About STEM Scholars
Activities and Objectives
As members of an
after-school-based 4-H club, students will select and complete one
science or technology related project of their choice from the 4-H
Ohio Family Guide or from other 4-H sources on websites in other
states. Contemporary 4-H projects span virtually all STEM
disciplines.
To improve their oral
presentation skills, students will display and demonstrate knowledge
achieved from their 4-H-originated project to classmates in after
school sessions and in public at a county fair, the Ohio State Fair,
local library or shopping mall.
To enhance their use of
science inquiry skills, students will refine and expand their 4-H
originated project, individually or as a member of a team, by
modifying the project to meet contemporary guidelines for
inquiry-based projects suitable for local, district, State and
International Science Fairs. Or, students may select a new topic of
their interest for an inquiry-based project. Students will enter a
local science day by the 7th grade.
To enhance their skills
of observation, note-taking, documentation and citation, written
communications and self-reflection, students will keep bound
journals and electronic portfolios, updated biweekly, detailing
their experiences throughout their enrollment.
Through 200 hours of
out-of-school classes and field trips during the academic years and
summers from January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 students will: 1.
gain science content knowledge related to student projects; 2.
improve their oral and written communication skills; 3. understand
and apply basic knowledge of statistics, sampling and data
presentation; 4. understand research risks and ethical scientific
and safety practices associated with the use of vertebrate animals,
human subjects, potentially hazardous biological agents, and
hazardous chemicals, activities or devices; and 5. develop student
research plans and begin to understand basic technologies required
and academic preparation needed for success in STEM academic and
business careers.
Industry, academia and governmental science and technology-based agencies will (a) identify STEM role models and (b) host STEM content and career related field trips for students, teachers and parents.