Youth Explored “Green” Energy at MSU Extension 4-H Science Blast Event
11/3/09
Contact: Michelle Lavra
517-432-1555, ext. 151
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Hundreds of youth and their families spent Halloween morning being “mad” scientists in Agriculture Hall on the Michigan State University (MSU) campus. They weren’t creating Frankenstein, but most of the experiments were definitely about being green.
The 4-H Science Blast was offered by the 4-H Youth Development arm of MSU Extension. 4-H officials estimate as many as 300 people spent the morning of October 31 creating their own biofuels; discovering the difference in the energy output needed to light different kinds of light bulbs; experiencing the power of wind energy; and learning how a group of Saginaw 4-H’ers converted used cooking oil to biofuel, and then used it to power a school bus. Participants also drove a robot through an obstacle course and launched air-powered, indoor-safe rockets (Saturday’s windy weather made launching outdoor rockets impossible).
“Watching youth discover that they have to pedal a bike much harder to light a regular bulb versus an energy-efficient bulb helps them understand energy conservation in a whole new way,” said Julie Chapin, Michigan 4-H state program coordinator. “They made their own biofuels out of sugar, cornmeal, Karo syrup and apple cider and then watched to see which fuels were best at producing gas to inflate a balloon. They even recorded their observations. What better way is there to get youth interested in biofuel production and green energy?”
The event came after two weeks of uncertainty about the future of MSU Extension and Michigan’s 4-H program. Considered to be a target of a line-item veto by Gov. Granholm, MSU Extension and the governor’s office issued a joint statement October 29 saying that MSU Extension had been exploring a new structure and that the program would focus more attention on green energy development in the state, a move the governor was in favor of supporting -- and funding.
“The decision about whether the science event was a go or a no-go came right down to the wire,” said Jake DeDecker, program leader for Michigan 4-H’s science, engineering and technology (SET) programming. “If Extension funding had been vetoed on the 30th, we would have had to cancel this event at the very last minute, disappointing hundreds of people who traveled from as far away as Grand Traverse County to explore 4-H’s SET programming. Instead, we were able to offer a program that immediately supported MSU Extension’s interest in green energy.”
Photos and broadcast quality video b-roll and interviews are available upon request. Please call Michelle Lavra at (517) 648-3807 or e-mail lavra@msu.edu.
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Michigan 4-H Youth Development is part of Michigan State University Extension. More than 230,000 Michigan youth participate annually in 4-H-sponsored events, activities and clubs. More than 25,000 adults volunteer each year to guide 4-H youth through hands-on learning activities that enhance self-esteem, build leadership skills, encourage career exploration, create active citizens, develop entrepreneurial abilities and teach practical skills in hundreds of areas.