Source: Torey Earle, extension specialist for 4-H youth development

Kentucky 4-H wants young people to grow up to be independent thinkers. Much of the programming efforts we do presents youth with situations where they have to learn how to think critically and solve problems. By developing these skills, young people can develop creative ways to solve the problems of the future and become the next generation of leaders.

4-H leaders know young people do not master these skills overnight so we incorporate critical thinking and problem solving into our projects and educational programs. 4-H’ers must use these skills as they figure out how to piece together their next creation in a 4-H sewing project, develop oral reasons for their livestock judging competition or program their robot to operate under certain parameters. 4-H provides a caring environment that allows youth to have confidence to try new things, make mistakes, rebound and try again.

This fall, Kentucky youth will showcase their critical thinking and problem-solving skills during one of the largest statewide science, technology, engineering and mathematic events—National Youth Science Day. This year’s National Youth Science Day experiment is called Game Changers. Game Changers will use innovative ways to engage 4-H’ers in several 4-H disciplines including civic engagement, agriculture and healthy living. During the experiment, 4-H’ers will develop a public service announcement of their choice using Scratch programming. They will also learn about algorithms and develop one to guide a robotic tractor across a game board to the barn while dodging boulders, clearing brambles and harvesting lettuce. Participants will also take a traditional playground game and then develop their own version of it using cause-and-effect statements.

To learn more how 4-H helps develop tomorrow’s leaders and about local National Youth Science Day experiment opportunities, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Extension office.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

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4-H