Performing Department
Extension
Non Technical Summary
Biotechnology, such as gene editing, constitutes a revolutionary innovation that has transformed the agricultural industry. Despite the possibilities, many young people may not be interested in, or aware of, biotechnology as a career. Our project aims to address this problem by fulfilling the AFRI priority areas of agriculture systems and technology, plant health and production and plant products, and animal health and production and animal products. This project builds off ongoing and recently completed activities to introduce consumers to biotechnology and advance opportunities for youth in agricultural technology careers. In this project, we aim to provide life transformative experiences to youth through non-formal education in food and agricultural sciences by addressing STEM career development in biotechnology, with a focus on gene editing. Through the 4-H practice of Positive Youth Development, we will promote teamwork, active learning and resiliency skills by ensuring that youth are safe, engaged, supported and challenged using the Whole Child model. Our project audience is high school aged youth participating in a 4-H youth development program, and our educational outreach plan targets communities underrepresented in STEM. Unlike any other existing non-formal educational programming, our project, Advancing 4-H Youth Careers in Food and Agriculture via Biotechnology and STEM, targets high school aged youth and their families, including underrepresented youth, in Connecticut and the surrounding region, and will enhance their understanding of biotechnologies through life transformative experiences in agricultural sciences that address STEM career development in biotechnology with gamification.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Our goalsare:Develop 4-H clubs that expose students to biotechnology and provide opportunities to enhance their understanding and knowledge, with a focus on gene editing. (Extension)Engage 4-H participants in developing biotechnology games that convey fun and science-based information and build public confidence in the safe use of biotechnology in agriculture and the food system and provide education on related career opportunities. Games will be available to parents, adults, and other audiences. (Extension)Support teen 4-H members in the development of outreach materials that communicate to their peers and adult audiences how agricultural biotechnology benefits producers, consumers, and the environment. (Education)Raise awareness of, and interest in, biotechnology career opportunities within food production and agriculture and promote acquisition of STEM workforce readiness skills. (Education)Our objectives are:1. 4-H club model focuses on biotechnology, as well as food and agricultural career experiences, where youth gain knowledge in STEM and biotechnologies (Goal1).2. Sustained 4-H Positive Youth Development program model for clubs in biotechnology and gene editing in agriculture and food science (Goal1).3. Engagement of mentors, industry and non-profit organizations in the delivery of the 4-H programs (Goals 1 and 2).4. Workforce ready teens with access and interest in innovative agricultural biotechnology and understanding of food and agricultural careers (Goals 1-3).5. Increased access for underrepresented youth in the areas of innovative agricultural biotechnologies, as well as food and agricultural careers (Goals 1-4).6. Development of youth-generated outreach materials for consumers, including adult audiences, on the benefits and safety of agricultural biotechnologies (Goals 2 & 3).7. 4-H members present lessons and informational sessions at UConn 4-H STEM Day (a statewide 4-H program), 4-H club events, and community events (Goal3).8. Long-term interests in food and agricultural biotechnologies and agricultural careers amongst program participants (Goal4).
Project Methods
The plan for outreach material development is in the project timetable and includes the following:Developing written materials and a page on our website on STEM careers available for youth, the regulatory system that oversees biotechnology, examples of how biotechnology has addressed agricultural challenges, and highlights of future advances.Developing two online educational games with NMSU that teach youth about biotechnology and explore STEM careers. The Youth Game Design Team will be fully integrated in this effort. The games can be played by both youth and adult audiences.Using non-electronic materials, developed in conjunction with the game content, as a means to enhance biotechnology concept learning while game development occurs.Promoting our outreach materials to youth and adults in social media. Posts will be designed by participants and communicate biotechnology safety and career opportunities.Creating two short video interviews annually with youth participants and professionals.We are using a multi-faceted approach to our education and Extension activities. Each of these activities engages our target population and builds interest and public confidence in the safe and enhanced use of biotechnology in agriculture, the environment, and food systems. Our team is building and implementing a self-sustaining model of youth-led biotechnology clubs to achieve these objectives. Our plan of operation and methodology includes establishing three biotechnology 4-H clubs in geographically diverse areas. These clubs will initially be led by our project instructor and then transferred to volunteers that are working alongside our program at the grant's conclusion. Interested high school youth, particularly those from underrepresented audiences, will be recruited to learn about STEM careers. Our advisory committee will assist with recruiting youth, implementing the biotechnology games, and ensuring a smooth transition to a self-sustaining model.The Youth Game Design Team will be formed with two representatives from each of the 4-H clubs and these youth will work with the NMSU Learning Games Lab to create a game in Years 1 and 3 of the project. All 4-H Club members will be actively involved in the design and implementation. The game will be maintained by UConn and NMSU (along with the suite of other outreach materials) at the conclusion of the grant and remain available for youth nationwide. Given the broad nature of subject matter, the game is not specific to geographical areas and will have relevance across programs and the nation.Our project will propel our team's innovative biotechnology and STEM career work in our 4-H youth development program to the next level. We will sustain project outcomes through previously developed strategic partnerships and ongoing support from those partners, the 4-H program, and our Extension system. The grant team will continue biotechnology youth education past the grant end date. Industry volunteers will help transition to a volunteer-led 4-H club model. Mancini and Marek's (2004) sustainability elements of leadership, competence, effective collaboration, understanding the community, demonstrating program results, strategic funding, staff involvement and integration and program responsivity will be used. Teen alumni will be encouraged to serve in leadership roles for biotechnology clubs.