Silver State Wrangler 4-H Club Archer competes at the Shooting Sports State Match prior to COVID-19 epidemic.
Aiming to connect STEM principles with shooting sports, Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program has launched a virtual workshop series that teaches youth about physics through disciplines such as archery, air pistol, muzzleloader, shotgun and rifle.
This first-of-its-kind program in Nevada was adapted from curriculums from 4-H programs in Colorado and Idaho, making the science, technology, engineering and math connection using the popular sport.
“I’m excited about this program because it presents shooting sports to youth who may not have considered it or thought about its connection to STEM before,” said Luisa Ixmatlahua-Garay, Extension 4-H community-based instructor. “The program has a rural meets urban feeling and hopefully sparks a new interest in youth.”
lxmatlahua-Garay, a nationally certified shooting sports leader, will lead the weekly virtual classes that will include demonstrations, hands-on activities and open-ended discussion questions designed to help build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This workshop series is free and open to Nevada youth ages 9 and up. Classes are 60 minutes per session and will be held every Thursday through March 18 at 4:30 p.m. All experience levels are welcome, but registration is required. Once registered, participants will receive a list of materials needed if they want to complete the activities as lxmatlahua-Garay conducts the demonstrations virtually.
The 4-H Program is America’s largest youth development organization and is based on providing experiences where young people learn by doing. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, two times more likely to be civically active and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
