4-H seeks to create new generation of scientists

4-H is usually associated with agriculture, but the organization has many urban members among its 6 million. Now it has started a new program that may further redefine its image, a project to encourage student interest in the so-called "STEM" fields: science, technology, engineering and math, Sean Cavanagh of Education Week reports. As part of the initiative, 4-H hosted "Biofuel Blast," a nationwide science experiment as part of its second annual 4-H National Youth Science Day, on Wednesday.

Youths participating in the experiment worked together to create biofuels before taking part in 4-H-sponsored alternative energy discussions. The development of biofuels is a key issue in many communities where 4-H is popular, Cavanagh reports. The "One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas" campaign hopes to attract one million new youths by 2013 to the more than 5 million currently involved in the organization's science, engineering, and technology programming in topics such as robotics, rocketry, wind power, GPS mapping, agricultural science, film making, and water quality and conservation. (Read more)

At least one newspaper has already reported on the "Biofuel Blast." Five 4-H ambassadors participated in the Biofuel Blast at the University of Nevada-Reno Wednesday, Dana Kudella of the Daily Sparks Tribune reports. “Biofuels is a part of science,” 16-year-old high school student Kayla Nelson told Kudella. “It’s a good way to help the Earth.” (Read more)