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Impact Report

For plan Youth Development (Sandoval County)
Date October 26, 2009, 8:47 pm
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report 2009 RIO RANCHO CHILDREN’S WATER FESTIVAL County 4-H Agent provided hands-on educational program relating to the theme “Why is water so important to life?” This event educated 592 students, 43 teachers and dozens of parent/chaperones from 27 classes, which represents all 4th grade classes from 4 of the 10 public Rio Rancho elementary schools. Pre- and Post-festival student surveys were conducted to measure the impact of the activities and programming on student learning. 22% of all students were able to answer at least 70% of the post-festival survey questions correctly. This represents a 12% improvement in the number of students answering questions correctly on the post survey. ALBUQUERQUE BERNALILLO COUNTY CHILDREN’S WATER FESTIVAL County 4-H Agent provided quality educational experiences related to water quality, conservation, erosion and protection of watersheds. 1,021 4th grade students, 50 teachers, 100 chaperones from 44 classes in the Albuquerque area attended. Eleven public schools participated including 1 charter school. Pre- and post- festival student surveys were conducted. The average overall score was 19.14% higher in the post-survey compared to the pre-festival survey. This represents a 9.7% improvement over previous year scores. COMMERCIAL USES OF THE RIVER “AGRICULTURE” River X Change is a program that integrates environmental education with computer technology and classroom partnerships. Goal is to strengthen 4th grade students’ and teachers’ understanding and appreciation for the local river ecosystem and to protect water resources. 9 Rio Rancho classes participated in the 14-week curriculum. Each of the classes was partnered with a 4th grade class in another US state, Japan or Australia via “wiki” technology. County 4-H Agent and Home Economist presented commercial use of water: “Agriculture” a hands-on educational program related to farm irrigation systems and conservation technology. Teacher expectations and response were extremely positive (Survey Monkey). One teacher stated, “The outcome was better than the expectations. The students were very engaged in all the activities and guest speakers.” Another teacher stated “The activities gave a better understanding of concepts and skills than I thought they would. The students grasped ideas with deep meaning.” LIVESTOCK RECORD SHEET TRAINING Approximately 216 4-H members attended a Livestock Record Sheet training during the 2009 NM State 4-H Livestock Schools. Youth received information related to the revised record sheets and participated in hands-on activities designed to increase life skills related to critical thinking, record keeping, planning/organization, goal setting and financial responsibility. NM STATE 4-H GOAT SCHOOL The goat school was attended by approximately 75 youth from around the state. County 4-H Agent served as assistant instructor. Youth received hands-on training related to husbandry, disease prevention, showmanship and ethics. Youth increased mastery and independence related to critical thinking, goal setting and self esteem. NM STATE 4-H SHOOTING SPORTS CONTEST 4-H Agent Coordinated NM State 4-H Shooting Sports contest in Raton, NM at the NRA Whittington Center. 261 senior age 4-H members participated in the event to demonstrate proficiencies in various shooting disciplines. County 4-H agent served as air rifle contest superintendent. “THIS IS 4-H” 4-H Agent and 4-H Home Economist presented this workshop at 4 locations in Sandoval County. The workshop was designed to introduce the 4-H program to youth in urban settings. 96 youth gained an understanding of 4-H and how 4-H can assist them to gain self confidence, skills, in personal development, communication and leadership. Youth learned about projects offered, age requirements, club information. Youth participated in hands-on activities related to life skills and how the skills are an integral part of 4-H and how they apply to their future. As a result of these workshops, interest and inquiries about 4-H has increased (increase in phone calls and emails) and a new club has formed in the Bernalillo area. 4-H PROGRAM PROMOTION The Sandoval County 4-H program is committed to providing educational curriculum and related learning experiences for youth and adults. The 4-H Agent and 4-H Home Economist worked diligently to promote 4-H and other services provided by NMSU Cooperative Extension Services through participation in a number of community venues. *Santo Domingo