Engineering Sciences Curriculum Committee Meeting Minutes

4-H Engineering Sciences Curriculum Committee
Conference Call Meeting
March 28, 2001
MINUTES

Present: John Tyson, Katina Showman, Christy Kohler, Jeff Schiano, Tom McCarty, Joann Logan

The following items were discussed:
Electricity Project-Jeff caught us up to date on what has been happening in the electricity project area. He is piloting the robotics modules with a 4-H club in Spring Mills. There are four 1 1/2 hour sessions. The sessions should be complete next week. The Web page should be posted by the end of March.
In Somerset County, leaders have met for instruction on the electricity project. They will return the first week in May for instruction on the robotics modules.
Instruction on use of the electricity project materials was offered to agents during March in-service week. Jeff believes that there should be more activities to get kids excited about electricity so he will be adding supplemental information to the Web page. The Web site will also have additional background information and technical hints for book 1.
Jeff has been loaning equipment and would like to develop a manageable way for leaders to obtain reasonably priced equipment. Probably reasonable amounts can be placed in the county mail bins. That will be confirmed with Marilyn. Jeff would also like to develop loaner boxes of equipment. He is looking at companies that might donate to 4-H. He will work with Rob Butler.
The Web address will be sent to participants of both in-services. Safety glasses are needed to work on this project.

Small Engines Project-Jeff provided some contact information for people that may be able to assist with agent training in this project area. The project books are being ordered from 4-H CCS based on a recommendation from this committee. Christy will follow through with some contacts. At the fall meeting, the committee needs to discuss fair requirements for this project area.

Home Repairs-Joann recommended that the committee look into a project on home repairs that would prepare youth for home care issues that they will need to address in the future. I.e., painting, plumbing, repairing wallboard, etc. Safety would be a major concern. Perhaps someone at Penn College could help with development of a project.

Auto Mechanics-Katina recommended a basic book on car maintenance and safety checks. The book would include changing oil, checking tires for wear, checking lights, etc.

Rocketry-Materials are needed to enhance this project area. 4-H CCS has additional books out. In addition, David Tang should be contacted about possible materials, including meteorology. Contacts in aerospace engineering were also suggested to help with updated training, etc. Cornell has a fiber in flight project. We should also look into something about food in space.

A decision on a priority area needs to be identified at the next committee meeting so that proposals for project materials may be submitted.

Joann is looking for information on projects using Legos. Please send information to her.

Water projects-Currently the Natural Resources Curriculum Committee is overseeing the development of a curriculum on water.

Next conference call: November 6, 2001; 10:00 AM.

Minutes prepared by:
Christy Kohler
Youth Program Coordinator