4-H Project Archives

2004 Projects

4-H Clubs use GIS and GPS technology to learn about their community. The following are excerpts from the December 2004 reports submitted by 4-H clubs about their GIS and GPS activities and observations.

North Dakota—Mountrail County & Fort Berthold 4-H

Our two groups (Mountrail County & Fort Berthold 4-H) have begun their project of mapping the New Town Walking Path. The project will show the path as well as identify the plants and scenic spots along the path. We have been working with the committee that has planned and developed the path to get some beginning information. The overall goal is to provide some kind of brochure to the New Town Tourism that will showcase the path to visitors.

The program has touched 34 youth made up of Native American and Caucasian youth. They have had a great response and have picked up the information very fast. Many of the youth in the group have a real love of technology and have found this program as a great outlet to access some new technology they can't get anywhere else.

"It's so cool to see what we mapped with our GPS unit come to life on the computer screen," said Jesse Lee, technology group participant.

Submitted by Krista Littlefield, GIS Project Leader
Mountrail County Extension Agent

Georgia—Putnam County 4-H and Rock Eagle 4-H Center

Click to enlarge.

Alabama—Winston County 4-H GIS Club

Student expert demonstrates GIS database to visitors at GIS Day 2004 at Double Springs Middle School.

"The most important group is our expert students. These students have gotten one-on-one instruction in ArcView and GPS. They have, in turn, made presentations to other students and visitors to the school. In their role as experts, they have developed public speaking skills, and improved their working knowledge of powerpoint software. As part of the GIS Day activities, they were interviewed twice by our local newspaper reporter and photographed during the event." Mike Henshaw, adult leader.

Maine—Maine 4-H GIS/GPS Project

Many of the leaders are learning right along with the youth. Some are more comfortable with the technology than others. The leaders are encouraged by the youth’s enthusiasm and are excited about the possibilities. One leader who is a GIS professional and has been wanting to work with interested youth has referred to this grant as “just what I have been looking for, thank you so much for providing this opportunity for us.”

Comments from the Maine Youth:

• "It is the best project I have worked on and I am learning a lot."
• "I was so impressed after talking with one of the county staff working with the Maine 4-H GIS/GPS project that I contacted the University of Maine Spatial Information and Engineering Department to learn more about career possibilities with GIS. I am excited to learn more about GIS and to begin our community project."
• "I wouldn't have had the opportunity to use this technology without this grant."

Submitted by Christy Fitzpatrick and Lisa Phelps
University of Maine Cooperative Extension

North Carolina—Geographically Inspired Students 4-H Club, Chowan County

In addition to learning how to use GPS units, how to input data points, and how to create maps, the youth have also learned a lot about their community. To get hands-on experience the group created a service map for the Big Sweep fall cleanup. The map was published in the Chowan Herald and on the Chowan County website. The students also participated in National GIS Day by giving a presentation via the North Carolina Information Highway.

• View the presentation.
  Scroll down to the 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. time block and select your connection speed. The section on the GIS Club begins at approximately minute 24:00.

This was an intimidating public speaking opportunity for several of the youth, but they did an outstanding job overcoming their fears and explaining how they gathered information to make maps about Chowan County.

Submitted by Amy L. Damrow, Extension Agent
4-H Youth Development

Ohio—Glenville Recreation Center 4-H Adventure Club

My perception is that involvement in this project has greatly benefited three of the urban youth in particular. Mimie, a natural youth leader, has jumped into every aspect of the learning and use of the technology. Articulate to start, she has acquired an intrigue with the technology and her enthusiasm when discussing GPS/GIS shows in her confidence. She is using the topic for her current science fair project at school. Derrick, a young hyperactive club member shows interest in the topic and is very keen to learn more. His attention span, patience, and focused interest all seem to increase when participating in the GPS activities. James, one of the oldest, has found this project to be an outlet for his extremely inquisitive nature.

"I love that my children enjoy scientific technology without forcing it. I enjoyed it; it's wonderful, and I hope they have more!" said Tynetta Harris-McCall, parent.

Submitted by Dorcus Johnson