This post is part of a special series written by students celebrating 4-H’s commitment to science.
What is 4-H? Does 4-H offer youth any opportunities to learn about science? As a very involved eight-year 4-H member, I believe I hold the key to unlocking the answers to these questions.
4-H is a nationwide organization that gives youth the opportunity to gain knowledge and life skills through hands-on learning experiences. Young people learn life skills by taking projects such as Foods, Sewing, Computers, Livestock, or Public Speaking. 4-H also builds character. Leadership, communication, time management, and responsibility are just a few traits it teaches. I love how 4-H has provided me with numerous opportunities to mature in knowledge, and how it is dedicated to preparing me for my future.
But it doesn’t stop there! 4-H desires to enrich youths’ lives through science. One of these is Science Workshops. Approximately 300 high school youth from across Indiana congregate at Purdue University for these workshops. Over the course of three days, the youth attend lectures, go on field trips, and perform science experiments in their selected field. I have attended these workshops twice studying small animals and food sciences, and each time was a blast! The workshops were presented in an interesting and understandable manner. They helped me see how much science I have learned through the 4-H projects I have taken. Science Workshops have really piqued my interest in the sciences. Another science-related activity 4-H participates in is 4-H National Youth Science Day. This program is done through the public schools in my county. The youth participate in science experiments that demonstrate how 4-H uses science. These are just a few of the science-related activities that 4-H offers.
Since attending 4-H Science Workshops, I have been enjoying science more and more. I believe science is very important for young people to learn and understanding well. The culture in which we live is extremely science and technology oriented, so it is vital for adolescents to be taught on those subjects. 4-H is a fantastic way for youth to gain a better understanding of science and become overall more productive citizens. I would encourage everyone to participate in 4-H.
I am a 16-year-old junior in high school and a Tippecanoe County 4-H member. Currently, I am interested in pursuing a career in Food Sciences or Business Management. I have 4-H to thank for much of my interest of, and knowledge in, science.
