UC Blog
4-H Programs Focus on Science
California Classroom Science:
4-H Programs Focus on Science
by Steven Worker, Martin Smith, Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty, Richard Mahacek
4-H, the nation’s largest nonformal youth education program, has made a commitment to help address youth science literacy needs in the U.S. through its 4-H Science Mission Mandate. This effort seeks to engage youth across the country in out-of-school time science programming that is experientially based, uses inquiry methods, and supports the National Science Education Standards. By offering engaging science programming in nonformal settings, youth are provided with a variety of options that address different learning needs and promote excitement in learning about phenomena in the natural world.
The California 4-H Program, housed at the University of California in the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), has responded to the National 4-H Science Mission Mandate by launching a statewide 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative. These efforts aim to develop new and strengthen existing programmatic opportunities for California 4-H that align closely with the new UC ANR Strategic Vision 2025 that emphasizes the need for improved science literacy in natural resources, agriculture, and nutrition.
The goals of the California 4-H SET Initiative are to improve 4-H members’ understanding of science and help address the critical need for more scientists and engineers in the workforce. The expected outcomes of the initiative are to help youth improve their knowledge and skills around science, engineering, and technology; connect learning with real-world situations where youth can adopt and use new science methods or improved technology to solve problems; and, in the long term, increase the number and diversity of youth pursuing higher education and careers in science, engineering, and technology fields.
The 4-H program helps young people, ages 5-19, reach their fullest potential as competent, confident individuals who contribute to and are connected with their communities. 4-H serves youth throughout California in urban, suburban and rural communities. In 4-H programs, youth serve in leadership roles where they set goals, develop plans, complete projects, and reflect on their experiences. Using a learn-by-doing educational model, 4-H helps youth develop essential skills that they will use throughout their lives, such as identifying and nurturing interests, desiring knowledge, setting goals, self-reflection, adapting to new situations, communicating, and responding to the needs of others.
The California 4-H Program involves 210,000 active youth members supported by 14,000 adult volunteer educators in 4-H clubs, camps, short-term projects, and school-enrichment activities. 4-H provides youth with an opportunity to develop strong, positive relationships with adults while engaging in meaningful activities. By placing an emphasis on youth-adult partnerships, both members and volunteers can effectively learn, plan, and work together.
County Cooperative Extension 4-H staff partner with schools and other community-based education programs on 4-H SET projects and programs. 4-H Youth Development staff deliver professional development workshops focused on effective science pedagogy and utilize a range of 4-H curricula in different content areas that support state and national science education standards. Professional development opportunities are tailored to meet the needs of partner organizations. 4-H curricula are designed using experiential and inquiry-based methods that help build knowledge and skills by drawing on the natural curiosity and creativity of youth.
For more information about 4-H and to access 4-H SET curriculum materials, please visit us at www.ca4h.org.
Steven Worker, Martin Smith, Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty, and Richard Mahacek are with the California 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Leadership Team
http://www.classroomscience.org/4-h-programs-focus-on-science
/h2>/h2>Farm advisor helps keep Napa County agriculture safe and strong
Napa County UC Cooperative Extension viticulture advisor Monica Cooper is critical to the local agricultural industry, but her role is not well understood by the public, according to a profile in the Napa Valley Register.Cooper took the post two years ago, following the untimely death of her predecessor Ed Weber.
“Monica could not have arrived at a more important time for Napa’s winegrape industry,” the story quoted Jennifer Putnam, executive director of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Association. “We were incredibly fortunate to have such an accomplished entomologist in the role just as the European grapevine moth infestation was being discovered. She, along with our ag commissioner and others, quickly developed and acted on a plan to control the spread of this devastating pest. Her sense of urgency and expertise were critical in our ability to get a handle on that outbreak.”
Cooper has a doctorate degree in plant medicine from the University of Florida, where she also studied entomology, plant pathology, weed and soil science, agronomy and horticulture, the article said.
“I think Monica has (been) a tremendous asset for the valley,” Whitmer was quoted. “I feel bad that right out of the gate she had to deal with the European grapevine month, but she’s been a tremendous help in providing the science to help fight it.”
A former Peace Corps volunteer, Cooper got her start at UC in the Berkeley laboratory of biological control specialist Kent Daane.
Cooper told reporter Paul Franson she is happy with her job in Napa.
"I love working in an agricultural county,” Cooper was quoted. “The variety of work is most interesting, too. You never know what will happen and I could never sit in an office all day. I love working with growers. They’re always thirsty for information.”
