Science and Technology
Number of unique resources found: 116
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Description: Computers for YouthÂ’s mission is to improve the educational, social and economic prospects for low-income students and their families by providing them with home computers and the skills to use them. CFY serves low-income New York City children and their parents who are predominantly Black and Hispanic. We select our families by choosing public middle schools with a very high percentage of students eligible for federally subsidized free lunch. By serving every member of the school community, we reach "at-risk" youth together with their peers.
Description: Web site designed to encourage girls' interest in engineering. The site includes information about what engineers do, great achievements in engineering, career facts, puzzles and games, the opportunity to ask questions of engineers, and links to related sites.
Home Computer Access and Internet Use
Description: In 2009, more than three out of four children (77 percent) ages three to 17 used the Internet at home, more than three times as many as in 1997 (22 percent). Ninety-three percent had access to a computer at home, up from 15 percent in 1984.
I WAS Wondering: Women's Adventures in Science
Description: The Web site iWASwondering.org is a project of the National Academy of Sciences intended to showcase the accomplishments of contemporary women in science and to highlight for young people the varied and intriguing careers of some of today's most prominent scientists.
International Society for Technology in Education - Technology Literacy Standards
Description: ISTE is a nonprofit professional organization with a worldwide membership of leaders and potential leaders in educational technology. We are dedicated to promoting appropriate uses of information technology to support and improve learning, teaching, and administration in K–12 education and teacher education. ISTE’s role is leadership—we provide our members with information, networking opportunities, and guidance as they face the challenge of incorporating computers, the Internet, and other new technologies into their schools.
Description: Just Think teaches young people to lead healthy, responsible, independent lives in a culture highly impacted by media. They provide curricula and programs that teach media production and critical thinking skills.
Description: This site provides tips and resources for parents and educators to protect children from Internet dangers.
Techbridge: Encouraging Girls in Technology, Science, and Engineering
Description: Techbridge: Encouraging Girls in Technology, Science, and Engineering
Techbridge is an NSF-funded program to encourage more girls to become interested in technology, science, and engineering. Its web site offers a description of the program and a variety of useful, well-annotated resources to accomplish Techbridge's mission.
Women in Mathematics: Resources and Other Useful Stuff
Description: Sponsored by CAMEL, the Canadian Mathematical Society, this site contains information and excellent links of interest to women in mathematics and to those contemplating careers in mathematics. Separate sections devoted to Educational Issues for Girls and Women; Biographies; Organizations; Books, Articles, Speeches, and Bibliographies; and Miscellaneous Mathematical Links.
Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ON THE AIR!
Description: The Women in Technology (WIT) Project, at Vermont Technical College, is committed to encouraging young women in middle school and high school to study math, science and technology and to explore opportunities for careers in these fields. Through our Summer Technology Camps, Speakers Bureau, and many other programs, we help girls, parents and teachers dispel stereotypes and overcome barriers to girls' educational and career success.
Description: The Women in Technology Project is a statewide project funded by the U.S. Department of Labor as a workforce development project to encourage women and girls into science, technology, engineering and math careers and into other non-traditional occupations for women. The web site includes information about all the initiatives, along with resource articles, scholarship information, a calendar of events, and extensive links to related sites.
– General Information –
4000 Years of Women in Science
Description: Women are and always have been scientists. This site profiles over 100 women from our scientific and technical past. Plus there are marvelous links to other sites on women in science.
Afro-American Science, Math, Literature and Cultural Resources 
Author: CYFERnet Program Editors, (12 more by this author)
Description: Afro-Americans have contributed greatly to the knowledge and well-being of our nature. Here is a selection to enable you to explore the science, engineering and cultural contributions. In honor of Coretta Scott King's effort to promote peace, non-violent social change, brotherhood and literature, check out these online resources on African American history and issues, as well as a selection of literary works for sharing with children and young people (check for these at your public library).
Description: Be Web Aware is a national, bilingual public education program on Internet safety.
Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use
Author: Willard, Nancy
Description: Web site with information on effective strategies to assist young people in acquiring knowledge, decision-making skills, motivation, and self-control to behave in a safe, responsible and legal manner when using the Internet and other information technologies.
Author: Dierenfield, Candi; Deborah Conklin
Description: Program example - 3 day camp with a focus on fitness, biking, learning and using GPS that includes building safety skills and team work.
Extension, Science, Engineering, & Technology (ESET)
Description: This is the place for you if you're interested in science and technology education for youth! Explore this site to find science activities, educator workshops and links to other resources.
Description: A new trend in video production is the not-quite-prime-time production value of grassroots video. Video production and online distribution is easy and getting cheaper all the time. Youth can use this medium to express themselves, teach others and to learn technology skills.
Helping Our Children Succeed: What's Broadband got to do with it?
