September 24, 2019
News Release
For Immediate Release
EDITOR'S NOTE: Members of the media may contact Jeannette Rea Keywood, Rutgers 4‑H Youth Development by phone at 848-932-3597 or by email at nj4h@njaes.rutgers.edu.
4‑H and Google Inspire Kids to Do Computer Coding through Fun and Games!
2019 4‑H National Youth Science Day inspires kids to be "Game Changers" in three-part computer science experience
Kids and teens in across New Jersey will join more than 150,000 children across the country in the 12th annual 4‑H National Youth Science Day (4‑H NYSD) challenge throughout the month of October. This year's challenge, Game Changers, teaches young people computer science and coding skills through three engaging hands-on activities.
The county 4‑H programs throughout the state will hold a 4‑H NYSD event featuring the Game Changers challenge. All youth are invited to participate. Contact the 4‑H office in which you live to find out when the 4‑H National Youth Science Day Game Changers challenge will be held.
Developed by Google and West Virginia University Extension Service, this hands-on experience includes a computer-based activity on Google's Computer Science (CS) First platform, as well as two unplugged activities that bring coding to life through games, physical activities and puzzles. Game Changers is perfect for first-time and beginner coders, ages 8 to 14.
"In the 21st century, computer science is important skill for kids everywhere to learn. CS skills will open up a world of opportunity for our kids to excel in school and find careers in a broad array of industries from health care to manufacturing, from agriculture to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, from transportation to technology, and from business to the arts." States Jeannette Rea Keywood, Department of 4‑H Youth Development, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
4‑H NYSD is an annual program that provides access and opportunity for kids everywhere to take an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and learn about careers by participating in a hands-on STEM challenge. In addition to the events in New Jersey counties, kids will conduct the challenge at thousands of local events in all 50 states, and in countries around the world, throughout October.
4‑H NYSD 2019 was developed in collaboration with Google, with support from our national partners: Donaldson Filtration Solutions, HughesNet, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force.
4‑H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills.
The 4‑H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension. 4‑H programs are open to all boys and girls in grades K–13 (one year out of high school) on an age-appropriate basis without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, and any other category protected by law. For information about the New Jersey 4‑H Program visit the website at: www.nj4h.rutgers.edu
###
Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Boards of County Commissioners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an qual opportunity program provider and employer.