Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
12/12/02
Contacts:
Steve Truby, Extension-Science, Engineering, and Technology, 515-294-2078,
struby@iastste.edu
Carol Ouverson, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9640, couverso@iastate.edu
Tracy S. Petersen, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9915
4-H'ers to Build Computers over Winter Break
AMES, Iowa -- A group of industrious 4-H'ers will spend a morning of their winter break not sleeping in or playing video games, but building computers. The project is just one activity sponsored by Iowa State University Extension's 4-H Youth Development program, Extension-Science, Engineering, and Technology (E-SET).
E-SET encompasses a wealth of projects and workshops, from robotics and aviation to space exploration and computers. Staff work closely with teachers and 4-H'ers across the state with an interest in all things related to science and technology.
The Iowa Technology Team, which will conduct the Dec. 30 computer-building workshop at ISU, is a group of about 15 Iowa 4-H'ers who apply to be on the team. Once selected, they plan and participate in a variety of workshops and meetings, teaching technology skills and enhancing their own.
John Chargo is a two-year member of the Technology Team who will teach his fellow teammates to build computers.
"I work for a computer company in Jefferson and I build computers for them," Chargo, a senior at Jefferson-Scranton High School, said. "It takes me about 45 minutes, but we'll allow about an hour at our workshop."
The computers, he said, will be equivalent to any custom-ordered computer, with 2 GHz.
Once they're built, the computers will be put into service somewhere in Iowa, Steve Truby, E-SET Youth Initiative Specialist, said.
"The Tech Team members have suggested that we use the computers as training aides in future workshops or donate them to youth shelters or libraries," Truby said. "One thing is for sure. They won't sit around collecting dust."
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.