Effective STEM Education NetworksIn Informal Settings

Samantha EphgraveCandidate for 4-H Youth Development Community Educator

Introduction• Illinois 4-H member• Collegiate 4-H at Oklahoma State University• B.S. in Animal Science with emphasis on

Biotechnology, Pre-Veterinary Science• Graduate Assistantship in Information Sciences for

international tech support for an OSU outreach program

• Finishing M.S. in Agricultural Education and Leadership

• Extension Educator, 4-H and Youth Development• Oklahoma Impact/Issue Teams – STEM and

Environmental Ed• National 4-H GIS/GPS Technology Team Member

2007-2011

Live Q&A on Twitter

#sam4stem

Informal Settings

STEM Is All Around Us

• Inventory of current programming and expertise of current volunteers

• Stakeholder (both youth and adults) feedback session

• Incorporate stronger STEM components into pre-existing programs through collaborative efforts

Informal SettingsSTEM-Positive Atmosphere

• Incorporate technology of today, especially when working with teens

• Encourage parents and volunteers to utilize new technologies, provide training and safe environment for trial and error

• Embrace time and activities for exploration of why/how questioning

Informal Settings

Partnerships

• Connect with business and industry in the community

• Local educational institutions

• K-12 school systems

• Other government entities

• Professional organizations

Informal Settings

Delivery

• HANDS ON

• Encourage exploration and self-discovery

• Allow room for growth from mistakes

• Pose real-world problems and encourage search for credible solutions

Informal SettingsThe Community Educator’s

Role

• Know when to provide guidance and know when to step back

• Foster ownership of programming by youth

• Guide process application to help youth realize outcomes and look for application of material in significant manner

Questions?

Samantha Ephgraves.ephgrave@gmail.com

@clovercowgirl