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First Science, Engineering & Technology 4-H Agent
By
Laura Skillman
 PADUCAH,
Ky., (Nov. 28, 2007) – A more focused approach to science,
engineering and technology by 4-H, both nationally and in
Kentucky, has led to Torey Earle becoming the state’s first 4-H
agent-at-large for science, engineering and technology programs.
“I’m helping to get the 4-H SET (Science, Engineering and
Technology) curriculum established in the western counties of
Kentucky,” he said. “Science, engineering and technology is
something 4-H has been doing for years. The whole idea of
science-based programs is not new. This initiative just brings
it all together into one area.”
The plan is for Kentucky to focus on three to four major areas
within the national SET curricula. Those include biotechnology,
robotics, forces in motion, global positioning systems and
geographic information systems. Earle will work with Jann Burks,
4-H extension specialist, who is UK’s 4-H SET coordinator and
liaison with the National 4-H Council.
The National 4-H Council has set a goal of 1 million new young
people enrolled in 4-H through SET in the next five years with
Kentucky setting a goal of 50,000, he said.
These fields are areas where Kentucky and the nation need to
encourage youth interest, Earle said. Studies show that the
United States is falling behind in science and engineering
related fields. Less than a quarter of graduating high school
seniors are considered proficient in science and mathematics and
few of those go on to pursue careers in these fields, he noted.
While in other counties, such as Japan and China, the percentage
is above 50 percent, and in Germany, it is 39 percent.
“This is part of why we are focusing on these areas,” he said.
“If we can get them interested in something related to
engineering, then we can show them that they need to be
concentrating on math and science. It’s not just having fun with
robots, for example. You have to know not only that it is fun
but the why behind them. You’ve got to understand the science
that makes them work.”
Earle said he was attracted to the new position in part because
of his agricultural engineering background. After college, he
wound up with a job as a 4-H agent and loved working with young
people. This new role, he hopes, will allow that to continue as
well.
Although in the early stages, Earle said he anticipates spending
lots of time helping 4-H agents implement the programs rather
than doing much programming himself.
“I love working with my hands, love helping other people
understand how and why things work,” he said. “Some people have
labeled me as kind of a techno-geek. I enjoy technology. Don’t
understand it all the time but love learning about it. If you
ever stop learning about it, it will pass you by.”
Earle’s efforts will focus on a number of ways to reach young
people including schools, community settings, camps and more. He
will also partner with the UK College of Engineering Project
Lead the Way Program in western Kentucky. This program works in
middle and high schools to encourage an interest in science,
engineering and technology, he said.
Earle, formerly a 4-H youth development agent in McCracken
County, moved into his new role at the beginning of October and
is housed at the UK College of Engineering facility at Paducah.
“Torey has a proven track record of excellence as a Kentucky 4-H
agent and is highly regarded by his fellow 4-H agents,” said Joe
Kurth, assistant director for 4-H youth development programs.
“We are excited about the possibilities this position holds for
expanding 4-H SET in western Kentucky and are delighted to be
partnering with the College of Engineering in this venture.”
UK has committed to the position for three years. Earle said if
it is as successful as he hopes, at least two additional SET
agents would be added for central and eastern Kentucky sometime
in the future.
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Contact: Torey Earle, 270-534-3105
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of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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