4-H Science Program Design - 4-H Science Checklist

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4-H Science is informal science education within the context of positive youth development. It is not just science education. This is an important distinction to make when approaching potential program partners and funders.

4-H Science is committed to delivering "Science Ready" 4-H experiences. A science ready program is framed in science concepts, based on science standards, and intentionally targets the development of science abilities and outcomes articulated by the 4-H Science Logic Model (see 4-H Science 101 in Resources below). Additionally, science ready programs integrate the Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development (Essential Elements) and engage participants in age appropriate, experiential, inquiry-based learning.

It is important to understand from the beginning that a "program" is much more than a one-time activity. Ideally, programs should be of sufficient frequency (how often the program meets) and duration (how long the program runs – days, weeks, months, etc.) to allow youth to experience and increase mastery, independence, sense of belonging, and a spirit of generosity (Essential Elements). Programs are delivered within the appropriate positive youth development (PYD) framework (safe environment, caring adult, etc.).

The 4-H Science Checklist (see below) includes seven questions designed to help assess whether science programs are "Science Ready." Science ready programs provide youth with a sustained learning experience, with opportunities to engage in the program for the appropriate frequency and duration needed to master specific 4-H Science Abilities (see 4-H Science Checklist below). Program activities are also sequenced to help youth build upon previously learned skills. Science ready programs are not one-time activities or events.

The goal for 4-H Science programming in all venues is to move beyond offering activities to providing youth with ongoing, sequential programming that leads to mastery. Building science ready programs takes time – rarely does a newly created program launch with all systems firing perfectly! The important thing is to get started. Begin with current programs and carefully target areas for improvement.

The purpose of 4-H Science Program Design – 4-H Science Checklist is threefold: (a) to introduce the 4-H Science Checklist; (b) to provide promising practices to support each of the seven criteria of the 4-H Science Checklist; and (c) to promote 4-H Science 101, a scripted, four-hour training that can also serve as a crucial resource for developing "science ready" programs (see 4-H Science 101 in Resources below). The 4-H Science Checklist (below) will help program planners self-assess the science readiness of current programs, as well as provide guidance for developing new science ready programs. 4-H Science 101 includes a simple-to-use table that can aid with self-assessment of program activities (see Appendix I – Make a Better Pinwheel: Review and Share).

 

4-H Science Checklist

 

Are you providing science, engineering and technology programs based on National Science Education Standards?
[National Science Education Standards]
Science education standards are criteria to judge quality: the quality of what young people know and are able to do; the quality of the science programs that provide the opportunity for children and youth to learn science; the quality of science teaching; the quality of the system that supports science leaders and programs; and the quality of assessment practices and policies.
http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/

Are you providing children and youth opportunities to improve their Science Abilities?
[4-H Sciences Abilities]
Predict, Hypothesize, Evaluate, State a Problem, Research Problem, Test, Problem Solve Design Solutions, Measure, Collect Data, Draw/Design, Build/Construct, Use Tools, Observe, Communicate, Organize, Infer, Question, Plan Investigation, Summarize/Relate, Invent/Implement Solutions, Interpret/Analyze/Reason, Categorize/Order/Classify, Model/Graph/Use Numbers, Troubleshoot, Redesign, Optimize, Collaborate, Compare

Are you providing opportunities for youth to experience and improve in the Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development?
[Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development]
Do youth get a chance at mastery – addressing and overcoming life challenges in your programs?
Do youth cultivate independence and have an opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future?
Do youth develop a sense of belonging within a positive group?
Do youth learn to share a spirit of generosity toward others?

Are learning experiences led by trained, caring adult staff and volunteers acting as mentors, coaches, facilitators and co-learners who operate from a perspective that youth are partners and resources in their own development?
[Trained, Caring Staff and Volunteers as Co-Learners]

Are activities led with an experiential approach to learning?
[Experiential Approach]

Are activities using inquiry to foster the natural creativity and curiosity of youth?
[Inquiry Based Approach]

Does your program target one or more of the outcomes on the 4-H Science Logic Model and have you considered the frequency and duration necessary for youth to accomplish those outcomes?
[Frequency and Duration]

PROMISING PRACTICES

The promising practices that support "4-H Science Readiness" are divided according to the seven items on the 4-H Science Checklist (above).

