Our speaker for the February 14th at 10:00 CT Next Generation Extension Webinar will be Paul Hill from Utah State University Extension. Paul is a leader in developing and delivering maker-based programming in Washington County, Utah. Since 2012, hundreds of youth across Utah have participated in summer camp and after school programs in photography and filmmaking, geology, cooking, upcycling, robotics, sewing, rocketry, coding and entrepreneurship. Paul often uses pop culture media as themes on which to base maker programming including recent Ghostbusters and Pokemon-themed classes.
After participating in these maker opportunities, youth have reported an increase in belonging, confidence, and problem solving ability. Making is gaining traction as a strategy to engage young people in building science abilities. Joining the Maker Movement has accelerated their ability to meet 4-H’s national STEM goals and initiatives while enhancing the abilities of youth as they make innovative breakthroughs.