Author: KirkHart, April; Wendy Lazarus; James Lau
Description: This issue brief is designed to help leaders for children better understand what broadband is and what is at stake for our nation's 73 million children in the policy debate, and to offer concrete ways that leaders can make children's needs a priority and advocate for digital opportunities for all youth.
OMG wu gf? Cul8r lol <3! ... Understanding the Communication Style of Teens
Author: Bovitz, Laura (4 more by this author)
Description: This workshop provided an introduction to the world of teen communication and a view into the technology that teens use to share information and keep in touch with friends. Strategies and resources for educators who work with teens and information on on-line safety are included. (2008 CYFAR Conference Presentation)
Skillathons for Science, Technology and Engineering
Author: Dunham, Trudy (5 more by this author); CYFERnet TEam
Description: Skillathons are challenging, non-competitive learning-by-doing-stations that engage youth in a realistic situation and task to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. How to develop a skillathon and sample skillathons.
Author: CYFERNet Team, (14 more by this author); Jay Staker; Trudy Dunham
Description: Activities to learn about space science. Use your computer to view the same sky you'd see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope, including constellations, planets and nebulae, as well as landscapes and atmospheres. Experience outer space in 3D travel beyond our solar system, at any speed, at any moment in time and in any direction. Observe satellites crossing the skies.
Teen Talk: Teens and Social Networking Websites
Author: Gengler, Colleen (7 more by this author)
Description: A fact sheet for parents about teenagers and their use of social networking sites.
Teen Talk: Teens and the Internet
Author: Gengler, Colleen (7 more by this author)
Description: A fact sheet for parents about teenagers and the risks and benefits of the Internet.
We Connect: An Opening to the World
Author: Skuza, Jennifer (1 more by this author); Maki Kawase; Jessica P. Russo
Description: Jennifer A. Skuza, Jessica P. Russo and Maki Kawase, University of Minnesota
How often do young people think about thinking - especially in a global context? Participate in this workshop and discover a new approach to build cultural responsiveness into middle school youth programs by focusing on the mind and leveraging 21st century learning skills.
Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ON THE AIR!
Description: “An audio resource for young girls, young women, parents, middle and high school teachers, college professors, guidance counselors, . . . and anyone interested in learning more about the past, present, and future role of women in science and technology education, fields, and careers." Included are brief audio profiles of great women in the history of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; full-length audio accounts of what today's women are doing to encourage the next generation achieve success in these fields; interviews between teen girls and successful women in these fields; and more. The site also offers ideas for using these audio resources.
Description: The increase in youth technology use in recent years can be viewed both positively and negatively. Youth can put themselves at risk using the internet and cell phones. However, these technologies also provide unique and effective ways for programs to reach youth. The following CYFERnet resources provide a variety of information and resources about youth and technology.
– Other Resources –
Career and Technology Education Newsletter
Description: National Dropout Prevention Center/Network Newsletter covering the topic of career and technology education.
Author: Pinkard, Nichole
Description: Through a mix of during school, afterschool, and online spaces, the Digital Youth Network (DYN) provides youth opportunities to develop and apply new media literacy in ways that are personally and academically meaningful to them. Guided by more experienced peers and professional adult artists/mentors trained in elements of pedagogy, youth produce and share digital artifacts, demonstrate new media skills and understandings, and critique media projects within the DYN community. Interactions between the learner, his or her peers, and adult mentors result in an environment in which the possession and demonstration of one’s new media literacy increases status and social capital.
MySpace, Facebook, and Youth: What Do Social Network Sites Have to Offer Youth Development?
Author: Greenhow, Christine (1 more by this author)
Description: Millions of youth spend time everyday learning, communicating and connecting in online social network sites such as MySpace or Facebook. Despite the media's mostly negative portrayal of youth activities in these spaces, social network sites can have positive and educational benefits. However, much of the research on this topic is still emerging or has taken place in fields other than education. This 90-minute video presentation focuses on emerging research that looks in-depth at youth activities, perceptions, and experiences in online social network sites and considers their implications for the field of youth development/youth education. Emphasis is placed on youth activities and relationships in these online spaces.
Urban Youth and Nature: Changing Lives, Transforming Communities!
Description: The amount of time young people spend in the outdoors has decreased significantly, research shows. This human cost of alienation affects not only youth, but it also shapes adults, families and communities. Never before has this been so true as for youth living in poverty and in dense urban communities. How do we reverse these trends and provide meaningful connections that last a lifetime? This 60-minute video presentation addresses disparities and provides critical insights into the importance of reconnecting urban youth with our natural environment.
What You Need to Know About the National Framework for K-12 Science Education Standards
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author)
Description: The National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies released A National Framework for K-12 Science Education Standards as the foundational work for the development of National Science Standards. What does that mean for 4-H? Staker provides an overview of the Framework and its three dimensions (Scientific and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Core Ideas) to help you understand what the Next Generation Science standards are and how you can apply them in your 4-H program work.
