UK BAE Extension

KENTUCKY 4-H/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ENCOURAGES
ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, LEADERSHIP EDUCATION

Writer: Ellen Brightwell
Sources: Larry Piercy

Kentucky's 4-H/Youth Development program offers a number of projects to promote and strengthen educational opportunities related to engineering and science. They are aerospace, bicycle, computer, electric/energy, small engines, lawn tractor and tractor.

These projects also enable 4-H members to be recognized for excelling in a particular science or technology area. Kentucky had four state winners competing in the National 4-H Engineering, Science and Leadership Event September 22-24, 2002 at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. They were David Piron of Kenton County, aerospace; Coley Miller of Calloway County, bicycle; Adam Butler of Spencer County, lawn tractor and Matthew Trowbridge of Lincoln County, tractor.

This competitive event stresses knowledge, skill and safety in each project area contest. Participants completed written examinations, followed by competitive skill events and educational workshops. Tours included the Indy 500 Race Track, Caterpillar Engine Plant, the Major Taylor Velodrome, and various engineering departments of Purdue University.

4-H members also had a chance to represent their state on teams for the Engineering Quiz Bowl. Teams were chosen on the basis of the best scores on the written examinations. It is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Services of participating states and is hosted by the Indiana CES and donors in various project areas. You can learn more about the National 4-H Engineering, Science, and Leadership Event at http://4hengineering.org

For more information on educational opportunities available through Kentucky 4-H/Youth Development programs, contact your county extension office.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Kentucky contestants: back row, left to right; Adam Butler, Spencer County, lawn tractor; Coley Miller, Calloway County, bicycle; David Piron, Kenton County, Aerospace; Matthew Trowbridge, Lincoln County, tractor. Accompanying the contestants were Cheryl Wyatt, Extension Associate for Bike/Ped Education; and Larry Piercy, Extension Farm Safety Specialist.