The Extension Express - Cooperative Extension System - University ...

19 The Extension Express
Maryann Fusco-Rollins
Tolland County 4-H
Tolland County Extension Center
As Program Development Chairperson for the 4-H Science Initiative, Maryann Fusco-
Rollins has been exploring ways to add 4-H to in-school enrichment programming.
Elementary schools in Tolland County have an in-school planning day each month for their
teachers on Scientific Research-Based Interventions (SRBI). On these SRBI days the Science
Enrichment staff planned 1 hour science activities for each class. Working with the staff at
Goodwin Elementary School, UConn Center for Community Outreach, and the EcoHouse Learning
Community, Maryann has established a pilot program using 4-H curricula in the classroom on
SRBI days.
More opportunities are on the horizon with the upcoming guidelines from the Connecticut
State Board of Education regarding Curriculum-Embedded Performance Tasks. CEPT are
constructed similarly to the 4-H curricula and will be used in the classroom. Both CEPT and 4-H
are interdisciplinary, experiential investigations that promote the development of scientific inquiry.
The Board challenges that partnerships among families, school districts, community organizations,
businesses and universities are necessary for science education to be successful in preparing our
youth for life, advanced studies and technical careers. The 4-H Science Initiative is a blueprint for
how to bring all these stakeholders together to meet this challenge.
Adding Pomp and Circumstance
Knowing what to expect before a competition is an important and challenging issue for new
competitors and their families and clubs. When setting up 4-H contests and workshops for youths
ages 7 to 19, the ability to strike a balance between competition and a fun learning environment
while providing photo opportunities for families is key.
To address the pre-program specifics, a group of Tolland County 4-Hers and volunteers are
writing scripts and making instructional videos about what to expect from specific events. The
completed videos will to be featured on the Tolland County 4-H website.
To address fun and photos, the youths have discovered that it is important to have pomp
and circumstance in a bag that travels well. Often these events are held in otherwise stark spaces to
which we may gain access only an hour before an event. An easily constructed ―winner‘s circle‖
was designed to be used to make all competitors feel proud of their accomplishments even if they
didn‘t get the ribbon they wanted. PVC pipe and some fabric were used to create the freestanding
curtain and banner display.
Knowing how to prepare and what to expect from competition along with a celebratory and
supportive platform in which to compete, provides a positive learning environment for everyone.