- More about "What You Need to Know About the National Framework for K-12 Science Education Standards"
– Professional Development –
4-H science, engineering, and technology (SET)
Author: Schmitt‐McQuitty, Lynn; Sharon Junge, Martin Smith, Richard Mahacek
Description: The 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Initiative targets the K-12 youth science literacy problem in the U.S. by engaging youth in nonformal 4-H SET projects and programs. Strengthen your understanding of experiential and inquiry-based learning and learn how to use best practices and examples of 4-H SET programming.
Author: Sumner, Mark
Description: The objective of the 4-H Virtual Farm is to provide youth with an opportunity to learn basic agricultural concepts. The 4-H Virtual Farm takes visitors on a tour of the farming industry.
Description: A new trend in video production is the not-quite-prime-time production value of grassroots video. Video production and online distribution is easy and getting cheaper all the time. Youth can use this medium to express themselves, teach others and to learn technology skills.
Internet Science and Technology Fair
Description: The Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF) is a new kind of science fair perfectly suited to the Internet Era. Youngsters do all their research online and "talk" with their technical advisor via e-mail. Eventually, they design a website illustrating their conclusions.
Science Inquiry and Engineering Design Process:
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author); Lisa Regalla, Anne Stevenson
Description: How-to training videos on the Science Inquiry and Engineering Design processes, plus videos on 4-H Science, SciGirls resources, and tips to effectively implement strategies research have indicated enhance engagement and learning. Brought to you by CYFERnet, SciGirls and Minnesota 4-H, our goal is to enable nonformal youth educators to be both comfortable and effective in facilitating the science inquiry and engineering design process with youth. These brief videos showcase the training process with hands-on activities and tips to enhance the implementation. Site includes links to related resources to support your professional development and use of these processes in your STEM programming.
Author: Anderson, Kim (2 more by this author)
Description: A fact sheet containing rules for safe science experiments.
STEM-rich learning in Out-of-School-Time
Description: This archived webinar was sponsored by the CYFERnet SchoolAge Editorial Board in March 2013. Do you offer STEM learning activities in your out-of-school-time program? Or are you nervous about providing these activities? Does your staff know how to provide STEM-rich learning? Do you want to provide STEM-rich learning opportunities in your program or train your staff to provide STEM-rich learning opportunities? This webinar will focus on how to train staff, key components of STEM-rich learning and STEM curricula to use in out-of-school-time programs.
What's the Big Idea? Framing Science with Crosscutting Concepts
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author); Bob Horton, Trudy Dunham
Description: How do you think about the world? What dimensions or concepts are most salient? Join Jay Staker and Bob Horton for an intriguing discussion of big ideas and crosscutting concepts, and the role they can play in what we observe, what we wonder about, and what we teach and learn. This webinar is a dialogue about the crosscutting concepts defined in the new "A Framework for K-12 Science" and their importance in informal science learning (and other disciplines as well!). Adding them to our teaching and facilitation can support content learning, as well as innovation, inquiry, and self-directed learning.
– Programming Resource –
4-H Geospatial Programming Resources
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author)
Description: This page supports all who work with geospatial programs in 4-H and CYFAR, with opportunities for program staff and members to interact with experts and each other, build skills, share program ideas, and develop their programs. Links to valuable curriculum and program resources are also provided.
Author: Sumner, Mark
Description: The objective of the 4-H Virtual Farm is to provide youth with an opportunity to learn basic agricultural concepts. The 4-H Virtual Farm takes visitors on a tour of the farming industry.
Aerospace Adventures 4: Pilot in Command
Description: Youth create their own altitude tracker & determine fuel efficient routes between airports. Youth also explore pilot certification requirements, evaluate past & present navigation systems, and learn about airport issues in their state. Grades 10-12
Aerospace Adventures: Helper's Guide
Description: Many ideas are included in this guide for hands--on experiential group activities, such as an aerospace quiz bowls, skillathons and an airport field day. The group activities help youth develop teamwork and leadership skills.
Description: AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM is a grassroots program coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture. Its goal is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society, so that they may become citizens who support wise agricultural policies.
Ciencia Para Niños (Science for Kids)
Description: This site is the Spanish version of the Science for Kids site. It is designed to nurture an interest in science by explaining, often in playful ways, how science affects everyday life and why it can make an interesting career.
Description: An interactive website designed for 8 to 16 year olds that teaches them about online issues such as netiquette, safety, copyrights, ethics, web evaluation, and communicating. Outlines of the different sections are available for teachers and parents.
Description: The National Science Foundation CS Bits & Bytes is a biweekly newsletter highlighting innovative computer science research. Aimed at high school teachers and students, it emphasizes how computer science permeates and improves our lives and supports progress in many other disciplines. CS Bits & Bytes issues include profiles of the individuals who do this exciting work and include links to interactive activities and videos. You can check out the archive at this site, and/or request the newsletter be emailed to you.
