Project Profile

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in partnership with Nebraska 4-H, is building upon an existing collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University and Carnegie's Robotics Curriculum program to produce an innovative program focusing on Robotics, Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as applied to the domain of precision agriculture and environmental science. The program aims to improve STEM learning outcomes, attitudes towards science and career path development of rural youth ages 12-15. Evaluation efforts will test how STEM experiences delivered via the 4-H informal learning model supports interest in STEM careers. The target population consists of 200 youth in 25 4-H clubs, as well as 50 4-H leaders and parents, the latter to receive professional development instruction in summer camps. The project operates year-round through the 4H clubs, and provides a summer program. The program will use existing 4H and Carnegie Mellon robotics curricula of 50 lessons and 130 hours of instruction, and will develop ten additional lessons of 30 hours in GIS and GPS. The pedagogical approach is the "4H experiential model," adapted from Kolb (1984).