September 27, 2016
Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Changes for 2016-17
Kansas 4-H SpaceTech currently has five project areas: rockets, robotics, astronomy, computers and GPS/GIS. Through the years, as new sub-areas have developed, they have been added to SpaceTech.
The Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Action Team and Kansas 4-H Youth Development are pleased to add a new area for 2016-17, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), that will be added to 4HOnline as a new state project area under SpaceTech. The following is a description and breakout for the project area. While commonly referred to as “drones,” Kansas 4-H will refer to them as Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Take flight with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Explore the world from above the trees and discover new frontiers with unmanned aerial systems. This project provides the opportunity to expand one's understanding of UAS and the world around them safely. In this project you can explore the uses and applications of unmanned aerial systems including how UAS links to other projects such as geology, robotics, electronics, crop science, and many more.
- Junior Age 7 to 9
Pre-flight – Youth explore the foundation of UAS and how it can be applied to the world around them. - Intermediate Age 10 to 13
Cleared for Takeoff – Youth discover UAS applications and operations, becoming more adept in their knowledge of UAS. - Senior Age 14 and up
Flight Master – Youth advance their knowledge of UAS and gain experience in applying UAS applications to the world around them.
Suspension of GPS/GIS for 2016-17
The Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Action Team routinely looks at participation levels of all the project areas. The participation in the GPS/GIS project has been declining the past three years at the Kansas State Fair. In 2014, there were 12 exhibits; five in 2015, and six in 2016. We know this is not the only factor to consider, but it is an important one. For the 2016-17 4-H program year, Kansas 4-H will be suspending the GPS/GIs project area.
Should there be sufficient interest, you may create a local self-determined project using a 4Honline project alias. For the 2017 Kansas State Fair, all class numbers and text referring to GPS/GIS will be removed. Extension units that have current 2015-16 members in GPS/GIS will be contacted by the state 4-H office with tips on removing this project area from 2016-17 4HOnline re-enrollments.
The decision will be reviewed closely in a year, as to its final status to sunset the project area or to continue it. If you have comments or thoughts, please send them to Deryl Waldren, Faculty Liaison for the Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Action Team, at dwaldren@ksu.edu, or telephone him at 785-462-6281.