Description: Resources and activities for students, teachers, and parents related to science and history.
Educating Young People About Water
Description: The Educating Young People About Water curriculum materials help youth professionals develop a community-based, youth water education program that targets youth and links key community members in partnerships.
Description: Electric Excitement 1: Grades 4-5
Electric Excitement 2: Grades 6-7
Electric Excitement 3: Grades 8-9
Electric Excitement 4: Grades 9-12
Set includes Electric Excitement Guides 1-4 plus the Helper's Guide.
Engineering With Technology Tools
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author); Kathleen Jamison
Description: The 4-H SET Mission Mandate creates an opportunity of awareness in staff and youth to learn SET using exciting computer technology tools. Engage youth in relevant, fun learning that focuses on the engineering process. The experiences include problem solving, communication, community service, and aesthetics. Come learn SketchUp, Alice, and West Point Bridge Design software and start engineering your program.
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author); Jay Staker
Description: Engineering is a fun job because you get to use your imagination to create things that don’t exist yet. Engineers use math and science skills to turn a drawing or an idea into reality. In the past century, engineers have changed everyone’s lives by bringing us electricity, mechanized farming, air travel, compact disks and much more. Here are some activities you can make, then use your imagination to create what doesn't yet exist.
Exergames: Using Videogames to Promote Physical Activity (Research Summary)
Author: Chamberlin, Barbara (2 more by this author)
Description: In this video presentation, Prof. Barbara Chamberlin reviews recent game trends, research on use and effectiveness, and provide details on a new CYFAR exergames initiative. (Research Presentation at 2008 CYFAR conference)
Exploring Earth's Limited Resource: The World of Water
Author: Barnett, Cynthia
Description: One of the goals of the California 4-H Youth Development Program is to boost science literacy of California youth. The Toyota 4H20 project helps young people become engaged in experiential activities to learn about water quality and water conservation, while making personal commitments to conserve water. Youth also learn how to extend the current drinking water supply for future generations.
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author); Jay Staker
Description: Step right up to state fair season with CYFERnet! Discover the secrets behind the deep-fried, the thrill ride, and those impossible carnival games with a trio of fun activities. Includes recipes and why fair food tastes so good, and the science behind fair rides and midway challenges.
Gardening with Military Family Members
Description: Tools for military helping professionals and military families to get into the garden. The site focuses on gardening benefits that are particularly relevant to military families.
Geospatial -Exploring Spaces, Going Places
Description: Exploring Spaces, Going Places explores the world of geospatial science and goes where no 4-H project has ever gone before! Accessed entirely on one CD, the three youth levels and helper's guide are valuable resources to anyone interested in geospatial technology, geographic education, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Activities correlate with National Education Standards.
Description: This interactive web-based program engages youth, ages 8-19 in science, technology, and math experiences. Users follow jean trends, calculate their average Frisbee throw, learn to fit a bicycle, and more.
Description: A new trend in video production is the not-quite-prime-time production value of grassroots video. Video production and online distribution is easy and getting cheaper all the time. Youth can use this medium to express themselves, teach others and to learn technology skills.
Hands-On Educational Intervention for Middle School: Robotics, GPS/GIS, and Programming
Author: Barker, Brad
Description: The 4-H GEAR-Tech-21 Program integrates educational robotics and GPS/GIS skills to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge, competencies, and attitudes amongst middle school youth. Nationwide, participants receive at least 240 hours of focused, hands-on experience over two years in a camp and a club or afterschool setting. Curriculum, training, professional development, and continued support are available to leaders.
- More about "Hands-On Educational Intervention for Middle School: Robotics, GPS/GIS, and Programming"
Harnessing Technology in Out-of-School Time Settings
Description: This "Snapshot," "Harnessing Technology in Out-of-School Time Settings," provides an overview of out-of-school time (OST) programs that use technology. It examines the diverse ways in which these programs utilize technology, how they are being evaluated, the outcomes associated with participation in these programs, and common implementation challenges and successes.
Headlines to Health!: An Environmental Health Curriculum for Youth
Author: Kochert, Jessica; Joy Cantrell Jordan, University of Florida - 4-H Youth Development Program
Description: CYFAR 2009 presentation about an environmental health curriculum. Includes a schedule and several activities from the curriculum.
Helping Our Children Succeed: What's Broadband got to do with it?
Author: KirkHart, April; Wendy Lazarus; James Lau
Description: This issue brief is designed to help leaders for children better understand what broadband is and what is at stake for our nation's 73 million children in the policy debate, and to offer concrete ways that leaders can make children's needs a priority and advocate for digital opportunities for all youth.
Description: Games and activities for high school students in the areas of reading, science, literature, and test preparation.
Description: The site has online computer projects for 4-H members to complete.
Internet Science and Technology Fair
Description: The Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF) is a new kind of science fair perfectly suited to the Internet Era. Youngsters do all their research online and "talk" with their technical advisor via e-mail. Eventually, they design a website illustrating their conclusions.
