DuPont Challenge© Science Essay Competition


The 24th annual DuPont Challenge© Science Essay Competition is underway and is accepting entries now through January 31, 2010. Designed to inspire young people to excel in scientific writing, the competition invites students in 7th through 12th grade to research and write a 700- to 1,000-word essay about a scientific discovery, theory, event or technological application that has captured their interest. Essays are judged on mechanics and conventions; ideas and content; organization; style and creativity; and voice. Winners receive savings bonds up to $5,000 and an expenses paid trip to Walt Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center. The program also rewards the unique contributions of the teachers of the winning students with trips with winners, $500 education grants, and sponsorship to attend the 2011 NSTA National Conference on Science Education in San Francisco. Created to honor the Challenger astronauts, this competition is a great way to get students to push the limits of imagination and discovery. For more information on classroom use and the competition, visit the DuPont Challenge website.

West Central District Teen Lock-In

Date: Friday, Jan. 8- Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010


Cost: $15

Ages: 13 and up

It will be a night filled with science/astronomy, skating, movies, games, snacks and fun! Registration will begin at 7:30 pm. A district meeting and ice breakers from 8-9, educational program from 9-11 and skating from 11:30-1:00 am. We will have a light breakfast, clean up and dismiss by 7:30 am.
Location: Rutherford County (Spindale)

Registration is due no later than December 28th.
Registration fee is due in the county office by the registration deadline, December 28th.

To register contact the county 4-H office
704-922-2110

A Project Record work session is scheduled for Thursday, December 17th from 6PM to 9PM in the Activity Room at the Gaston County Citizens Resource Center in Dallas. This is a RSVP drop in event. Besides bringing your supplies, everyone also needs to bring an easy to prepare snack and or drink. When RSVP ing please indicate what type of snack or drink you will be bringing. Participants may be asked to bring a different item depending on the diversity of items submitted (or lack there of).

This session is open to ALL county 4-H members including Cloverbuds.

The session will be focusing on the Personal Touch/Express Yourself section of your project record. Parent volunteers and senior 4-H'ers with project record experience will be available to offer suggestions and answer questions. This will be a great time to work with other 4-H'ers and to be inspired to complete a project record for 2009.

Below is a description of the "Personal Touch/Express Yourself" section from the 4-H Project Record Guide booklet:

"4-H Personal Touch/Express Yourself"

This section is devoted to sharing your 4-H project in an expressive way. You can use a variety of ways to share. Pictures, poems, newspaper articles, etc can be used. The sky is the limit. Just be sure to check the page limitations. All pictures, poems, newspaper articles, etc. should be about focused mainly on this one project. However, you should include things under leadership, citizenship and community service as a part of your record."

4-H Project Record Guide is located at http://www.nc4h.org/youth/awards.html. This guide's web link is located in the Project Records section of this 4-H web page.

Below are a few suggestions for those planning to attend...

Begin now preparing for this evnet opportunity by collecting the items you would like to use in your Express Yourself section.

Be sure to visit the above web address and review the guidelines for this section in the appropriate age category; especially the number of pages allowed. Remember, the 4-H age is your age as of January 1, 2009. This information will be needed to determine how many pages to plan for when collecting these items. It is always better to have more items than are needed, so that the very best items can be selected to include in the project record.  It may also be aparent that more can fit in this section than originally planned. Do not include valuable items in the project record; a picture or copy can be substituted for valuable items.  That we know of 4-H'ers have never had any thing lost or damaged through the submission process, however it is a possibility since these project records do travel for competition.

Take advantage of sales on scrapbook paper and stickers at Hobby Lobby and Michaels Craft stores. It is not uncommon for these stores to have sales on 8.5 by 11 scrapbook paper for 5/1.00 or 4/1.00 and scrapbook stickers on sale for 30% to 50% off.  Remember to be creative with an air of style and try to use materials in colors which will enhance the materials to be included and theme.

Consider copying newspaper articles to be included and even reducing their size some.

Consider pre-writing poetry, if that is a desired item, to include in the section for mounting that evening as opposed to using the time that evening to write it.

Make sure that all photographs are captioned - all photographs. There are a few options available with regards to including captions. If a computer is going to be used to create them then try and create them a head of time, so they can be ready to apply to the page that evening.

If photographs are to be the majority of the page then plan on bringing 3 to 4.  If the photos can be croped down in size then plan on 4 to 5. To enhance the photograph impact on the page think about bringing coordinating paper to mat some of the pictures.

These are only some suggestions, I'm sure 4-Her creativity will greately expand this list. Be creative and remember, in planning for this evening event, gather together and bring all the supplies that will be needed to complete the this section.

What about tools and other supplies?

