Summer science experiment a success
Making science one of the coolest classes at camp was the mission of the WVU STEM Ambassadors, a new WVU Extension Service-led program providing West Virginia youths with hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math( STEM) projects this summer.
The STEM Ambassadors are a group of 12 WVU students majoring in related science fields. They received training in camping, youth development, and techniques designed to engage and inspire youths to become more interested in science fields. After training, the Ambassadors were sent to 4-H camps, the Eberly Science Camp, Camp Dawson( Military Families Camp), and the State Fair of West Virginia.
The STEM Ambassador camp course syllabus included hands-on classes such as bubble-ology( the chemistry and physics of bubbles), bridge building, robotics, forensic science,“ I want to be a veterinarian,” and ag-in-a-bag. And while the topics made learning fun, the summer statistics were powerful:
• More than 300 days of STEM programming
• 1,500 hours of direct STEM teaching for K-12 youths
• 20 counties receiving STEM programming
• 14,000 youths engaged in STEM-related activities
• 12 WVU students trained to deliver STEM education to state youths
A compelling outcome for the Ambassadors was their ability to promote their WVU college and field of study to youths across West Virginia, and to encourage them to earn a college degree in a STEM field.
Farrah El-Khatib, an exercise physiology major from Hurricane, said the Ambassadors program helped
4-H campers enjoy hands-on STEM projects.
her to deliver new opportunities to kids who might not otherwise be exposed to STEM education.
Debbie McDonald, WVU Extension Service 4-H program leader, said having college students deliver the STEM education had amazing results and impact on campers.
“ Our campers enjoy having a connection to a college student,” McDonald said.“ They like to hear about what classes they should take and what it’ s like to be on campus. These students are more than ambassadors; they’ re role models and mentors for the youths they serve.”
Ambassadors also gained life and teaching skills, including public speaking, improvising, working with children, and teaching new and sometimes unfamiliar information.
WVU Extension Service STEM Specialist John Kessel developed the Ambassador program and spearheaded collaborations among WVU Extension Service; Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources; Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design; Eberly College of Arts and Sciences; and the WVU Health Sciences Center.
By Cassie Waugh, Program Coordinator, Office of Communications, and Ann Berry, Associate Director, WVU Extension Service
WVU Update
The West Virginia University Extension Service and the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design are pleased to offer this educational insert to the Farm Bureau NEWS as a service to West Virginians. Check our websites s for more news( www. ext. wvu. edu and www. caf. wvu. edu). Joyce Bower, Editor Greg Jacobs, Graphic Designer Meg Baughman, Creative Director Editorial Planning Committee: Louise Donato, Joan Harman, Lewis Jett, John Murray, Ed Rayburn, Ben Spong, David Welsh, and Jennifer Williams
Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Director, Cooperative Extension Service, West Virginia University.
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Masthead Photo Credit: www. flickr. com / photos / lobstar / 890828552 /
iv / Fall 2012
Insert Provided by WVU Extension Service and Davis College of Ag., Natural Resources, and Design
16 West Virginia Farm Bureau News