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author)
Description: The December 2009 Mission of the Month. To close out the Year of Astronomy, hurtle yourself through outer space via one of the great free, downloadable star systems and imagine a universe of black holes and worm holes, how one travels and survives. A great chance to apply your imagination to the science of space.
Author: Pond, Kim; Phyllis Bocage
Description: Kids Capture the Universe, a program developed by MIT, combines the interest in astronomy with the technology of computers were youth utilize actual pictures acquired through telescopes to practice basic computer skills. Youth learn about telescopes, astronomy and the software while working on teams for a final presentation.
Microblogging with Presence Technologies: Go Tweet!
Author: Nordby, Ann (24 more by this author)
Description: This dynamic technology trend takes advantage of our skills in texting or SMS. Presence Technologies enable short messages across Internet and mobile phones to send status updates called "tweets". It is being used in a variety of ways. The most popular of these is Twitter.
Description: Games and activities for middle school students in the areas of reading, writing, math, science, and outdoors.
Author: CYFERNet Team, (14 more by this author)
Description: Mission of the Month highlights a range of activities that integrate technology and one of our three 4-H Mission Mandates: Science, Engineering & Technology; Healthy Lifestyles; or Youth in Governance. Each mission is centered on a theme and includes activities that work across a range of programs and ages. Missions are listed by title and date.
Author: Dunham, Trudy (5 more by this author)
Description: Today, one in seven people do not get enough food to be healthy and lead an active life. Yet there is enough food in the world for everyone to have the nourishment necessary for a healthy and productive life. How can this be? How can hunger and malnutrition be the number one risk to health worldwide – a risk greater than that due to AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined? This mission provides activities and games, both online and offline, as well as video and reflection questions to facilitate youth learning about the issues of hunger and food security, and consideration of the importance of this issue in today's world.
Mission of the Month: Backyard Bird Count
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author); Jay Staker
Description: This is an easy project for CYFAR programs to pull together. Just count the birds (by species) in your backyard (or other convenient location) for 15 minutes (or longer) on one of these 4 days. There are a few more rules, but it is an uncomplicated way to add citizen science and community service activities to your program, as well as introducing the key issues of biodiversity and climate change.
Mission of the Month: Biodiversity
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author)
Description: Why should we care about biodiversity? In a world of rapid change, isn't it nice to have some sameness? While it may be pretty, convenient and efficient -- it isn't as strong and resilient as a diverse ecosystem. Check out these activities, resources and ideas to learn more about how plants or animals that are susceptible in a monoculture environment, and the extra efforts needed to sustain them. In a biodiverse ecosystem, you will see a complex web of relationships among organisms that allow them all to survive and flourish
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author); Trudy Dunham
Description: This month, we examine inner space – DNA, a part of your body that is too small to see, but that makes each living thing unique. After examining what DNA is and why it is in the news today, there are two activities. You may extract actual DNA from banana cells using some commonly found materials and tools. You can also debate the pros and cons of manipulating DNA, a field known as genetic engineering. DNA is the code for life. Each of the cells in your body holds strings of DNA that are too small to see even with a microscope. But even though it is very small, it is very important. It defines what you look like and many other things about you. Learn more about DNA
Mission of the Month: Down the Drain
Author: Dunham, Trudy (5 more by this author); Jay Staker
Description: Water - it is essential to life. But to fulfill its essential rule, the water must be "quality". This means that the water must be clean enough so you and other plants and animals can drink it without getting sick. And have sufficient oxygen to support our plants and fish that live under water. We don't always recognize how much our individual behavior and our life style affects water quality. When we put something 'down the drain' either in our homes or in our streets, we impact our water. National Youth Science Day will focus on water quality and its connection to climate change this year. As you prepare for that activity, here are some additional activities and resources to support the learning about our water cycle and how we impact water quality in our communities and the world.
Mission of the Month: Drinking Water
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author); Trudy Dunham
Description: More than two-thirds of the surface of our planet is covered with water, and yet we are facing water shortages! These statements seem contradictory at first, but let's look more closely at water. What is it? When people talk about water they can mean different things. Water is a chemical compound made of 2 hygrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom, H2O. Water is also what comes out of your faucet. That water is more than H2O -- it also contains minerals, oxygen, and other things such as chlorine, which purifies the water. Water is also found in bottles in shops. But the contents of these bottles varies a lot!
Mission of the Month: Engineering and Bridges
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author); Jay Staker
Description: February hosts National Engineers Week, so this month’s Mission of the Month is all about engineering, and one type of engineering project — bridges. Engineers take the principles of science and math and apply them directly to making things or solving problems. There are many types of engineers and your lives are touched by their work every day. Engineers help make things safe. Buildings, roads, bridges, machines, cars, toys, computers, clothes, furniture, food, bicycles, planes, rockets, boats, pens, medicines, replacement joints, artificial heart valves and cell phones are just a short list of what engineers dream up or improve. They design rides at Disneyland and toys like the Slinky. They are involved in every step of these processes from design, manufacture, testing, and repair.Engineering is a field that offers a wide variety of opportunities for careers that are rewarding personally and financially. As you do this month’s Mission, think about your future and whether you might like to be an engineer. Read more about engineering as a career.