We will have some on-site, but recommendations include... scissors, adhesive (glue sticks, photo tape squares etc), paper, and any scrapbook tools you may have such as decorative scissors, punches, corner rounders etc. Consider using acid free/lignum free products if you plan to keep these project records for a long period of time. Using these types of products will reduce the chances of the records deteriorating in 10 years or so.

Some scrapbook tools will be there as well, such as a sizzix die cut machine to help assist in developing these pages.

If there are any questions about the other sections of the project record please bring those too and the volunteers working this event will be happy to offer suggestions and help you work through any problem areas.

If you are planning to attend please RSVP to Jeff Lee at jtmmlee@carolina.rr.com. We are on the calendar for the Activity Room and we want to make sure we have plenty of room to work based on the number who RSVP.

Hope to see you there!

North Carolina Student Academy of Science Competition

at UNCC

For youth in grades 6-12.

Students prepare science research projects as individuals or in teams of 2 to 3. Students can conduct research in any appropriate area of science, technology or mathematics and then prepare their written reports for submission.

http://education.uncc.edu/cmste/ncsas/2010ncsas.htm

North Carolina Junior Science And Humanities Symposium

NC JSHS Competition for High School Aged Youth

at UNCC

March 21st and 22nd, 2010

Registration Deadline: December 11th, 2009
http://education.uncc.edu/cmste/jshs/

Gaston County Entrepreneurial Contest

Cash Prizes!
Tons of recognition.
Network with local Business Leaders.
Get creative, put in the time, and achieve...

The amount of this years cash prizes haven't been worked out yet, but if last year is any indication of the possibility... the top four business plans were awarded with the first place receiving $1,500.  Not bad, huh?

2009-2010 Contest for Business Ideas

 

Are you an innovative thinker? Do you think you can do something better than everybody else? You might be an Entrepreneur…someone who has an idea for a business or a product that is new, different, and/or better than what’s already out there in your community or the world.

 

In efforts to help Gaston County students (grade 9 - 12 equivalent ages) gain knowledge of entrepreneurship, the Entrepreneur Action Team of Gaston 2012 is offering a contest. The contest will give students, working as individuals or teams, an opportunity to win cash prizes! The contest can help students to discover what it would be like to generate an idea and build it into a business. 

• Participants will develop a basic business plan of their idea.
• The format of the plan should be in a Word document. However, feel free to add any pictures or other visuals.
• Completed entries need to be forwarded to the CTE district office by May 1st, 2010.
• Remember to proofread your plan for correct grammar & spelling.
• Representatives from local businesses will judge the entries from 1st and 2nd semester.
• The highest scoring individuals or teams will have an opportunity to meet the judges to present their business idea before final winners are selected.

Rules and Guidelines: 

1. Only one entry per student or team. (Teams consist of a minimum of one student and a maximum of four students.)
2. The student or team must complete the work. Technical assistance should be limited to advice from your teacher, parents and mentors and not doing actual work for the student or team.
3. Entries must be typed in a Word document.
4. All decisions of the judges are final.

It is time for the 2009 State 4-H Council Conference! The dates of the conference are November 21 & 22 and it will be held at the Hilton North Raleigh in Raleigh.

The registration deadline is November 2nd!  Those interested need to have payment to the 4-H Office, along with current membership form, medical release form, and media release form by the registration deadline.  The cost per 4-Her is $137.

State Council Conference is for youth ages 13 - 18. We are planning exciting workshops and speakers for the event. As most of you are aware – our State Project is: We Are 4-H: Then, Now, & Forever. Workshops will follow the same format as last year. Some workshops will focus on our theme; however, the majority of the workshops will be leadership workshops in an effort to make State Council Conference more of a teen leadership conference.  Several ambassador workshops will also be offered.   See your 4-H club leader or contact the 4-H office, (704)922-2110, for additional information.

Blazing Saddles 4-Her's have voted to work the DaJoLo, Ride for a Cure, Open Horse show as one of their community service events for the year! Please contact Tricia Lee, Blazing Saddles Volunteer Leader for the necessary forms to help promote this event with friends and family. 

Dear Friends,

Ms. Robin Lovin, Blazing Saddles Volunteer and former cancer survivor is asking for our support on a project that will benefit "The American Cancer Society". As we all know, cancer does not discriminate in any way, shape or form. It touches many family, friends, and co-workers alike. Together, with Ms. Melissa Davis, and Bs. Becki Jonas they have organized the DaJoLo, Ride for a Cure, Open Horse Show to take place on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the Biggerstaff Park in Dallas, NC. Show proceeds will support The American Cancer Society’s fight against this devastating disease.

