Science Matters Project
Science Matters is a program sponsored through a partnership between Bayer and National 4-H Council. During the first two year of the program (2017-2019), 15 teens ages 14-18 formed three teams to address community needs around the topic of food, animals and health. A trip to the National Youth Conference on Agri-Science equipped them with skills, knowledge, and bonds that helped them make a positive impact on the Johnson County community.
The 2019-2020 program will look a little different, focusing on identifying and addressing a food issue in Johnson County. One team will be formed, consisting of 5 teens ages 14-18 that will work closely to build on the work from previous years and compete in the Science of Agriculture Challenge through Kansas 4-H.
This experience will deepen the teen’s understanding of how science connects to food, animals, and health while sparking interest and learning more about Agri-science careers. The teens will have an opportunity to meet other leaders from across the nation while forming a bond with local teen leaders.
Youth Resources (2019-2020 Applications are due by November 8, 2019)
Mentor Resources
- No Mentor positions available at this time.
- Mentor Position Description
2018-2019 Highlights
Animal Nutrition (#FatorFit): The Animal Health group aimed to educate pet and hobby livestock owners on how to achieve and maintain ideal weight for their animal using the body condition score system. They created informational flyers on the importance of healthy feeding habits and handed out food scoops to encourage families to take action.
Water Quality (#SlowtheFlow): The Water Quality group aimed to improve water quality in Johnson County and educate the community about the importance of waste reduction and improving water quality by reducing run-off. The team hosted a river clean-up, created a culvert, and hosted hands-on learning stations at community events to raise awareness on this important topic.
Food Waste (#WatchYourWaste): The team's desire was to make our community aware of food waste issues and to take personal action in reducing this problem. The team conducted research and worked with several community advisors to create a brochure, plinko game, and lesson plans to educate the community. They shared their learning at the library, toured Missouri Organic compost sites and delivered lessons to middle school classrooms.
2017-2018 Highlights
Animal Health: The animal health group created 13 informational flyers for pet and livestock owners to educate them on zoonotic disease and how to prevent them. These flyers will be distributed to the public via Johnson County veterinarian clinics.
Food Insecurity: They are working at a senior living site to educate the residents about gardening as well as how to prepare the food they grow. They also created a survey and want to take their findings to the County Food Policy Council.
Water Quality: The water quality group is working on lesson plans that target 5th graders. They plan to present their lessons to a classroom as a test run before making the kits available to teachers all over Johnson County.