As a former 4-H advisor, I’m not the least bit surprised that a university study says 4-H youth excel beyond their peers. It’s amazing to watch these kids taking on project, contest, and program challenges headon and succeed
As a former 4-H advisor, I’m not the least bit surprised that a university study says 4-H youth excel beyond their peers. It’s amazing to watch these kids taking on project, contest, and program challenges headon and succeed, gaining experience, confidence, and lessons that prove invaluable in their adult years. Last week, the 4-H challenge across the country focused on biofuels.
On Oct. 7, hundreds of thousands of young people across the nation simultaneously created biofuel. As part of 4-H National Youth Science Day, middle school-aged youth participated in “Biofuel Blast,” the 2009 National Science Experiment. According to a 4-H press release, this project teaches how cellulose and sugars in plants — such as switchgrass, sorghum corn, and algae — can be converted into fuel. Following the experiment, the young participants led local discussions about alternative energy, joining their voices with those involved in the national energy debate.
This science day seeks to spark an early interest and leadership in science, aiming to increase the number of American students pursuing science college majors and careers. “Currently, more than five million young people across the nation participate in 4-H science, engineering, and technology programming in topics as varied as robotics, rocketry, wind power, GPS mapping, agricultural science, film making, water quality, and water conservation,” according to the National 4-H Council.
“Through the ‘One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas’ campaign, 4-H has undertaken a bold goal of engaging one million additional young people in science, engineering, and technology programming by 2013,” according to the press release.
“It has been shown that engaging youth in scientific exploration early sparks a lasting interest in the sciences,” says Donald T. Floyd, Jr., National 4-H Council president and CEO. “Whether it’s 4-H youth in Michigan creating biodiesel to power their schoo