DATE: 1/25/07

CONTACT: Beverley Connelly, 843-4703655, Ext. 113; bconnel@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, 864-656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

4-H goes high tech

BEAUFORT – Kids in 4-H have gone high tech, adding global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS)science and technology, to the traditional farming and agriculture curriculum.

In November 2006, the Beaufort County GIS Department, Beaufort County 4-H Agent Beverly Connelly, and Beaufort County Schools presented training to Beaufort County 4-H’ers and students in the local middle schools. They participated in three projects learning GPS and GIS skills in order to map a historic walking tour in Beaufort.

During the training session 4-H’ers learned about tabby, a durable cement-like material composed of oyster shells, sand and a lime obtained through the burning of oyster shells. They viewed historic exhibits at the Beaufort Arsenal which showed how tabby was made and how it was used in historic structures throughout the South. They were then given GPS units and a GIS map with coordinates of 11 tabby structures in historic downtown Beaufort to learn how to locate them.

GIS computer software integrates, stores, edits, analyzes, shares and displays geographically referenced information.

Thirty GPS satellites transmit signals in the United States which allows a receiver on the ground to determine the operator’s exact location, speed and direction.

“This is an example of the partnerships that Beaufort 4-H clubs have created in our community to help all youth learn new and innovative skills,” said Connelly. “Teachers said it gave them different ideas for future programs in their classrooms and the students said this was more interesting and fun than any other activity they had all year.”

There are now many 4-H GIS clubs scattered throughout the state.

Experiential, hands-on learning methods teach young people about agriculture, natural resources, environmental stewardship, healthy lifestyles, science, technology and engineering. However, the ultimate aim is to teach leadership, citizenship and life skills. These skills are critical if South Carolina ’s workers are to succeed in a global, knowledge-based economy. Clemson University Extension’s 4-H programs provide these skills to some 75,000 youths, ages 5-19, through approximately 400 clubs across the state.

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