Events

National Youth Science Day

National Youth Science DayOn October 7, 2009, 4-H National Youth Science Day will give young people nationwide the opportunity to join leading scientists in experimenting with biofuels to discover which ones will lead us to a sustainable future. Be part of this opportunity to explore, learn - and have a blast - with the Biofuel Blast National Science Experiment.

National Youth Science Day

4-H Youth Learn and Lead on Alternative Fuels

As our nation grapples with important environmental issues such as global warming, sustainability and energy independence, "biofuels" -- sources of energy obtained from recently harvested plant materials -- are at the forefront of the discussion of alternative energy sources. At 4-H, we encourage the youth of today to become our nation's future leaders. And, as such, it's vital for youth to understand and engage in the important environmental issues our global community faces together, and the opportunities available for a greener tomorrow.

For the second annual 4-H National Youth Science Day, the University of Wisconsin has designed "Biofuel Blast," the 4-H National Science Experiment which will introduce young people all around the nation to biofuels. Youth will become a scientist for the day, discovering how ordinary household products can create alternative energy, and how that fuel can power many of the things we use each day.

Share in the Debate about the Next Great Biofuel

On 4-H National Youth Science Day (October 7, 2009), millions of young people all across the U.S. will actively participate in a live demonstration of how organic materials can be converted to fuel to supply energy. The experiment offers several activities to showcase how cellulose and sugars in plants can be used to create ethanol. In one activity, for example, youth will combine corn syrup and yeast in a plastic container and cover the bottle's mouth with a balloon. They will watch as the yeast breaks down the natural sugars in the corn, which will release ethanol gas that will inflate the balloon.

In addition to testing corn syrup, youth will test and discuss other alternative fuel options, including switchgrass, sawdust, sorghum and even algae. These fuel alternatives -- researched by the 106 Land-Grant Universities and Colleges across the nation that oversee 4-H youth development programs in every state -- differ by region throughout the U.S., providing an opportunity for youth to learn about their home region as well as others.

The National Science Experiment will encourage a national youth debate to discuss the "best" biofuel based on experiment outcomes. Young people will be able to see how their small creations are part of a major current nationwide discussion. Youth will also be engaged before, during and after the experiment via several popular communication mechanisms, including cell phone text messages, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, and through the 4-H.org Web site.

One Million New Scientists. One Million New Ideas.TM

For over 100 years, 4-H has been at the forefront of teaching youth about science, engineering and technology. 4-H National Youth Science Day is an important annual part of 4-H's One Million New Scientists. One Million New Ideas.TM campaign, with a bold goal of attracting one million new youth to science, engineering and technology programs by the year 2013.

For more information on related events around Illinois, contact your local University of Illinois Extension Office. Find an office at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/findoffice.html

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