Mission of the Month: Engineering- Designing Issues
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author); Trudy Dunham, Lisa Regalla
Description: Do you enjoy puzzles and challenges? Would you like a career that is about making the lives of others better? Does the idea of being a part of a team that works to cure a disease like cancer, or to solve major problems such as climate change, sound more like what you would like to do with your life? Then maybe you do want to be an engineer! Check out this Mission for a variety of hands on activities and challenges that draw on your engineering skills and innovation -- from constructing a trebuchet to designing a life-size puppet!
Mission of the Month: Growth and Gardens
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author); Jay Staker
Description: Interested in plants? Here is an opportunity to do citizen science, or just plain science by digging in the dirt, identifying plants, and other activities and science projects.
Mission of the Month: How many worlds would it take?
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author); Jay Staker
Description: The way we live – traveling, eating, staying warm in the winter – has a cost to the earth. But some of us use more resources to support our lifestyles than others. Some people tread lightly on the earth, and others use more than their share of what the earth has to offer us. How many worlds we need to support ourselves if everyone on earth lived the way we do? There are a lot of factors to consider. The concept of "carrying capacity", the number of living things - plants as well as animals - that an area of land or water can support at any one time might be a good starting point. This and other activities support your exploration of this topic.
Mission of the Month: Into The Vortex – All About Tornadoes
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author)
Description: As the US enters tornado season, there is a lot to know about these funnel-shaped summer storms. What causes them? How strong are their winds? Which months have the most tornadoes? There are lots of ways to study tornadoes without getting close to them. This month’s mission will get you building a tornado model, studying the ways of these fierce storms, learning how to prepare for storm season, plus some things to do if a tornado should hit.
Mission of the Month: Let's Not "Blow" Our Energy Future! It's In the Wind
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author); Trudy Dunham
Description: Wind is an energy source that nature provides to us. What is wind? Where does wind come from? How can wind be used to provide energy for our future? These are all basic questions that need to be considered when we think about wind energy.
Mission of the Month: Nano - The Science & Technology of Small
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author); Trudy Dunham
Description: Why is Nano so big in today's world? Because our technologies have developed enough for us to see the teeny tiny particles that make up our world. And our science is advancing so we understand how these tiny particles work. Just what is nano? Check out these activities for greater understanding of nano and how it works!
Mission of the Month: Secret Codes - Know What No One Else Knows
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author); Trudy Dunham
Description: "The main thing is to pay attention, pay close attention, to everything. Notice what no one else notices. Then you'll know what no one else knows, and that's always useful." Secret Codes. Vanishing objects. Hidden meanings. Mysteries are all around us! This month CYFERnet offers a few of them for you to solve using your best analytical thinking, and a little digging through history!
Mission of the Month: Surf and Sail
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author)
Description: Just in time for the sizzling summer heat, CYFERnet dives into another cool Mission. Learn about waves, wind power and boat building through exciting experiments, investigations, creative activities and some healthy competition:
Mission of the Month:Adventures in Aerospace
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author); Jay Staker
Description: From Mars explorations to star counting to space parties, this month, youth can go to infinity and beyond with four stellar activities:
National Council on Economic Education
Description: A nationwide, comprehensive program for economic education in America's schools that develops national and state content standards in economics, assists in development of national, state and local standards-based curricula, publishes classroom-tested materials, provides university/college-based professional development for teachers, and conducts evaluation, assessment, and research.
One Seed at a Time: Alleviating Climate Change through Youth Community Action in the Garden
Description: One Seed at a Time is a model project for how teams of children, youth and adults working in partnership can make a difference in their communities through sustainable gardening practices.
Online Communities: Why Do Youth Gravitate To Them?
Author: Lepley, Toby; Halee Shadden, Texas 4-H Technology Team Youth Member; Kevin Wentzel, Hewlett-Packard Company; Dee Lee Smith, Texas Cooperative Extension
Description: We have all heard of My Space and Facebook and know that youth gravitate to these sites by the millions, but, do we really know why? This workshop is the result of a survey conducted by Texas 4-H Technology Team youth among peers as to why teenagers enjoy on-line communities, youth security concerns of the sites, and how adults can better understand the importance these outlets in the lives of teenagers. (2008 CYFAR Conference Program Showcase)
Online, Issues Based, Science Learning through CYFERnet's Mission of the Month
Author: Staker, Jay (13 more by this author); Trudy Dunham, Lisa Regalla
Description: Mission of the Month is an online learning opportunity, for youth to experience fun science, engineering, and technology embedded in real-life issues such as hunger, climate change, and biodiversity. Monthly missions are offered on the CYFERnet website. Missions offer a range of experiences and can be used in a variety of settings. Sample missions will be experienced in a hands-on session, including resources from the public television show, SciGirls.
