Welcome to 4-H STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Science can be defined as the study of the world around us; a thread that runs through all aspects of our lives. Science is the theory that lies behind all 4-H projects. Technology can be defined as the tools and applications of science that help individuals advance their world and their own development. 

The strength of 4-H lies in its emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning opportunities; programs that connect learning to real-life situations; and its connection to the Land-Grant University system.

Current Research on Need for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Report from Public Policy Forum Supports Need for SET (STEM) Emphasis A new report from the Milwaukee based, Public Policy Forum, highlights the future needs for STEM skills in Wisconsin jobs, how schools are preparing students for these jobs and whether STEM is a priority for education in Wisconsin.

Newest Results from the Study of PYD includes SET responses The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development being conducted by the Lerner’s at Tufts University added questions in 2008 regarding science, engineering and computer technology (SET) interests and attitudes.

News Release: 4-H Sparks Science Achievement in Children Children involved in 4-H perform better in those subjects and are more likely to pursue science careers, according to the results from the Lerner study, released October 7th in conjunction with 4-H National Youth Science Day.

Wisconsin 4-H STEM Reports

Wisconsin 4-H STEM Impact Report Scroll down the page to this article:

Blast Off! 4-H Launches Rocketry and other science-based projects

Wisconsin 4-H STEM Overview Summer 2009 This summary highlights some of the SET activities that are occuring in Wisconsin.

4-H STEM National Mission

One Million New Scientists. One Million New Ideas.™

The United States is falling dangerously behind other nations in developing its future workforce of scientists, engineers, and technology experts. To ensure global competitiveness, we must act now to prepare the next generation of science, engineering, and technology leaders. Read more..

Science, Engineering and Technology Programming in the Context of 4-H Youth Development

SET Programming in the Context of 4-H Youth DevelopmentThe National 4-H STEM Leadership Team commissioned this paper in October 2006 to identify an established set of nationally recognized standards in science, engineering, and technology (SET) that 4-H could align with, and a set of life-skill outcomes (SET abilities) that could be addressed with reasonable certainty within the context of 4-H Youth Development.

The report is intended for use by National 4-H STEM Leadership Team members and Extension professionals to support the work of state and county 4-H staff and volunteers, and to serve as a framework for design, implementation and evaluation of 4-H programs and curriculum materials.

4-H STEM Contacts:

If you have any questions or comments, please contact:

Debra Ivey
4-H Youth Development Educator / 4-H Project Lead the Way Coordinator
Iowa County - UW Extension
222 N Iowa St, Ste 1
Dodgeville, WI 53533
Phone: 608-935-0391
Fax: 608-935-3024
Email: debra.ivey@ces.uwex.edu

Ian Meeker
4-H Youth Development Educator
Bayfield County Administration Bldg
117 E. 5th Street
Washburn, WI 54891-9464
Phone: 715-373-6104 Ext 249
Fax: 715-373-6304
Email: ian.meeker@ces.uwex.edu

Charles (Chuck) Prissel
4-H Youth Development Educator
Polk County - UW Extension
100 Polk County Plaza
Suite 210
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Phone: 715-485-8600
Fax: 715-485-8601
Email: charles.prissel@ces.uwex.edu

Catherine (Cathy) Vrentas, Ph. D
Outreach Specialist
425 Henry Mall
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: 608-265-2420
Fax: 608-262-6748
Email: catherine.vrentas@ces.uwex.edu

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