4-H Delivers

Providence 4-H Aerospace & Rocketry Project: As a Matter of Fact, They ARE Rocket Scientists!

The Issue

Young people in the United States are falling behind their international peers in the areas of science, engineering and technology. US college students are choosing not to focus their studies in these areas, and US businesses are having difficulty hiring qualified, capable people to fill positions in these fields.

What has 4-H Done?

In connection with the 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology initiative, the Providence 4-H Club offered, for the first time, an Aerospace and Rocketry project. They applied for 4-H Service-Learning RFP funding and received financial assistance to carry out their project.

The Payoff

Twelve 4-H members, ages 9 to 18 years old, learned about rocket types, rocket history, the model rocket safety code, and the rocketeer’s pledge. They made edible rockets with fruit while learning Newton’s first, second and third laws through hands-on experiments.

During project meetings, each participant built a model rocket. Then, the Providence 4-H club invited the community of Adin to a potluck picnic. Before the food was enjoyed, each member launched their rocket. After the launch, food was served and project members were available to explain their knowledge and answer questions from community members.

Through this project, members had fun and practiced math, physics, chemistry and electronics. When asked about the experience, Nick Shultz said, “It's cool that in our community we can have added programs beyond our animal projects and that our community supports us.” Randi Johnson stated, “I will always remember being a rocket scientist for a day. It was fun and I enjoyed sharing the rocket launch experience with our community. I think everyone had a blast.”

Author: Sherri Johnson, 4-H adult volunteer