Description: Set includes Outdoor Adventures 1-3 and the Helper's Guides
Plants & Textiles--A Legacy of Technology
Description: This project focuses on past and present technologies that convert plant materials to textile products. Youth make a tool, try traditional techniques, research modern production, and link to a community agency such as a museum or nature center. Topics include papermaking, rope making, indigo dyeing, net making, and mat weaving. All activites can be downloaded as .pdf files from the Plants & Textiles website.
Description: The Rockets Away educational program teaches about the science of rocketry through the use of hands-on experiments, computer software and the building and launching of 2-liter bottle rockets.
Description: This site is designed to nurture an interest in science by explaining, often in playful ways, how science affects everyday life and why it can make an interesting career.
Description: This beginning electricity project book includes eleven kid-friendly and time-tested experiments about static electricity, currents, electromagnetism, electric motors, and electric light. Each experiment has a brief introduction, a supply list, and step-by-step instructions that bring an electrical concept to life. Journal questions for each section ensure understanding and learning. Includes a complete list of supplies and a cross-reference with Ohio science education standards. Project requires additional supplies.
Science Process / Content and Developmental Stages
Author: Anderson, Kim (2 more by this author)
Description: A fact sheet that explains the developmental stages of children and youth and what scientific concepts are appropriate at each stage.
Author: Anderson, Kim (2 more by this author)
Description: A fact sheet containing rules for safe science experiments.
Skillathons for Science, Technology and Engineering
Author: Dunham, Trudy (5 more by this author); CYFERnet TEam
Description: Skillathons are challenging, non-competitive learning-by-doing-stations that engage youth in a realistic situation and task to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. How to develop a skillathon and sample skillathons.
Spatial Thinking with GPS, Maps, and Your School District
Author: Jones, Robert
Description: Is it possible to display details on a map from a distance in space of 12,000 miles, while traveling at speeds of roughly 7,000 miles an hour?” This GIS-based activity provides an innovative and relevant opportunity for youth to answer this question, using their school grounds as canvas to create and plan a drawing of their choice. The input drawing tool is GPS and the output will be a final printed copy using a mapping application.
Teen Talk: A Survival Guide for Parents of Teenagers
Author: Gengler, Colleen (7 more by this author)
Description: A fact sheet for parents about teens and internet use.
Teens and Technology...Engaged, Involved, Enthusiastic
Author: Holder, Susan (1 more by this author); Linda Mitchell, Mississippi State University
Description: Engaging teens with technology has evolved in the Mississippi 4-H program from young people attending technology conferences to youth designing and delivering technology programs. During the workshop the model for a technology conference and the operation of a 4-H Virtual Club will be showcased.
The Climb: Mastering Self and Aconcagua
Author: Dunham, Trudy (31 more by this author); Jay Staker
Description: Steve Brown climbs Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. Activities support youth planning and training for an outdoor expedition, and the physical realities of such treks. Includes background information and reflection questions on mountaineering traditions, health and measurement.
The Computer in your Hand and in your Programming: Phones, Mobile Devices, Games and Learning
Author: Gleason, Jeanne (2 more by this author); Michele Garza; Barbara Chamberlin
Description: Jeanne Gleason, Barbara Chamberlin, & Michele Garza, New Mexico State University
Many of the youth and adults you work with already carry a computer in their pocket: their cell phones. Consumers' cell phones are gaining new capabilities for games and interactive programs. Hear suggestions for relevant content, evaluating existing tools, and utilizing hand-held devices and phones as learning tools.
The Three Sisters: Exploring an Iroquois Garden
Description: The activities of this project link human culture and horticulture through foods, customs, and stories of the Iroquois’ corn-bean-squash plantings.
Author: Williams, Wendy (1 more by this author)
Description: Thinking Like a Scientist is a science education program developed by Wendy M. Williams to encourage highschool students to think scientifically about everyday, real-world problems. The curriculum consists of 13 stand-alone lessons which discuss the scientific method using issues and ideas which are relevant to the average high school student.
Tools of the Trade II: Creating Science-Rich Learning Opportunities
Description: This is an archived web-based training produced by the CYFERnet Teen Editorial Board in September 2009. Tools of the Trade II is a staff-development module that uses a "train-the-trainer" approach to deliver a comprehensive 21-hour training for afterschool program frontline staff and youth workers on incorporating science, engineering and technology (SET) into afterschool programming. Using a hands-on, interactive skill-building approach, it provides tools drawn from best practices to help afterschool staff enhance communication, management and educational delivery of afterschool programs.
