The 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative combines non-formal education with hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a positive youth development context to engage youth in improving their SET knowledge, skills and abilities. 4-H SET combines the strengths of 4-H Youth Development non-formal experiential-based delivery modes and strong youth-adult partnerships to address SET content as defined by the National Science Education Standards (1996).

The third annual 4-H National Youth Science Day will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. The 2010 National Science Experiment will focus on Water Quality — 4-H2O and climate change.  Using a three-tiered experiment model, the experiment engages youth of all ages to learn at the simplest level how carbon dioxide can affect aquatic animals, plants and other living organisms in lakes, streams, rivers and oceans. The experiment will allow youth to measure their own carbon footprint, their family’s footprint, and estimate energy savings by looking at gas and electric bills.  Look for updated information in future News & Views.  In the meantime, if you’d like to read more about the experiment visit https://www.4-h.org/NYSD/2010experiment.php.

Need a tried and tested way to quickly explain physical science and engineering concepts? Check out Design Squad's new library of 42 downloadable animations! These short videos are linked to national standards and categorized into seven topic areas. See them at http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/download_animations.html.

Horizon Fuel Cell is introducing Green Technology Science Education Tools! They have over 10 science kits to choose from, including miniature wind turbines and hydrogen fuel cars. For a complete listing of kits, visit http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/files/Education_Series_PDF.pdf.

The 4-H SET Activity Guide is available for download. Want to increase interest and enthusiasm for 4-H SET? Need an activity for a 4-H Club or Project meeting? The guide provides fast and fun science and engineering activities prepared to be SET-Ready.  The activities allow youth to have hands-on experiences with a variety of science and engineering topics.  Download the guide at http://www.ca4h.org/SET/curriculum/index.asp?ID=30

Earth Science Week is October 10-16, 2010, right after National 4-H Week! This year's theme is "Exploring Energy." Visit www.earthsciweek.org for activities to help youth learn the geoscience behind Earth's climate.