Learning How Science Can Be Used to Help Solve Everyday Problems

The Program for International Student Assessment showed that 2012 math literacy data of 15-year[1]old students in 21 countries have higher averages than U.S. students. National Inventors Hall of Fame reported science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education emphasizes preparing future generations to be successful in their careers. Skills gained from STEM education extend beyond being successful in STEM fields by preparing children who move into any industry to have valuable skill sets to be successful.

Indiana 4-H led 22 science and engineering programs for youth. Fluid Power was statewide, and several were county-based (Ag Tech SPARK Club, Astronomy Night, Afterschool STEM, Engineering Solutions to Food Systems Challenges, Deep Sea Diving Camp, Robotics SPARK Club, 4-H Shoot for the Stars, STEAM Break, Drone SPARK Club, Clover Gaming, Wetlands Day, Science Sensation).

A total of 735 youth completed post-surveys on science thinking, skills, and attitudes, and engineering skills and attitudes:

• 702 youth in grades 4-12 reported they like science (93%) and engineering (87%). Youth were interested in learning about: animal science (68%), engineering (64%), robotics (60%), environmental science (52%), and plant science (43%). Youth would like a job that uses science (68%) or engineering (65%).

• Youth indicated they like: trying new things to see how they will work (81%), asking questions about how things work (74%), coming up with ideas for how to build new things (73%), looking at how things are the same or different (71%). Most reported that at 4-H they learned new things about science (85%) and talked about how science can be used to help solve everyday problems (80%).

Three-quarters (75%) shared a science-related project with others.