Resource Fair *Indian Livestock Days *Jemez Valley Wellness Fair COUNTY PORTFOLIO TRAINING 4-H Agent and 4-H Home Economist planned and conducted 5 portfolio/record book trainings for 77 youth in this county. The trainings 1) introduced youth to the newly revised format, 2) emphasized the importance of completing a portfolio and 3) highlighted the opportunities and scholarships associated with the portfolios. As a result of the trainings, 100% of the Sandoval County portfolios turned in at the end of the year was in the new format. SANTO DOMINGO SCIENCE FAIR 101 elementary youth participated in the Science Fair. County Extension personnel in cooperation with Master Gardener volunteers and the classroom teachers provided a quality educational experience. Students gained knowledge related to science and learned life skills related to critical thinking, problem solving and organization. Students gained valuable communication skills through the poster presentations and interaction with staff and volunteers. 100% of youth participants Native American. YOUTH LEADERSHIP/CITIZENSHIP DEVELOPMENT Sandoval County youth are afforded many opportunities to learn and develop life skills related to leadership and citizenship. 4-H Agent, 4-H Home Economist and Club leaders encourage youth participation within their clubs, county council and state leadership teams. These opportunities provide youth with a strong sense and understanding of responsibility, self-esteem, belonging and generosity. *Sandoval County 4-H Council. This year’s team consisted of 7 officers from 4 different clubs. 4-H Agent & 4-H Home Economist along with several leaders worked with the team to understand their role as officers and to plan their calendar of events for the upcoming year. *4-H Annual Banquet – 4-H County Council officers planned/organized the event. The officers served as emcees, pledge leaders and presenters. Over 200 members, leaders and guests attended the event. *Open Youth Rodeo Series – 4-H County Council officers, rodeo project members and rodeo project leaders, planned/organized 4 youth rodeos. Youth were responsible for contracting with stock contractor, rodeo announcer, emergency personnel and performing other duties to ensure a successful rodeo series. 55 contestants attended the first rodeo of which 96% competed in all the rodeos. Final rodeo drew 65 contestants. *“Paws-For-A Cause” Dog Walk-A-Thon – 4-H county Council officers, Club members and member of state ambassador team, planned/organized dog walk-a-thon as a fundraiser to benefit the UNM Cancer Research program. Over $700 was raised by the event. WALATOWA FOUR DAY SUMMER PROGRAM According to the 2008 Census 18.8% of the population in Sandoval County are youth between the ages of five and nineteen. 13.5% of the population is Native American. To help address youth at risk issues and to assist Native American youth to become productive citizens, 4-H Home Economist cooperated with tribal personnel to hold a four day outreach program. With help from the 4-H Agent, 4-H leaders, ICAN educator, and the Attorney General’s Office, educational programming was provided related to agriculture, health and nutrition, methamphetamine and 4-H awareness to one hundred and fifty Native American students. *Egg to Chick - 4-H Agent gave a presentation on the incubation period and candling process of eggs. Students got to view and determine blood spots to determine fertility. Eggs at different developmental stages were cracked open and examined by students. There was discussion about the shelf life of an egg, best way to store eggs, and how to check eggs in water to determine freshness. 4-H Agent discussed safe handling procedures for raising and producing eggs at home. A short presentation was given on biosecurity and avian influenza. Avian influenza posters and coloring books were handed out. The presentation raised lots of interest and questions on egg production by both adults and youth. Tribal personnel asked what other types of agricultural programs could be presented to the pueblo. *Ice Cream in a Bag - Students learned the history of ice cream; how it was created and who the first to make and serve it. 4-H Home Economist and 4-H agent discussed what a recipe is and how to measure correctly. Students had to follow their recipe and correctly measure their ingredients to make their ice cream in a bag. Students learned the freezing point of water and how the rock salt mixed with ice lowers the freezing point therefore causing the mixture to freeze and create ice cream. The purpose of this program was for students to learn how to follow directions and to measure ingredients correctly.