National Science Education Standards

  1. Include teens in program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Teens may be one of the most underutilized resources available to 4-H professionals engaged in developing 4-H Science programs. Teens can assist in creating and implementing needs assessments, identifying engaging curriculum, facilitating programs, data collection and evaluation, and so forth. In addition, utilizing teens as cross-age teachers/mentors opens up lots of opportunities for positive youth development (see also Staffing with Teenagers and Teens as Cross-Age Teachers).
  2. Utilize the planning and evaluation tools included in 4-H Science 101. This resource is a user-friendly guide that can provide assistance with professional development, program planning, and evaluation (see 4-H Science 101 in Resources below). The resource includes:
    • The 4-H Science Logic Model will aid with program development and provides outcomes for program evaluation.
    • The 4-H Science Needs Pre and Post Assessments will help assess staff and organizational capacity to deliver 4-H Science programs.
    • The 4-H Science Core Competencies and the 4-H Science Competencies Self-Assessment Tool will help focus program development in the context of positive youth development, as well as guide professional development trainings (see Item #3 in Trained, Caring Staff and Volunteers as Co-Learners below and Training Others to Deliver High Quality Science Programming).
    • The Program Evaluation Development Worksheet will help outline the evaluation component of the program.
  3. Develop measurable process and outcome objectives. Work with program partners to create meaningful objectives. Keep in mind reporting needs (including partners) and ensure there are objectives to address those needs.
    • Process objectives focus on program design and implementation.
    • Outcome objectives include changes in youth abilities, skills, knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, etc. Do not forget to specify relevant 4-H Science Abilities from the 4-H Science Checklist.
  4. Identify success criteria/indicators for process and outcome objectives. Include assessment criteria for staff/facilitators, as well as the partnership (if applicable).
    • Contact campus-based faculty/specialists in program evaluation for assistance.
    • Outline data collection and analysis responsibilities and timeline with program staff/volunteers (include in MOU if a partnership – see Section Introduction to the Partnerships, Resource Development, Program Growth and Sustainability section).
    • IMPORTANT: Program evaluation/assessment criteria and data collection methods may need to be creative, and should certainly capture the spirit of 4-H Science programs (e.g., focus on science/inquiry processes, the Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development, foundational skills, etc.). Perhaps the worst thing that can happen regarding evaluation/assessment is if the facilitator feels he/she must "teach to the test" so youth can "successfully" complete knowledge-based assessments. This poses a very real danger of stifling the inquiry process!
  5. Share evaluation results. Program successes should be disseminated to partners, stakeholders, advisory boards, funders, the community, etc. Present results at meetings and professional conferences. Prepare reports, press releases, and journal articles as appropriate.
  6. Select inquiry- and research-based science curriculum that supports program goals. This practice cannot be over-emphasized. For more in-depth information see Item #1 in the Program Planning and Evaluation section of Inquiry Based Learning Approaches.
  7. Correlate science programming with state and national educational standards. Demonstrate to formal education partners how informal science education can support (increase foundational skills) classroom learning.
  8. Develop programs using modified club formats. Remember that 4-H Science is science in the context of positive youth development (PYD). As much as possible, incorporate traditional 4-H club components that support PYD such as public presentations, leadership, community service, etc.
  9. Recognize that youth can be scientists today. Plan activities that allow youth to "be" scientists today, and to see themselves as scientists tomorrow.
    • Youth should use "real" tools and instruments and engage in "real" projects (e.g., water quality monitoring, GPS/GIS community mapping, etc.). Create a program name that includes the word "scientist."
    • Use appropriate titles for the roles that group members will undertake (e.g., engineer, project manager, recorder, reporter, technician, materials coordinator, etc.). Ensure each group member has the opportunity to experience each activity and role.

