Building Life Skills and Interest in STEM through Rural 4-H Robotics Camps
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| Title: | Building Life Skills and Interest in STEM through Rural 4-H Robotics Camps |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rayna Sage, Jaymie Vandagriff, Janet Schmidt |
| Source: | Journal of Human Sciences & Extension. 2018 6(1):18-35. |
| Availability: | School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University. PO Box 9745, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Tel: 662-325-6861; Fax: 662-325-8188; e-mail: jhse@ext.msstate.edu; Web site: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/jhse/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2018 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | STEM Education, Rural Areas, Daily Living Skills, Extension Education, Youth Programs, Robotics, Day Camp Programs, Program Effectiveness, Experiential Learning, Decision Making, Resources, Interpersonal Communication, Teamwork |
| ISSN: | 2325-5226 |
| Abstract: | Many rural communities are looking for inexpensive and innovative ways to engage youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). University Extension 4-H programs offer a unique platform to increase rural youth exposure to STEM and build important life skills. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to examine ways in which 47 youth in five rural robotics day camps grew in targeted 4-H life skills and enthusiasm for science. Campers perceived growth in their decision making and ability to use limited resources during these short day camps. Furthermore, participant observations and responses to open-ended prompts in their "science notebooks" provided insight as to potential mechanisms for this growth and behavioral patterns that enhanced the camper experience. We argue that increasing STEM knowledge and skills alone is not sufficient and that future STEM-focused programs should also target life skills such as decision making, teamwork, and communication. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1469795 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Many rural communities are looking for inexpensive and innovative ways to engage youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). University Extension 4-H programs offer a unique platform to increase rural youth exposure to STEM and build important life skills. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to examine ways in which 47 youth in five rural robotics day camps grew in targeted 4-H life skills and enthusiasm for science. Campers perceived growth in their decision making and ability to use limited resources during these short day camps. Furthermore, participant observations and responses to open-ended prompts in their "science notebooks" provided insight as to potential mechanisms for this growth and behavioral patterns that enhanced the camper experience. We argue that increasing STEM knowledge and skills alone is not sufficient and that future STEM-focused programs should also target life skills such as decision making, teamwork, and communication. |
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| ISSN: | 2325-5226 |