There are several ways that you can support the event, one is to become a $25 class sponsor, that will go in our program as a Memorial to a family member or friend that you have lost to cancer, OR as a page in Honor of a family member or friend who is a cancer survivor. They are also selling "opportunity drawing tickets" featuring an autographed guitar by the Jonas Brothers, and other autographed items from Jonas Brothers and various celebrities, as well as merchandise and gift cards form area businesses. The tickets are on sale now for $5. The first drawing will be for the guitar (with letter of authenticity), and will take place at 1:00 pm, November 7th during the show– afterwards we’ll continue drawing for remaining prizes throughout the afternoon. You do not have to be present to win. Proceeds from the horse show and the drawing will go toward the American Cancer Society. If you do not show horses, or do not purchase opportunity drawing tickets – you can still make a donation to ACS, or there are sponsorships that will go toward the expense of putting the show on, such as Judge’s Fee, Arena rental, Ribbons etc.

I’ve attached information regarding DaJoLo’s Ride for a Cure, and various ways you can support. Donations are tax deductible, and ACS receipts available.

Thank you in advance for your consideration, and please feel free to contact Robin Lovin or Tricia Lee if you would like to make a donation, purchase tickets, purchase sponsorship, or if you have any questions.

In celebration of National 4-H Science Day we will be having a science activity day for this month's 4-H County Youth Council meeting. We will be exploring alternative energy with the National 4-H Science activity Biofuel Blast (www.4-H.org/NYSD). All participants are requested to RSVP so that we can be sure to have enough activity supplies. Also we are asking all participants to bring with them one (1) 16 to 20 oz. plastic bottle (a consumed plastic water or soda bottle would work fine.

When: Tuesday, October 6th @ 6pm

Where: Citizens Resource Center, Dallas -

  Extension Service Conference Room

Questions: contact Chris

  email: chris_caveny-cox@ncsu.edu

  cell: 704-718-3149

Cotton Ginning Days

October 9-11, 2009
Exhibitors from all over the southeast will convene in Dallas, NC for the annual crank-up of antique engines & tractors. Also see an authentic 1890's heritage village, complete with re-enactments. The festival offers a little something for everyone. There is a large kids' area on Saturday, arts and crafts sale are featured daily, bluegrass/folk/gospel music is provided on 2 stages. Admission and parking are free.


25,000 attendees expected.

On that Saturday (10/10)
Blazing Saddles 4-H Club will be giving horse rides
County 4-H Clubs will be supporting "Dirt Babies" activity booth
Contact: Chris 704-718-3149 to Volunteer

Science Fair Student Clinic
October 8th
4-6pm @ Schiele Museum
Topics include: Research, Referencing Materials, and the Experimental Process

Gaston Regional Science & Engineering Fair

Visit the Gaston County 4-H Web Site below for an application to the West-Central District 4-H Science Fair (October 24th @ Catawba Science Center)
Gaston County 4-H Web Site

Be sure to check the calendar to the right to see other upcoming events.

In-School Quail Embryology

In-School Embryology going on right now.  35 classrooms hatching approximately 700 qual eggs in support of scientific investigation and life science topics aligned with the North Carolina State Standard Course of Study for second grade.    NCSU 4-H Embryology

Karyae Park Clean-up - October 17th

Hello Everyone,

Big day out at Karyaé Park on Saturday, October 17th!


This year, the Gaston County 4-H Youth Council selected an old dump site located out at Karyaé Park to support their combined annual community service project. The deposited waste is located at the bottom of a ravine in the direct path of stream waters and its continued existence represents a great hazard for many people in our community. This clean-up represents one of the first steps toward improvement of the lake areas to support park access and recreation. Our focus is the dump clean-up, however, we are organizing many related property clean-up and improvement activities. Your involvement in our youth coordinated event sets the stage for local interest in supporting youth development efforts, and represents the culture of a strong community.

Other community partners that will be participating include McMillan Crane Service, Gaston County YMCA, and Gaston County Public Works.

Please consider coming out and contributing to the success of our annual community service event by rolling up your sleeves and getting involved.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions @ 704-718-3149.

Welcome

Explore and have fun...
To support greater use of technology resources, and to help keep everyone up to date with upcoming events and current achievements of our members, clubs, and related programming we are going to implement a blog "newsletter".  This is a dynamic site that involves you in the content.  Take a look around and have fun.  On the right is our County 4-H Calendar.  It's got a lot of upcoming deadlines and events on there, and will soon have more.  Those that are currently allowed to add content are listed below the calendar.  You can subscribe to the site and get notified if changes or additions are made (Subscribe to Gaston County 4-H).  There's a lot we can do with this site, and we've only just scratched the surface.  Check back frequently and see what's going on...