4-H Science Abilities

  1. Read the chapter Providing Youth Authentic Opportunities to Practice and Share Science Abilities.This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of promising practices.
  2. Incorporate opportunities for youth to practice 4-H Science Abilities. Clearly identify the Science Abilities included in the program and/or curriculum (if unable to identify, look for another program/curriculum). The identified abilities should be specified in the program goals, and assessed as part of program evaluation.

Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development

  1. Provide a youth development focus. Do not overlook context in favor of content. Foster belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. Ask these questions:
    • Do youth have a chance to make decisions?
    • What new skills does the program or activity foster? 
    • Programmatically, how can the program or activity reach beyond the realm of science to become a positive youth development experience – and a fun one?
  2. Use the 4-H Science Core Competencies to guide program planning and implementation. 4-H Science is, above all, informal science programming in the context of positive youth development. 4-H Science core competencies identify how staff/volunteers can be competent and caring resources to youth, organizations, and communities. 4-H youth development professionals and volunteers implement 4-H Science programs that offer the eight Essential Elements (see 4-H Science Core Competencies in 4-H Science 101 in Resources below). Competencies include:
    • Caring Adult: Understands that each young person benefits from a positive relationship with a caring adult by . . . (see 4-H Science Core Competencies).
    • Safe Environment: Creates an emotionally and physically safe learning environment by . . . (see 4-H Science Core Competencies).
    • Inclusive Environment (belonging): Designs inclusive learning environments by . . . (see 4-H Science Core Competencies).
    • See Oneself in the Future (sense of hope): Nurtures an atmosphere of optimism and a positive belief in the future by . . . (see 4-H Science Core Competencies).
    • Values and Practices Service to Others: Encourages an ethic of caring and civic responsibility by . . . (see 4-H Science Core Competencies).
    • Opportunities for Self-Determination: Encourages and supports independence in youth by . . . (see 4-H Science Core Competencies).
    • Opportunities for Mastery: Provides opportunities for youth to develop skills, competence, and expertise by . . . (see 4-H Science Core Competencies).
    • Engagement in Learning: Encourages youth to direct and manage their own learning by . . . (see 4-H Science Core Competencies).
  3. Pair service-learning with science. Provide opportunities for youth to engage in authentic, community-based projects that also support learning objectives and the Essential Elements. This is where youth have a chance to voice opinions, make decisions, plan and carry out ideas, and feel like they have made a difference (see also Providing Youth Authentic Opportunities to Practice and Share 4-H Science Abilities).

Trained, Caring Staff and Volunteers as Co-Learners

  1. Read the chapter Training Others to Deliver High Quality Science Programming. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of promising practices for training staff and volunteers to deliver 4-H Science programs.
  2. Utilize the 4-H Science Competency Self-Assessment with staff and volunteers. Program staff/volunteers need to understand and have the capacity to effectively implement the core competencies in the context of program activities. This tool will help improve 4-H Science program delivery and aid in staff development, but is not intended for use in performance reviews (see 4-H Science 101 in Resources below).
    • This assessment will reveal strengths and challenges in implementing the core competencies.
    • Review results individually with staff/volunteers and help them set personal goals.
    • Develop training modules based upon overall results to address opportunities for improvement.
  3. Remind staff and volunteers often that they should be "co-learners" with youth. Staff/volunteers should understand they are not there to provide answers (indeed, it's okay to not have the right answer). They must be willing to explore and learn together with youth. This principle can be especially difficult for staff/volunteers coming from the formal education system. One way to circumvent the tendency to provide answers is to engage in "real" community-based projects that do not yet have a solution!
  4. Engage youth as partners in their own development. This practice goes hand-in-hand with experiential and inquiry based learning.

Experiential Approach

  1. Read the chapter Providing Youth Authentic Opportunities to Practice and Share Science Abilities. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of promising practices for practicing and sharing 4-H Science Abilities.
  2. Read the chapter Training Others to Deliver High Quality Science Programming. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of promising practices for training staff and volunteers to deliver 4-H Science programs.

Inquiry Based Approach

  1. Read the chapter Inquiry Based Learning Approaches. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of promising practices to support inquiry based learning.
  2. Read the chapter Training Others to Deliver High Quality Science Programming. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of promising practices for training staff and volunteers to deliver 4-H Science programs.

