Released: October 06, 2008           e-Mail the story

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A child’s interest in science may boost his or her career opportunities – and earning power, a Kansas State University specialist said.

Interests in science, technology, math and engineering can serve as a foundation for a satisfying career and also boost earning power up to 50 percent more than career choices not involving such subjects, yet interest in science classes in the U.S. is waning, said Gary Gerhard, Kansas State University professor of 4-H youth development.

Research on the subject is plentiful and findings are similar, said Gerhard, who noted that males are typically more interested in science than females and also more likely to choose such classes as electives in high school.

Students who shy away from choosing science classes cite the difficulty of the classes and need to achieve as reasons for not choosing them, he said.

One study (Weinburgh, 1998), found that nearly 50 percent of children may lose interest in science by the third grade, he said.

Such attitudes are learned, rather than inherent, said Gerhard, whose job responsibilities with K-State Research and Extension include overseeing the implementation of a wide range of 4-H science and technology projects, which include Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and robotics.

A majority of 4-H projects include some aspect of science and technology, he said.

Given that, and the fact that 4-H programs and projects focus on age-appropriate, skill-building activities, the National 4-H Council is leading a campaign to encourage young people to explore science, engineering and technology, Gerhard said.

Citing the need for “One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas!” the 4-H Council has designated October 8, 2008 as 4-H National Youth Science Day.

The date marks the beginning of a national effort to spark kids’ interest in science, Gerhard said.

The science campaign is open to all youth, and children and families need not be 4-H members to participate, Gerhard said. 

To launch the campaign, the National 4-H Council has developed a National 4-H Science Experiment using common household items. The project, “Helpful Hydrogels,” calls for a disposable diaper, water, newspaper, scissors, a measuring cup and spoons, 1-gallon-size zipper lock plastic bag and a 9-oz. plastic cup.   

The experiment tests a superabsorbent polymer (called hydrogels) from the diaper and encourages would-be scientists to consider other applications of the technology.

Water conservation and quality are examples, Gerhard said.

The experiment was developed by Dr. Bob Horton, 4-H Extension specialist at The Ohio State University, Steve Spangler, science author, teacher and television personality, and members of the 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Leadership Task Force, who represent 10 land-grant universities.

Easy-to-follow instructions for the family-friendly experiment can be found on the Kansas 4-H Web site: www.kansas4h.org. Click on “National Youth Science Day” for instructions.

The Web site also offers an opportunity for students to report their findings and sign up to receive feedback from the national experiment, Gerhard said.

The experiment can be conducted throughout the month of October, he said.

More information about other educational 4-H programs and projects also is available on the Web site.   

                                                                       
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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by: Nancy Peterson
nancyp@ksu.edu
K-State Research & Extension News

Gary Gerhard is at 785-532-5800 or ggerhard@ksu.edu.