4-H NETWORK NEWS clubs of Washington State contribute to this blog as a youth-run Internet multi-media service, featuring youth-related events and achievements from across the state and the nation. Produced in partnership with WSU Extension and Washington State University.
by Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H Youth DevelopmentFood coloring, unused diapers, and soil soakers. These and other key ingredients helped turn Washington State kids into some of our nation’s budding scientists. In the first 4-H National Youth Science Day on October 6, youth from our state and beyond took part in an experiment designed to highlight how water-absorbing polymers, called hydrogels, can be used in environmental applications including agriculture, erosion control, soil management, and environmental clean-ups.
In Pierce County youth tore into disposable diapers to extract the hydrogels. When added to water they found how the congealed substance ensnared additional liquid and began to think how polymers could be used in daily life.
“This experiment sparked an interest and curiosity in science with the youth while they practiced life skills such as critical thinking and problem solving,” said Christina Murray, WSU Pierce County 4-H Program Coordinator. “They discovered solutions to take care of our planet by conserving water and preventing groundwater contamination. They realized hydrogels could help people in other parts of the world, especially growing food in dry regions that don't receive much rain,” added Murray.Youth on the Colville Reservation in Ferry County discovered what happens on top of the soil affects ground water below. Using a control and an experimental soil soaker they added potting soil to both soakers and placed hydrogels in one. Colored water, simulating contaminants, was added to each soaker. Youth watched and recorded what happened as the colored water seeped through the control soaker but became virtually trapped inside the soaker with the polymers.
“4-H science activities offer youth hands-on learning that ignites their thought processes and promotes investigative thinking into educational areas not thought of before,” said Linda McLean, WSU Colville Reservation 4-H Youth Development Coordinator.
One goal of the experiment was to show youth that science can be fun and have immediate tangible benefits. Now recognized by Congress as an official day, 4-H National Youth Science Day is part of 4-H new initiative to reach one million new youth through 4-H science, technology, and math programs by 2013.
