The STEM Institute, Service Learning, and Youth Voice Jeff Sallee Ph.D. Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist 4-H Youth Development Oklahoma State University 405/

Raised 209 bushels of corn on one acre (Averages at that time were 45 bushels per acre) Led to food preservation and safety techniques becoming standard practice “The Bridges”

Service Learning-Youth Voice

The STEM Institute - Tracts, Outcomes and History TractYears offeredPlanned outcomesTeams trained 1 Geospatial GPS/GIS Maps are used to educate the public about issues such as storm shelter locations, historical sites, or even used to locate and identify illegal dumps sites. n = 17 2Digital media Videos have been developed and used to teach other youth and the public about topics such as; bullying, distracted driving, issues facing military youth, 4-H promotion, and horse therapy. n = 28 3Lego robotics Teams have competed in the Lego Robotics competitions, Botball competitions, studied robotics as club projects, and promoted robotics as a 4-H project n=11 4 Environmental conservation Teams have installed rain-barrels, built rain gardens, taught the 40 Gallon challenge, and started recycling programs. n = 6 5Forensics Teach Forensics to other youth and start forensic 4-H clubs. n=13 N = 75

2012 Youth Engagement Attitudes and Knowledge (YEAK) (Mielke, M., LaFleur, J., Butler, A., & Sanzone, J. 2012) Participants ranged in age from 9-18, most were between Most were, Caucasian. More boys than girls participated In terms of education, 90 percent attended public school 96 percent planned to obtain a college degree 75 percent of their mothers completed college and/or some graduate school 73 percent of participants had been in 4-H for three or more years.

In this 4-H Program or Project, I Can… Question (I can…) Strongly DisagreeDisagreeAgree Strongly AgreeMean Do experiments Do hands-on science activities Solve problems See science in a fun way Learn about careers Serve my community Learn with my friends Get answers to my questions from leaders Tell a group of people about something I learned or made N = 49

Participants’ Perceptions of STEM 33 of 47 participants would like a job related to science. 36 agree science is one of their favorite subjects 32 do science activities for enjoyment 47 participants indicated they take science for reasons other than they have too or it will help them in the future These findings illustrate a strong interest in science and a perception of participating in future science activities

In summary, selected results are: 98% of the participants see science in a fun way; 96% like to participate in science projects 70% would like to have a job related to science 83% indicated they have helped with previous science-related community service projects These are all strong indicators that the STEM Institute met is goal of promoting many aspects of science to its participating youth

The STEM Institute, Service Learning, and Youth Voice Jeff Sallee Ph.D. Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist 4-H Youth Development Oklahoma State University 405/