|
|
4-H broadens offeringsBOZEMAN, Mont. (AP)--The 4-H program long associated with kids' projects involving farm animals and crafts is expanding its work in science and technology. Eleven-year-old Keegan Grady has been working on a circuit board for a high-altitude weather balloon. "It sounded cool, and I like teamwork stuff," Grady said recently as he melted wire onto a 4-inch-long silicon board during a 4-H workshop near Bozeman. "There's definitely an image out there that we're ag," said Kirk Astroth, a curriculum specialist at the state 4-H office in Bozeman. "But I think 4-H has tried to keep current with the times and do things the kids are interested in." Around the United States, 4-H offices recently began an initiative called Science, Engineering and Technology, or SET. Its programs reach nearly 6 million young people in 4-H programs nationwide. Reaching another 1 million within five years is a 4-H goal. Astroth said the weather balloon project was the second SET program in Gallatin County, which has Montana's largest 4-H participation: 570 members. Statewide, 4-H draws about 25,000 participants. Gallatin County 4-H Agent Todd Kesner said plans here include a robotics program, but he was quick to add that 4-H is not dropping the activities with which it has long been associated. Kesner expects the SET programs to supplement existing activities related to agriculture. "It's just an opportunity to get more kids involved in science, because the future needs of the country and economy depend on getting some interest going in these areas," Kesner told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. "We'd like to keep a lot of these technologies (that were) invented on our shores." Date: 12/5/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