Vegetable varieties investigation (Vvi): Engaging Youth in Citizen Science
Description: A citizen science approach to preserving biodiversity and connecting with community. Vegetable Varieties Investigation engages middle and high school aged youth with gardeners.
Wanna Be My Friend?: The Ins and Outs of Online Social Networking
Author: Query, Sharon; Linda Hauge; Rachelle Vettern
Description: This program was developed for educators to deliver to parents and caregivers of teens. The objectives are to build awareness of the risks and rewards of online social networking and to foster dialogue among parents or caregivers and young people on the use of online social networking.
Woodworking Wonders 4: Finishing Up
Description: Specific woodworking skills include using a router, portable planer and jointer; making a blind mortise and tenon joint; making dovetail joints; and experimenting with adhesives and various chemical wood strippers. Grades 9-12
Woodworking Wonders: Helper's Guide
Description: This guide provides the helper with a variety of group activities that will help youth broaden their understanding of the basic woodworking concepts. A number of ideas for additional woodworking activities are included
Youth Community Informatics: Engagement through Technology-Supported Inquiry into Community Issues
Author: Diaz, Lisa
Description: Try out a curriculum that empowers youth to use communication technologies as tools to investigate and organize for social action around community-based issues. Topics of inquiry within the curriculum are based on case studies of youth social action that range from racial segregation to poverty to school violence. Free curriculum materials provided.
Description: Youth Grow is a leadership program for high-school aged youth in New York State that provides them with the training and tools to become leaders in creating sustainable local food systems.
– Research –
Author: Gibson, Sharon; Pamela Turner; Laurie Cantrell ; Sue Chapman; Mandy Marable
Description: A 2009 CYFAR PowerPoint presentation about transferring environmental conservation and knowledge from youth to parents.
Description: "The goal of this report is to inform practitioners and program providers about what the most up-to-date research says about teens and media influence. "
Research FACTs and Findings: Adolescents and the Internet
Author: Louge, Nathalie
Description: Computer use among adolescents has skyrocketed. More than 80% of American youth use the Internet, and nearly half log on daily. In this new, often intimate social environment, adolescents may explore identity formation, sexuality, and self-worth in a virtual world. This fact sheet explores the benefits and risks of Internet use for youth, and offers strategies for safe navigation of the Internet.
Research Update 5: STEM Out-of-School Time Programs for Girls
Description: Out-of-school time (OST) programs that focus on girls’ involvement in STEM can play an essential role in improving female representation in these traditionally male-dominated fields. OST programs offer girls a non-threatening and non-academic environment for hands-on learning that is collaborative, informal, and personal. However, barriers to quality implementation and outcome-based evaluation present challenges for STEM programs serving girls. This Research Update highlights findings from the evaluations and research studies in the OST Database that focus on STEM programs for girls.
Social Media and Mobile Internet Use Among Teens and Young Adults
Author: Lenhart, Amanda (3 more by this author); Kathryn Zickuhr; Aaron Smith; Kristen Purcell
Description: Social Media & Mobile Internet Use Among Teens and Young Adults
by Amanda Lenhart, Kristen Purcell, Aaron Smith and Kathryn Zickuhr, Pew Internet & American Life Project
February 3, 2010
This study describes recent trends in teens’ social media usage. Blogging has decreased among youth, while social media site usage has increased.
Teens, Cell Phones and Texting: Text Messaging Becomes Centerpiece Communication
Author: Lenhart, Amanda (3 more by this author)
Description: This study describes recent trends in teens’ usage of cell phones and texting. Cell-phone texting has become the preferred channel of basic communication between teens and their friends, with cell calling a close second.
Teens, kindness and cruelty on social network sites
Author: Lenhart, Amanda (3 more by this author); Mary Madden, Aaron Smith, Kristen Purcell, Kathryn Zickuhr, Lee Rainie
Description: Social media use has become so pervasive in the lives of American teens that having a presence on a social network site is almost synonymous with being online. Fully 95% of all teens ages 12-17 are now online and 80% of those online teens are users of social media sites. Many log on daily to their social network pages and these have become spaces where much of the social activity of teen life is echoed and amplified—in both good and bad ways.
Teens, Smartphones, and Texting
Description: This report examines the tools teens use to communicate, with a particular focus on mobile devices, and then places the use of those tools in the broader context of how teens choose to communicate with people in their lives.
Thinking Like a Scientist: Turning High-Risk Kids on to Science
Author: Williams, Wendy (1 more by this author)
Description: High-risk youth tend not to pursue science education and careers. One reason is the way science is traditionally taught. "Thinking Like a Scientist" (TLAS) uses everyday examples - such as the effects of violent video games, and treatments for adolescent depression - to interest, energize, and involve low-income youth, youth of color, and girls, who often turn off to traditional science instruction. TLAS shows students that scientific thinking is a practical skill they can use to solve problems in their daily lives. It has been used successfully with African American, Latino, Native American, and disadvantaged White youth across the United States.