Dogan named YFC associate director of Program and Policy - 4-H Youth Development
We are pleased to announce that Shannon Dogan has been selected as Associate Director of Program and Policy - 4-H Youth Development for the Statewide Youth, Families and Communities Program, effective May 1. As associate director, Dogan will provide statewide programmatic leadership as well as administrative and operational support to the 4-H Youth Development Program and serve as its director.
“Chosen from a group of highly qualified applicants, Shannon possesses a unique set of skills, experience and abilities needed for success in this position,” said Sharon Junge, acting 4-H director and HFC Strategic Initiative leader, who will retire March 31. “Her command of youth development research and theory and passion for putting it into practice will be a real asset to the program.”
Currently Dogan serves as 4-H Youth Development advisor for Placer and Nevada counties and has served on several statewide 4-H advisory committees. She earned her Ph.D. in human development from UC Davis, with an emphasis in social, emotional, and cognitive development, particularly during childhood and adolescence.
Dogan will be reporting to Connie Schneider, who on April 1 will become director of the Youth, Families and Communities Statewide Program. As associate director, Dogan will serve on the YFC Senior Leadership Team, which is composed of the associate director of 4-H program policy; chair of EFNEP Leadership Council; associate director of 4-H youth development-research; associate director of nutrition-research; associate director of family & communities-research; associate director for development and director of the 4-H Foundation; and YFC management services officer.
“I am excited about the energy and perspective Shannon will bring to the YFC Senior Leadership Team,” said Schneider. “Shannon possesses the passion for academic and programmatic excellence and a keen desire to assure that our UC ANR YFC programs are making a difference in the lives of Californians.”
In her new role, Dogan will provide administrative oversight for policy development, program guidance, outreach, educational curriculum and professional development for ANR's 4-H Youth Development Program, which operates in 57 counties and reaches over 250,000 youth and volunteers.
Executive Working Group
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This announcement is also posted and archived on the ANR Update pages.
UCCE's Richard Molinar appointed to USDA advisory committee
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Richard Molinar to a two-year term on the Minority Farmer Advisory Committee, said a USDA news release issued on Friday. Molinar is the only California representative on the roster.
The 15-member committee will advise Vilsack on implementation of outreach and assistance efforts to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, promote the participation of minority farmers and ranchers in USDA programs, and support civil rights activities with USDA.
"The Obama Administration is committed to ushering in a new era of civil rights at USDA," Vilsack was quoted in the release. "This advisory committee will provide guidance that will ensure that all eligible applicants for our programs are served in an equal and fair manner and will enable USDA to enhance opportunities for minority farmers and ranchers."
Under Secretary Vilsack's leadership, USDA is addressing civil rights concerns that go back decades, the release said. It listed the following examples:
- Vilsack communicated his commitment to improving the USDA's record on civil rights during a live webcast with employees on his first day in office.
- USDA worked with the Department of Justice to enter into a settlement with black farmers.
- USDA and DOJ settled a class action lawsuit filed by Native American farmers alleging discrimination by USDA.
- Last month, Vilsack and DOJ announced the establishment of a process to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who assert that they were discriminated against when seeking USDA farm loans.
News of Molinar's appointment was picked up by the Fresno Bee, Agri-Pulse.com, and AgNetwork.com.
Richard Molinar
Los Angeles invokes its agricultural past
Urban Farming magazine gave its readers a "whirlwind introduction" to a few Los Angeles residents and programs that are working to bring back a modicum of the metropolis' agricultural past. The first vignette in "Urban Farm Road Trip, Los Angeles" featured Yvonne Savio and the UC Cooperative Extension Common Ground Program she coordinates.
Most counties in the country have a Cooperative Extension service that dispenses agricultural, horticultural and nutritional information, the article said. But the program in Los Angeles County is unique. Common Ground trains Master Gardeners to teach low-income individuals and families how to grow their own food, wrote Erik Knutzen.
"We give people the tools to change their lives -- beautification, culture, emotional, physical and psychological health -- all the good stuff comes through gardening," Savio was quoted in the story.
Because of the tough economic times, LA County Cooperative Extension has launched the "Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative," which encourages citizens to adopt the last century's wartime tradition of growing food to help ease the burden on the nation's food production and distribution infrastructure.
The Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative helps new gardeners start their own gardens quickly and easily in a container, in the backyard or at a community garden.
Yvonne Savio