Two girls worked with their robot invention during an ISU Extension
4-H Youth Development school enrichment program in Chickasaw County.
New interests, new activities: 4-H keeps up with kids
Each year Michelle Williams takes a group of talented
and gifted students on an archaeological dig at the Iowa 4-H and Natural
Resources Center near Madrid. For two and a half days, the fifth and sixth
grade students dig, classify materials and enjoy a few days away from
home.
The Archaeology Field School, along with the 4-H Center’s Challenge
School and other Iowa State
University Extension 4-H Youth Development programs, has been designed
over the years to teach Iowa youth life skills in new areas of interest
and ISU Extension expertise, according to Chuck Morris, associate director
of 4-H youth programs.
The archaeology school, offered each September, is a partnership between
ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development, ISU Department of Anthropology and
the state archaeologist housed at the University of Iowa. Donna MacNeir,
4-H center manager, said the school complements fifth and sixth grade
students’ study of Iowa history.
It receives rave reviews.
“The level at which the experts talk to the kids is amazing,”
said Williams, extended learning coordinator for Davis County Schools.
“They are treated like young adults. It’s nice for me, too.
I’m usually the one planning these trips. Here, I don’t have
to be the expert; I get to learn along with the kids.”
Extension–Science,
Engineering and Technology (E-SET) offers programs for students of
all ages. It was created about 10 years ago to provide formal and non-formal
science education to Iowans. E-SET provides curriculum, instruction and
material kits on topics ranging from robotics and bridge building to space
and education. Each year more than 23,000 youth are reached by E-SET programs.
Growing in the Garden, which fosters curiosity about agriculture, natural resources, food and people, was created for children in kindergarten through third grade. Last year more than 10,000 Iowa children participated in Growing in the Garden, which is offered in schools and after-school programs.
Contact Laura Sternweis, editor, lsternwe@iastate.edu.
Visit the ISU Extension homepage.
Nondiscrimination statement and information disclosures
Last update: January 2002