NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE DAY

On Wednesday, October 5,4-H and Oceanside Charter School students will join millions of young people across the nation to become scientists for the day during the fourth annual 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD).

As part of 4-H NYSD, youth will participate in Wired for Wind: the 2011 National Science Experiment activities at the ACUA Recycling Center. The experiments will demonstrate how young people can implement alternatives to traditional energy production and have a positive impact on their communities and ecosystems. After lunch, the students will travel to the ACUA Wind Farm, and based on maps and wind data, discuss if this site was the ideal location for an Atlantic County wind farm.

To combat a national shortage of young people pursuing science college majors and occupations, and to enhance the nation's contribution to the sciences, 4-H NYSD demonstrates that science, engineering, math and technology are fun and attainable options for college degrees and future careers. Currently, more than five million young people across the nation participate in 4-H science, engineering, technology and applied math year-long programming. Through the One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas campaign, 4-H is working toward a bold goal to engage one million new young people in science, engineering, technology and applied math programs by the year 2013.

The Experiment
Developed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension program, this three-tiered experiment will help 4-H young people to enhance their science, engineering, technology and applied math skills by allowing them to:

• Designing, building and testing two different wind turbine models 
• Experimenting with variables by examining three different blade pitch angles to determine the effect of pitch on rotor speed 
• Relating their scientific experiences back to their own lives by determining how their communities can harness the power of wind and create a more sustainable and clean energy system  
• Youth will determine the best location for a wind farm in their state or local area by calculating wind power and studying wind data and maps 

 
By connecting these important scientific lessons to civic engagement, 4-H youth become a living, breathing, culture-changing movement for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing the country forward to successfully face the challenges of the future. Participation in 4-H National Youth Science Day is meant to help spark an early passion for science, engineering and math and to encourage young people to consider these paths of study and future careers.

To find out more, visit National Youth Science Day web page.