In this report...

University of Illinois Extension is a busy place! Each month, this brief newsletter will highlight some recent accomplishments in one of the Ogle County Extension program areas. We encourage your comments and questions. This month, we are providing information about our 4-H Youth Development Program. Feel free to contact Debbie Moser, Unit Educator, Youth Development, with any questions at dmoser@uiuc.edu.

Most people associate "4-H" with the long-existing community based club program. Indeed, 4-H community club work is a very significant part of University of Illinois Extension's Youth Development program. However, it is just one part. In addition to serving youth enrolled as 4-H club members, Extension reaches youth through special school enrichment offerings and community outreach efforts. Both school enrichment and community outreach programming provide venues for promoting the community-based 4-H club program. Visit our website at www.extension.uiuc.edu/ogle for comprehensive information about Ogle County Extension's youth programming.

School Enrichment Programs are conducted with Ogle County classrooms during school hours. These intense hands-on programs are designed to assist teachers in meeting Illinois State Learning Standards while addressing topics identified as national or state 4-H initiatives, including: healthy lifestyles, science and technology, leadership, and citizenship.

Community Outreach efforts are not school-based and target a variety of specific audiences. They are also created to address national and state 4-H initiatives and are often multi-county ventures.

The Problem...

Though jobs requiring advanced degrees in science and math continue to flourish, women remain underrepresented in these careers. It is unfortunate to note that even though women make up about 50% of the United States' workforce, they account for only about 21% of the nation's scientists and 11% of the engineers. Experts agree that this is a complex problem with no easy answers. However, they do point to some steps that can be taken to promote science-related careers among girls. These steps include: 1) encouraging girls to become involved in enrichment or summer programs that focus on science; 2) using non-sexist language and examples when teaching science; 3) utilizing female scientists as role models for young girls; and 4) creating an environment where hands-on learning is encouraged.

The Program...

Based on the problem and suggestions identified in the research, a program called Science Siesta was initiated by University of Illinois Extension Youth Development professionals in Northwest Illinois during the spring of 2002. The goal of this program was to begin changing the traditional perceptions that girls have had about science-related careers by providing them with unique opportunities to meet and interact with local female scientists; conducting fun, hands-on science activities in the lab; and offering activities in stimulating science-centered environments.

Reaching sell-out crowds annually, Science Siesta is now in its sixth year. The program targets girls in grades 4-6 and is a blend of "science" and "siesta." It is conducted by University of Illinois Extension Youth Development staff and is held at the Discovery Center Children's Museum and Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford. A total of 160 girls participate annually engaging in 7 action-packed hours of science experiences. During the event, the girls meet and enjoy workshops led by local female scientists representing fields such as forensics, medicine, engineering, chemistry, meteorology, plant science, vet science, and more. They also complete hands-on lab activities that revolve around the work of female scientists featured in University of Nebraska's "Wonderwise Women in Science Learning Series" curriculum. As the evening draws to a close, they enjoy free time to "play" among the host sites' exhibits.

In 2006, Science Siesta was made possible by funding from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and the Lisa Woessner Science & Technology Award given by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

The Impact...

Science Siesta is evaluated using a combination of instruments, including a pre-test, post-test, and evaluation. To date, the program has reached approximately 740 girls. Results from 2006 indicated that 96% of the girls who participated agreed Science Siesta had made them more aware of the variety of available science and math-related careers. Ninety-two percent credited Science Siesta with increasing their confidence in their abilities to do science. Eighty-nine percent agreed that the program had increased their interest in science and math-related careers.