Share your club's enthusiasm for Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) by volunteering for a half-day session in the Hands-on Activity Corner of the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair! If your club has been working on SET, this is your chance to share some of the amazing things you have been learning and doing with hundreds of Fair goers.
How it works:
If you have been to the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair before, chances are you know about the Hands-on Activity Corner. It is a favorite attraction among Fair goers, especially for the younger visitors. In 2010 your 4-H club will have the opportunity to develop and lead SET focused activities during the Iowa State Fair. Clubs get to pick the topic and activities, and club members will engage visitors in the learning. It's that simple! Each session is one-half of a day (3.5 hours). Once your session is over (or before it even begins), have fun checking out the Fair!
How E-SET helps:
You are not on your own! E-SET will support you through the whole process. Here is what you can expect from the E-SET program:
- Staff support in planning - if you have questions about space, materials, feasibility or anything else; just give us a call or send us an email, we'll work through the details with you
- Tickets & parking passes to the Fair - Each member and leader of your club will receive a ticket to the Fair for the entire day of your club's session; in addition to parking passes
- Lunch is on us - All participating club members and leaders will receive a lunch voucher good at many food venders on the fairgrounds.
- Help securing supplies - If you need supplies that are not easy to transport (like ice or a computer monitor) E-SET will work with you in arranging to have these supplies available
- Set-up, tear-down and troubleshooting - E-SET staff can help you set-up, make sure you have have everything you need, be there during the session to troubleshoot, and even help tear down when your session is over
- Reimbursement for supplies - After your session, simply submit an invoice to E-SET and we will reimburse you for the consumables you supplied for your session (<Invoice and Guidelines form>)
How to Apply:
To take advantage of this opportunity to share what your club has been working on, you will need to apply for a session slot.
| Step 1: |
Get together with your club and decide what theme you would like and which sessions will work best. |
| Step 2: |
Do some brainstorming or look for ideas on-line and come up with a list of hands-on activities relating to the theme your club has chosen. |
| Step 3: |
Fill out the online application form or mail in the <paper application form> by July 19th. E-SET will let you know if your club was selected for a session by July 23rd |
| Step 4: |
Once you have received confirmation of selection, start gathering supplies, practice leading activities, and make your plans. (Be sure to look over the Tips for Success) |
Sessions and Themes:
There are six different sessions available with a variety of themes to fit your club's preferences.
Sessions 1 & 2
- Session 1 - August 12, 9a.m. - 12:30p.m.
- Session 2 - August 12, 12:30 - 4p.m.
- Theme: Wide open - Pick any science, engineering, or technology topic your club wants!
Sessions 3 & 4
- Session 3 - August 14, 9a.m. - 12:30p.m.
- Session 4 - August 14, 12:30 - 4p.m.
- Theme: Sustainable practices and technologies - From renewable energies such as wind power; to sustainable personal, community, wildlife or agricultural practices; the range of possibilities is huge!
Sessions 5 & 6
- Session 5 - August 16, 9a.m. - 12:30p.m.
- Session 6 - August 16, 12:30 - 4p.m.
- Theme: Aerospace - Rockets airplanes, astronomy - if NASA does it, it fits this theme!
Tips for Success:
- It's a good idea to have at least 2 different, but related activities on your theme to engage visitors. Generally, 5 activities is the most a club can effectively lead
- Consider kids of different ages. It's a good idea to not only have something for the family's 10-year-old to do, but also something to occupy her 3-year-old little brother and you might just get dad to join in too!
- It is not uncommon for 30 - 50 people to pass through the Hands-on Activity Corner in a busy hour at the fair, so remember to bring plenty of supplies!
- Showcase your club! It's a great idea to create a display banner, poster, flyer or video that shows off your 4-H club and what you do. This is a chance for visitors to learn a little about you and possibly recruit new members.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early for your session. This will allow time to cart your supplies in from the parking lot, get set-up and ready to go.
- Remember, the Hands-on Activity Corner is a busy place. There will be a lot of people coming and going, so think carefully about what you bring in. If you have valuables, leave them in the car, keep them on your person, or put them all in a single bag and ask the E-SET staff to store it in the staff office (The office is not secure however, so this is not a guarantee). You are responsible for your own belongings. E-SET will not replace lost, stolen or damaged belongings.
Questions?
Contact Daniel Stiner at stiner@iastate.edu