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When most people hear about 4-H, they don’t automatically associate 4-H with coding and technology.  Additionally, an abundance of screen time for youth is often discouraged. However, the educational value that coding can facilitate when it comes to life skill development must not be overlooked. I am here to advocate that coding and technology programs [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_2429" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2429" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/10/IanLucyCamden.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-2429 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="4-Hers coding the Sphero Bolt to move in a maze." width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/10/IanLucyCamden-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2429" class="wp-caption-text">4-Hers coding the Sphero Bolt to move in a maze.</figcaption></figure>
When most people hear about 4-H, they don’t automatically associate 4-H with coding and technology.  Additionally, an abundance of screen time for youth is often discouraged. However, the educational value that coding can facilitate when it comes to life skill development must not be overlooked. I am here to advocate that coding and technology programs can be a great addition to our 4-H programs to help facilitate life skills within our <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/4H242">Targeting Life Skills Model</a>.
Recently, I taught a short-term 4-H SPIN (special interest) club called 4-H Learns to Code with Sphero with 12 youth.  We met for 7 sessions during a 5 week timeframe to learn the basics of coding through the <a href="https://sphero.com/collections/coding-robots/products/sphero-bolt?gad=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjaTrx9bcgQMVnUt_AB3JzAM8EAAYASAAEgKGHPD_BwE">Sphero Bolt robots</a>.  Throughout this journey, the kids developed a block-based code to drive their Sphero through a maze, learn about loops and variables in codes, write in JavaScript, and learned about IT career paths.  While it was amazing to see the youth develop more content knowledge and increased positivity about STEM through the club, the most rewarding area was witnessing the life skills developed through the coding of Sphero Bolts.  Half of the participants demonstrated an increase in both critical thinking and teamwork skills, and 42% demonstrated an increase in communication skills.  These skills are not only a part of our Targeting Life Skills Model, but they are 21st Century Skills that <a href="https://sphero.com/blogs/news/21st-century-skills">Sphero indicated are most important to succeed in today’s workplace and society regardless of career field</a> (Vaden, 2020).
<figure id="attachment_2425" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2425" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/10/DavisBoys.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-2425 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="4-Hers work on coding their Sphero Bolts." width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/10/DavisBoys-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2425" class="wp-caption-text">4-Hers work on coding their Sphero Bolts.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>So, why the Sphero Bolts? </h3>
As someone who doesn’t have a formal computer science background and was also intimidated by the idea of coding, I wanted to find something that would peak the interest of our 4-Hers, which was also reasonable for me to understand and teach.  In my needs assessment, both parents and youth indicated a high interest in learning about coding and technology, but stated there were not many opportunities to learn outside of school.  Multiple coding platforms and resources exist to teach youth these vital skills.  Based on feedback from Julia Kelly, a fellow 4-H agent, and some additional research, I opted to utilize the Sphero Bolt robots.  If you are considering adding coding and technology to your 4-H or youth program, here are some reasons why Sphero might be a great fit for your program:
<ol>
<li>One of Sphero’s core values is that play is a powerful teacher.  I witnessed this firsthand when the kids shared that driving the Bolts was like playing Mario Cart.  In fact, many of the kids were drawn to the club and the program because it looked like (and it is) fun!</li>
<li>Sphero already has 1,000 hours of activities built into the SpheroEdu App. The app contains standards-align curriculum.  Additionally, the app contains curriculum that uses Sphero robots to enhance science, math, social studies, arts, and English language arts lesson plans.  I am most excited to be able to utilize Sphero Bolts to enhance some in-class science lessons around forces and motions and life sciences.</li>
<li>The lesson plans are easy to teach and are scalable to all ages. My club members were predominantly ages 8-14.  Sphero has both curriculum and robots that are geared toward youth of all ages.</li>
<li>The training and support from Sphero is there! Thanks to generous grants from the Clay Electric Foundation, Inc. and the McDonald’s Golden Grants Program, we were able to fund the initial Sphero Bolt Robots and iPads used in the program.  I also purchased the Sphero Fundamentals Self-Guided Course to teach me how to work the Sphero Bolts and the SpheroEdu App.  Whenever a question about the Sphero Bolt arose during our club sessions that I couldn’t answer, I would reach out to the Sphero team and would receive a prompt reply.</li>
</ol>
<figure id="attachment_2433" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2433" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/10/Kids.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-2433 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="4-Hers learning about the internal hardware of a computer." width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/10/Kids-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2433" class="wp-caption-text">4-Hers learned about the internal hardware of a computer from one of our guest speakers.</figcaption></figure>
In our roll-out of the Sphero program, we’ve been able to reach 39 youth so far.  We are excited to expand our offering of the program and help more youth code essential life skills.
&nbsp;

