4-H youth investigate marine and environmental science at Sandy Hook beach in New Jersey
Many high school students take a break from learning during the summer, finding anything and everything else to do besides studying. But for 50 4-H youth from New Jersey, learning was exactly what they wanted to do.
The high school students from urban areas in Bergen, Pasaic, Mercer, Camden and Essex counties were given the opportunity to spend a week on campus at Rutgers University in the 4-H Summer Science Program for Urban High School Students. The experience gave them a glimpse at college life, the chance to learn about science and research through activities with professors and university students.
“The students are very excited about the opportunity to spend a week with Rutgers scientists, touring their labs, learning about their research and how their work is applicable to our daily lives,” Chad Ripberger, Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H agent said.
The program is designed to combat the under representation of African Americans and Latinos in the science, engineering and technology fields by getting youth excited about the opportunities that exist beyond medical science.
“Often, youth may decide at an early age that science isn’t for them because they may only think of it in the context of physicians, or they perceive science to be working in a small lab with beakers,” said Ripberger, who explains that science is much more than that.
Throughout the week, the youth were involved in hands-on activities in biochemistry, biotechnology, engineering, and marine and environmental science. They were able to see real-world application through experiments and worked on possible solutions through problems we see today.
“They had the chance to work in a lab with bacterium to find out which would be best to for remediation for the gulf oil spill and why,” said Ripberger. He added that they conducted similar experiments in each of the study areas, and took field trips to Sandy Hook and other places so they could see that research is not just conducted in the lab.
Youth learned about GPS mapping (above) as well as biotechnology, biochemistry, engineering and marine and environmental science while at the Rutgers 4-H Science Camp.
Youth also met with Rutgers students to learn about college life and what it takes to not only get there, but to succeed. At the end of the program, the 4-H’ers presented posters on their studies during a scientific poster session held before the banquet. Their findings impressed family, friends, professors and, according to Ripberger, even impressed representatives from lead program sponsor Tyco International.
As part of the program requirements, the youth have to take what they’ve learned and serve as “science ambassadors” for the younger 4-H’ers in local afterschool programs. They will finish their week of science exploration and college preparation with giving back to their community through service.
“The biggest goal of the program is to get kids excited about science, and it went well,” said Ripberger. “They wanted a second week and to come back next year.”