Keller Students Launch into 4-H with a Blast

October 8 marked 4-H National Youth Science Day (4-HNYSD). Keller Elementary students celebrated by participating in the hands-on science experiment, Rockets to the Rescue, designed to help them learn about rockets and aerospace engineering. The rockets were launched using air; no flammable components were used.

During the seventh annual 4-H National Youth Science Day, young people across the nation became scientists for the day. This is the premier national rallying event for 4-H Science year-round programming. Youth and volunteers from across the nation actively participate in the 4-HNYSD experiment to celebrate the beginning of the new 4-H year, which begins on October 1 of every year. In this year's experiment, Rockets to the Rescue, youth were engaged in the Core Engineering Design Process, through the design, building and testing of their rockets.

This marks the seventh year that Linda McLean, WSU Colville Reservation Extension Director has brought science discovery to the Keller School district, located on the Colville Reservation. "I am very happy to see rockets as the national experiment, this year", stated McLean. "Aerospace study is a good example for our young people that 'failures' are just as important as 'successes'. These initial 'failures' sometimes bring about the most important successes/inventions in the world, as they are designed and redesigned to reach the goal." Throughout the experiment, youth were reminded that they needed to note why their experiment did or did not work and then 'go back to the drawing board' and adjust their design.

4-H is the largest youth development organization in the world. It is open to all youth, ages 5 – 19, without discrimination, and there are over 100 different project areas to choose from.

4-H focuses on the development of lifeskills. It doesn't matter which project area a youth works on; what is important is that they are learning responsibility, accountability, critical thinking and decision making skills. These skills will help them to develop into caring and contributing citizens of their communities.

The 4-HNYSD education is part of Colville Reservation Extension's R' Fit Nation and OJJDP (Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention) grant. The experiment kits were provided by the AVISTA Power.

If you would like more information on 4-H or how you can start a 4-H club in your area, please contact Linda McLean, Colville Reservation Extension Director, (509) 634-2305 or ljmclean@wsu.edu . Or you may contact Dan Fagerlie, FRTEP Project Director, (509) 690-0009 / (509) 775-3087 or fagerlie@wsu.edu or the Ferry County Extension office at, (509) 775-5225 ext. 1116 or the Okanogan County Extension office (509) 422-7245. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.