Frequency and Duration

  1. Utilize the planning and evaluation tools in 4-H Science 101. See Item #2 in National Science Education Standards section above.
  2. Plan adequate time and experiences for youth to achieve mastery of 4-H Science Abilities. There is no magic number as to the number of hours it will take youth to master any given set of skills or abilities. Much depends upon the previous background and experience of youth, in addition to the degree of difficulty of the skills. Review what has worked for others. It may take several program cycles to arrive at the ideal program frequency and duration.

CASE STUDIES

Bird – Three Programs: Three Levels of Science Readiness. The 4-H Science Checklist is the marriage of good science education with sound youth development practices. It defines not just what constitutes quality science learning, but also the environment in which it happens. The three 4-H Science projects in Sacramento County are at different levels of science readiness when assessed against the seven components listed in the checklist. Sacramento START staff are trained to deliver the 4-H Water Wizards Project. One of the challenges in this delivery mode is helping staff understand how to nurture leadership in young people. The environment of the Sacramento START program focuses on education in a traditional way, and less on youth development principles. The other two programs are a rich blend of science and youth development. Attention is given to assuring that the science is experiential, inquiry-based, focused on process as well as content, and led by trained teachers. 4-H On the Wild Side: (a) brings teenagers and adults together to plan the weekend camp experiences; (b) engages youth in authentic leadership roles as they teach, write grants, and take charge of groups of children; (c) promotes mastery as teens improve in delivering their lessons; (d) nurtures a sense of belonging for campers through their schools and living groups; and, (e) promotes independence through the experience of going away to camp. The same holds true for the 4-H YES Project as teens have a sense of making a difference in their community through authentic leadership roles. In all instances, caring adult coaches/facilitates support the teens and the learning. -Marianne Bird, University of California

Enfield – Youth/Adult Science Clubs Supporting Science and PYD Outcomes. Youth/Adult Science Clubs is a program piloted, developed, and evaluated through the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County. This program is most often referred to as simply SLO SCIENTISTS. SLO SCIENTISTS has demonstrated efficacy and sustainability for the past 15 years and has been featured as a model program at science and youth development conferences, as well as in the literature on youth development. 4-H SLO SCIENTISTS focuses on developing science clubs where a youth aged 8-12 enrolls with an adult (a parent, significant adult or mentor). Each youth-adult pair or dyad participates in learning and practicing the skills of scientific investigation through volunteer-facilitated, hands-on inquiry based STEM activities. Dyadic learning is complemented with group learning to create a dynamic where knowledge is co-created and learning is mutual. Club cycles are 8-10 weeks long, each with a specific curricular focus, and dyads can and often do choose to continue for multiple cycles (with different curriculum). Clubs are facilitated by a trained volunteer recruited for his/her interest in teaching science to youth.

4-H SLO SCIENTISTS experiences combine the best practices in informal science education and peer-reviewed STEM curriculum materials. These are then implemented within a context of positive youth development designed to create focused, engaged, articulate, and enthusiastic science learners. The one-to-one experience of a youth and adult experiencing scientific discovery is central to the unique approach taken by 4-H SLO SCIENTISTS. The goal is to not only increase science literacy, but also to strengthen the capacity of youth to envision themselves as confident, competent, and engaged science investigators and future scientists. Another goal of 4-H SLO SCIENTISTS is to increase the quantity and quality of youth/adult communication or "family dynamics," both about science and non-science experiences. –Richard Enfield, University of California

RESOURCES

4-H Science 101 – this training guide provides four hours of activities that will help introduce your staff and participants to the development, delivery, and assessment of 4-H Science programs. Available at: http://www.4-h.org/resource-library/professional-development-learning/science-training-guides-resources/.

4-H Science Professional Development Toolkit – an online set of resources and training activities to be used by youth development professionals and volunteers to prepare them to support 4-H Science programs. Includes the 4-H Science Checklist, 4-H Science Competencies, and Experiential and Inquiry-Based Learning Methods in 4-H Science. Available at http://www.4-h.org/resource-library/professional-development-learning/science-training-guides-resources/.