $10,000 award to be used to support the creation, leadership and implementation of the experiment. The top submission will be selected by March 30, 2009 and will be asked to finalize the experiment based on National 4-H SET Leadership feedback by the end of April. The final 4-H NYSD Experiment and materials will be shared with the 4-H System in early June, 2009. If you are interested in submitting an idea and RFP, please send to the State 4-H office by February 18, 2009.  The RFP can viewed at http://4-h.org/b/4H_NYSD_Experiment_RFP_1_15_09.doc 
  
  
• For staff: The California Sea Grant College Program is now soliciting preliminary proposals for projects to begin February 1, 2010. Faculty and academic staff from universities and scientists from research institutions throughout California are invited to apply.  California Sea Grant is focusing on the following integrated themes: Healthy Marine Ecosystems, Sustainable Resource Use, Sustainable Coastal Communities, and New Technologies.  Preliminary proposals are due by March 13, 2009.  http://www-csgc.ucsd.edu/
  
  
• The Captain Planet Foundation funds hands-on environmental projects to encourage youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Maximum Award: $2500.  Eligibility: Schools and non-profits.  Deadlines: June 30, September 30, and December 31. http://www.captainplanetfdn.org/aboutUs.html
  
  

• Update: 4-H SET curriculum "There's No New Water!": California curriculum project coordinators met in February with representatives from the National 4-H Council to review the curriculum development p­rocess for the new There's No New Water! SET-ready curriculum.  Part of the development process will involve UC-Davis student interns working in curriculum design teams to develop and pilot test the hands-on, inquiry-based activities. Undergraduate student recruitment began by posting information on the UC-Davis Internship and Career Center's (ICC) website, participation in the ICC Job Fair, and information dissemination through campus departments, Collegiate 4-H, education classes, and the Science Education Outreach Program.
  
  
• In Colusa County: Colusa 4-H displayed the SET "A Million New Scientists, A Million New Ideas" posters along with the state 4-H display to promote the SET initiative at the Colusa County Farm Show.  The Colusa County Farm Show is "The Grandaddy of Farm Shows" begun 44 years ago, the oldest farm equipment show of its kind in California by a group chaired by UCCE Farm Advisor, Tom Aldridge. Over 40,000 visitors view 270 exhibits featuring agriculture-related products and services. Colusa County Cooperative Extension receives complimentary booth space for their involvement.­
  
  
• In Siskiyou County: The Siskiyou County Hi 4-H Club has developed an Afterschool Science Mini Guide, full of a variety of science-experiments, listing the materials needed with step-by-step instructions to conduct the experiment. The mini guides are in the final stages of completion and will be available and given to additional site in the county for afterschool use soon. 
  
  
• In Shasta and San Bernardino Counties: Both counties were recently awarded a 2009 ESRI Introductory Grant for 4-H. Through this grant, each county will be able to enhance the SET opportunities for their 4-H members, volunteers and staff as they explore the world of GPS and GIS technology. 
  
  
• In Orange County: As a recipient of the Toyota 4-H2O Community Project Grant, 4-H volunteers and youth have been training in the curriculum.  Toyota 4-H2O Grant, has the overarching goal to increase youth understanding of the linkage b­etween urbanization and its impacts on the health of local streams, creeks, and the ocean. 
  
  CE Advisor Darren Haver and Tammy Majcherek trained 4-H volunteers and youth in January in lesson 8.  They showed everyone the contents of their beautiful water sampling kits.  The group discussed how to use the samples, calibrated the EQ monitor, and talked about ways to sample properly. Everyone seemed very excited about the endless possibilities. There was discussion on sampling from the same location multiple times over a longer period of time to compare/contrast.  The group also talked about sampling from different spots upstream and down stream and w! hat conclusions the young people may draw. Safety was highlighted, including the importance of safe conditions, wearing gloves, dangers of horseplay, working with chemicals.
  
  The group is discussing highlighting their project at the upcoming Youth Expo held at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center. This is an entirely youth geared event held at the same time as America's Family Pet Expo which is expected to draw 30,000 visitors.
  
  For more information about the Toyota 4-H2O Grant, please visit http://groups.ucanr.org/_4HSETWaterQualityOC/index.cfm
  
  

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