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Members at Daniel Boone Afterschool Clover Club learn about the different types of measuring cups and practice using them while creating simple recipes. -
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A student at Holy Rosary STEM class used the engineering design process to design and create a home for a mini-astronaut using a 3D pen. -
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A student at Holy Rosary STEM class learned about robotic arms and then used the engineering design process to create an articulated grabber. -
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The button maker was a huge success at Rebecca Boone and was a great way to introduce the use of levers to transmit and multiply force. -
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4-H proud!
Maureen Michel is a 4-H youth program associate in Warren County.
WARRENTON, Mo. – Warren County 4-H is expanding its after-school and STEM programming this school year, giving more local youths the chance to learn by doing, explore new interests and build skills they can use both in school and throughout life.
About 150 students at Holy Rosary School will take part in hands-on 4-H STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities throughout the school year. Warren County 4-H staff will provide monthly programming for students at the school, with activities designed to help youth explore science, technology, engineering and math in a fun, hands-on way.
Holy Rosary students will also have additional chances to explore STEM through a 4-H STEM open house in October; in May, STEM club students will take their learning outdoors with a guided stream study that will include water quality testing and learning about aquatic insects.
After-school 4-H and Clover clubs will also continue at Rebecca Boone, Daniel Boone and Warrior Ridge elementary schools this year. About 75 to 100 youths are expected to take part in these programs. The clubs meet monthly during Care Days and offer a variety of hands-on activities, including STEM, arts and crafts, health and nutrition, and other 4-H projects.
Computer coding will be a growing part of the program this year. After successfully piloting a coding club at Daniel Boone last year, 4-H will add coding clubs at Rebecca Boone and Warrior Ridge. Through coding, youths will learn to think through problems, test ideas, make changes and keep working when something does not work the first time.
While STEM is a key focus of this year’s expanded programming, it is only one part of what 4-H has to offer, but the growth of these programs show interest in these opportunities. What began four years ago as a single after-school 4-H club and limited school programming has grown to include nine after-school clubs, in school programming at Holy Rosary, STEM programming at the library and more … all of which join the 10 4-H community clubs and 4-H horse SPIN (special interest) club also serving youths across Warren County. Through these clubs, young people can explore agriculture, animals, cooking, outdoor skills, healthy living, arts, leadership and community service. These experiences help young people discover interests, gain confidence and develop skills such as communication, teamwork, decision-making and problem-solving.
In-school and after-school programming began in September and will continue throughout the school year. To learn more about Warren County 4-H, contact MU Extension in Warren County at 636-456-3444 or mgm98k@missouri.edu.