Wired: An introduction to the 4-H electric series

The Penn State Cooperative Extension Service (4-H) and the Department of Electrical Engineering are developing an electrical science and technology program that will be available to Pennsylvania 4-H youths, ranging in age from 8 to 19 years old, through local 4-H clubs and 4-H programs in local public schools. The specific aims of the program are to: 1) develop a series of hands-on activities that introduce youths to basic concepts of electrical science and technology, 2) foster a natural curiosity regarding electrical science and technology in youths, motivating their study of science and math, and 3) develop important life skills. A key component of the program is the generation of an Internet resource that provides a repository of low cost projects with detailed assembly instructions and background material, information on careers in electrical science and technology, and links to other relevant Internet resources. We present an overview of the program by describing some of the projects and discussing the logistics of recruiting and assisting adult leaders.