The United States is falling dangerously behind other nations in developing its future workforce of scientists, engineers, and technology experts. To ensure global competitiveness, we must act now to prepare the next generation of science, engineering, and technology leaders.

The 4-H Youth Development Program—with its direct connection to the research and resources of the Cooperative Extension System’s 106 land-grant universities and colleges— is strategically positioned to strengthen US global competitiveness and leadership.

4-H will address our nation’s critical challenge by preparing 1 million new young people to excel in science, engineering, and technology by 2013. Currently, 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology programs reach more than 5 million youth in the United States with hands-on learning experiences to encourage young minds and fill the pipeline of young leaders proficient in science. Be part of this exciting movement!

Hold the Date: 2010 SET Camp, June 27-June 29, UMass Amherst

2010 SET Camp Brochure and Application

Watch for details about dates and locations of the National Youth Science Day experiment in locations across Massachusetts!

Click Here to take survey

2010 SET Sponsor Form
2010 SET Sponsorship Opportunities

Opportunities in MA 4-H SET

There are many ways to get involved with 4-H SET!

• Join a 4-H SET club – this could be in the area of equine science, robotics, veterinary science, rocketry, or gardening just to name a few.  MA 4-H has curricula and in some cases additional resources to support these project areas.
• Start a new 4-H group in a SET project area - its easy, your local 4-H Educator can assist you.
• Add some SET activities to your 4-H club meetings, even if this is not your major project area.  There are many 4-H SET curricula available on a loan basis from your local 4-H office.  These curricula have instructions that are easy to follow for FUN, hands-on activities!
• 4-H members and volunteers have the opportunity to participate in SET workshops in their county or region; these usually happen in the winter.
• 4-H members can participate in the annual summer SET camps and other state and New England regional 4-H SET programs and conferences.
• 4-H teens and volunteers can join the MA 4-H SET Committee and work with 4-H staff to plan SET programs.

Objectives of MA 4-H SET

1. The objectives of the Massachusetts 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Program are:
2. To increase “SET Abilities” and life skills through positive interactions with others.
3. To teach scientific principles to young people.
4. To offer options in SET programs available to 4-H members and leaders.
5. To inform youth about educational opportunities in Science, Engineering and Technology at the University of Massachusetts. 

MA 4-H "Nanotechnology" Science Experiment

The Massachusetts 4-H Program held a contest in April for UMass Amherst students to submit a proposal for a science experiment and the winner was Yitzi Calm and his work on Nanotechnology with the STEM Ed program.

The link below points to a video (.swf format needs flash player) http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ which explains the step by step details of the experiment, and gives a simple explanation of the physics involved via 2-D, 3-D, and live video:
https://www.umassk12.net/nanodev/Nanofilm_Oleic_Acid_Langmuir_Film/080709_NOALF.swf

• Oleic Acid
• Oleic Acid Thin Films
• Oleic Acid Facilitator Guide
• Oleic Acid Worksheet with Hints
• Oleic Acid Worksheet For Calculations (without Hints)
  

Engineering Challenge:

Our challenge: Engage as many youth as we can across the state to explore wind power.

Your challenge: Make a wind turbine and see how many pennies you can lift, then report back to us using the following on-line survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=p7waUpBPWErxU0NvLjS02A_3d_3d

To Accept the Challenge: Visit the wind power website. On the right side select the sample activity for the wind turbine.
http://projects.4-hcurriculum.org/curriculum/wind/ Explore the website while you are there. It has great resources including a YouTube video of a working wind farm.

4-H Seeking Youth Members Working on Science, Engineering & Technology Projects

Are you a 4-H'er working on projects in environmental science, robotics, rocketry, GIS/GPS systems, animal science and more? National 4-H Council is looking for 4-H members to feature in an upcoming promotion. Take a moment to fill out a short 10-minute survey! Click here to access the survey.

Are you a 4-H Alumni? We'd love to hear from you too! Click here to access the 4-H Alumni survey.

If you have trouble or questions, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Want More Information?

For further information on the Massachusetts 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology program please contact your local 4-H Educator or MA SET Coordinator Kim Pond at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it