National Youth Science Day

As part of National 4-H Week, 4-H’ers participated in 4 H National Youth Science Day (NYSD), the world’s largest youth-led science experiment. 2017’s 4 H NYSD event took place on October 4. The 2017 4‑H National Youth Science Day Challenge was called Incredible Wearables! The challenge was developed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and incorporated the fast-evolving field of wearable technology, teaching kids to not only use technology but to create it and understand how it works.

From watches and eyewear to fashion and virtual reality headsets, wearable technologies are fast becoming the must-have accessory for forward-thinking people around the world. Wearable technologies didn’t start out as trendy however – one of the world’s first wearable technologies was the hearing aid! Wearable technologies are now used in industries around the globe, from education and sports, to health, fashion, entertainment, transportation and communication. In this challenge, youth used the engineering design process to build a prototype wearable technology that will gather data to help solve a real-world problem. They designed and built heir own low-cost wearable health monitor following the engineering design process. This process included defining the problem, designing and building prototypes (solutions) then systematically testing and evaluating enabling them to redesign for optimization of wearability and functionality.

During the innovative, hands-on project, these future engineers had to work together to design, build and refine a wearable health-tracking device that was easy-to-use and aesthetically appealing. In fact, youth from Bay County trained with their adult leaders to teach this challenge to other youth in their community on National Youth Science Day. Jason Scott, from Scott Innovative Solutions and an engineer at NSA PC, teamed up with the Bay County 4-H Agent to teach youth and adult partner teams about this project enabling them to be able to share their knowledge with others on October 4. when participants attempted to solve the problem of people not staying active enough to lead healthy lives. In fact, youth built a prototype fitness tracking device that could ultimately be marketed and sold to consumers to positively affect fitness behaviors.

After completing the challenge youth have had an experience of using the engineering design process to build a device to help them monitor their health so they can gather data to make better decisions. They understand more about how wearable technologies like FitBits, Smartwatches and other wearable devices are made.

The field of wearable technologies continues to grow in both quantity and quality. New technologies are being developed and put on the market on a regular basis, including virtual reality and augmented reality devices, clothing and accessories, as well as health monitoring devices. The future of wearable technologies is limited only by the imaginations of those designing them. By studying STEM and participating in this National Youth Science Day Experiment, youth used technologies to develop products and mechanisms we haven’t even thought of, but definitely desire! To find out more information about other 4-H programs like this or volunteer your time to work with youth, contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office or visit http://florida4h.org.

Comparing device to prototype

 

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Posted: October 4, 2017


Category: 4-H & Youth
Tags: 4-H Military, 4-H National Youth Science Day, 4-H Science, Club Activities, Clubs, Confidence, Healthy Lifestyles, National 4-H Week, Panhandle 4-H, Physical Activity, Science, Service Learning, Uncategorized, Volunteer Resources, Youth Leadership


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