Expansion, Enrichment, Endurance: Your Year‐Round Robotics Program Module 9

4‐H and Robotics What’s the Connection? Horses, Fishing, Sewing, Photography, Pets, Foods…..

4‐H and Robotics What’s the Connection? How does 4‐H fit robotics and technology? How does robotics fit within the structure and mission of 4‐H? How will you tie 4‐H and Robotics together?

How does 4‐H fit robotics and technology? Delivery systems and emphasis on experiential learning Life skills are developed Science, engineering, and technology are important fields for youth to explore

How does robotics fit within the structure and mission of 4‐H? Teamwork and sense of accomplishment. Competitive opportunities have similar goals, rewarding and regarding teamwork and achievement. Encouragement of lifelong interest and achievement in science and engineering

How will you tie 4‐H and Robotics together? Emphasizing ‘teachable moments’ Bringing robotics into the ‘traditional’ 4‐H experience

4‐H and Robotics What’s the Connection? Customize robotics experience Create 4-H opportunities which can be used as outlets for robotics projects.

4‐H and Robotics What’s the Connection? Get them Interested! How can we expose youth and families to the program, catch their interest, and encourage them to take part in programs?

Participation Progression

Items to Consider What activities can you plan that will expose youth and families to your robotics program? What do you most want them to learn during that first experience? What activity can you plan that will catch the interest of youth and families, and make them want to become a part of your program?

Items to Consider What will they learn about 4‐H and robotics that will spark their interest? How can you encourage youth and families to become invested in your program? What do they need to know about 4‐H to make it part of their family?

Imagine Expansion There are many different delivery modes available to expand a young person’s participation in the program. camps after school workshops military

Scenario 1 You visit an after school program to conduct a two hour robotics workshop. Some of the students show a great interest in robotics. How can you encourage them to find out more about 4‐H?

Scenario 2 Your county 4‐H summer camp asks you to present a 2 day “educational” session involving robots. The campers love playing with the WeDos, but many of them are not 4‐H members. How can you reach their families with more information?

Scenario 3 You take your robotics kits to a military base to run a program for young people in an Army 4‐H club. The youth don’t meet on a regular schedule, but show interest in pursuing 4‐H Science projects. How do you help them make the transition to your new club off‐post?

Reflection What was challenging about this activity? Which ideas or techniques were familiar to you? Which were new? Can you share a similar scenario that takes place in your program/community? How will you plan for those situations as a result of this activity? Do you need any more information or resources to help you engage youth in your program? Is there any other assistance I can provide to help you?

Retaining and Planning How do I keep youth interested, engaged, and learning meeting after meeting and program after program?

Retaining and Planning Expanding lessons for each platform can offer limitless possibilities for building and programming. Additional ideas and resources for expanding lessons are already available through many websites.

FIRST FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology.” FIRST offers a series of competitive experiences for several ages groups and encourages a learning process that meshes well with the 4‐H mission.

FIRST FIRST and 4‐H are partners, not competitors Young people can participate in both activities FIRST and 4‐H robotics programs are about positive youth development and encouraging young people to embrace and explore science, engineering, and technology.

Action Plan Update What goals do you have for your program? How do you want your program to grow or change? What change do you want to see in the youth who take part in your program? What will you do to make that change?

Action Plan This Action Plan encourages you to think big, but also to plan the concrete steps needed to reach each goal.

Closing and Questions Understand how 4-H and Robotics interact and complement each other. Learned about the options available to help you provide engaging programs to your robotics clubs. Learned ways to encourage and excite members. Learned about opportunities offered through FIRST.