4-Hers coding the Sphero Bolt to move in a maze.
When most people hear about 4-H, they don’t automatically associate 4-H with coding and technology.  Additionally, an abundance of screen time for youth is often discouraged. However, the educational value that coding can facilitate when it comes to life skill development must not be overlooked. I am here to advocate that coding and technology programs can be a great addition to our 4-H programs to help facilitate life skills within our Targeting Life Skills Model.
Recently, I taught a short-term 4-H SPIN (special interest) club called 4-H Learns to Code with Sphero with 12 youth.  We met for 7 sessions during a 5 week timeframe to learn the basics of coding through the Sphero Bolt robots.  Throughout this journey, the kids developed a block-based code to drive their Sphero through a maze, learn about loops and variables in codes, write in JavaScript, and learned about IT career paths.  While it was amazing to see the youth develop more content knowledge and increased positivity about STEM through the club, the most rewarding area was witnessing the life skills developed through the coding of Sphero Bolts.  Half of the participants demonstrated an increase in both critical thinking and teamwork skills, and 42% demonstrated an increase in communication skills.  These skills are not only a part of our Targeting Life Skills Model, but they are 21st Century Skills that Sphero indicated are most important to succeed in today’s workplace and society regardless of career field (Vaden, 2020).
4-Hers work on coding their Sphero Bolts.
So, why the Sphero Bolts? 
As someone who doesn’t have a formal computer science background and was also intimidated by the idea of coding, I wanted to find something that would peak the interest of our 4-Hers, which was also reasonable for me to understand and teach.  In my needs assessment, both parents and youth indicated a high interest in learning about coding and technology, but stated there were not many opportunities to learn outside of school.  Multiple coding platforms and resources exist to teach youth these vital skills.  Based on feedback from Julia Kelly, a fellow 4-H agent, and some additional research, I opted to utilize the Sphero Bolt robots.  If you are considering adding coding and technology to your 4-H or youth program, here are some reasons why Sphero might be a great fit for your program:
One of Sphero’s core values is that play is a powerful teacher.  I witnessed this firsthand when the kids shared that driving the Bolts was like playing Mario Cart.  In fact, many of the kids were drawn to the club and the program because it looked like (and it is) fun!
Sphero already has 1,000 hours of activities built into the SpheroEdu App. The app contains standards-align curriculum.  Additionally, the app contains curriculum that uses Sphero robots to enhance science, math, social studies, arts, and English language arts lesson plans.  I am most excited to be able to utilize Sphero Bolts to enhance some in-class science lessons around forces and motions and life sciences.
The lesson plans are easy to teach and are scalable to all ages. My club members were predominantly ages 8-14.  Sphero has both curriculum and robots that are geared toward youth of all ages.
The training and support from Sphero is there! Thanks to generous grants from the Clay Electric Foundation, Inc. and the McDonald’s Golden Grants Program, we were able to fund the initial Sphero Bolt Robots and iPads used in the program.  I also purchased the Sphero Fundamentals Self-Guided Course to teach me how to work the Sphero Bolts and the SpheroEdu App.  Whenever a question about the Sphero Bolt arose during our club sessions that I couldn’t answer, I would reach out to the Sphero team and would receive a prompt reply.
4-Hers learned about the internal hardware of a computer from one of our guest speakers.
In our roll-out of the Sphero program, we’ve been able to reach 39 youth so far.  We are excited to expand our offering of the program and help more youth code essential life skills.

When most people hear about 4-H, they don’t automatically associate 4-H with coding and technology.  Additionally, an abundance of screen time for youth is often discouraged. However, the educational value that coding can facilitate when it comes to life skill development must not be overlooked. I am here to advocate that coding and technology programs […]

Coding Life Skills – Using Technology And Coding to Teach 4-H Youth Life Skills

When it comes to choosing plants for my yard, I follow my nose. And I have found nothing is more aromatically exquisite than the Osmanthus fragrans, tea olive tree. The tea olive is a tree, reaching heights of 20 feet or more, but since it is slow growing, it is usually pruned and kept as [&#8230;]

When it comes to choosing plants for my yard, I follow my nose. And I have found nothing is more aromatically exquisite than the Osmanthus fragrans, tea olive tree.
The tea olive is a tree, reaching heights of 20 feet or more, but since it is slow growing, it is usually pruned and kept as a shrub.
<figure id="attachment_2415" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2415" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/09/Tea-Olive.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-2415 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="223" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/09/Tea-Olive-300x223.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2415" class="wp-caption-text">Tea Olive Flower. Photo: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS Trees and Powerlines</figcaption></figure>
The tea olive prefers a well-drained soil and is fairly drought tolerant once established. It will thrive in full sun or partial shade, however, too much shade can cause the shrub to become spindly.
The glossy green leaves serve as the perfect backdrop to the tiny white blooms that emerge both late in the fall and early in the spring. Don’t let the flower size fool you. Although the blossoms are small and inconspicuous, the fragrance is powerful and intoxicating.
The tree is not a native plant, but it has been evaluated using the UF/IFAS Assessment of the Status of Non-Native Plants in Florida&#8217;s Natural Areas (Fox et al. 2005). This species is not documented in any undisturbed natural areas in Florida. Thus, it is not considered a problem species and may be used in Florida.
This is a subtle plant which should be used more often in southern landscapes and is available in most nurseries. If you prefer scented shrubbery, you won’t be sorry.
For more information about the tea olive, visit <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST425">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST425</a> or contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office.
Sherry Mansfield
Master Gardener Volunteer

When it comes to choosing plants for my yard, I follow my nose. And I have found nothing is more aromatically exquisite than the Osmanthus fragrans, tea olive tree.
The tea olive is a tree, reaching heights of 20 feet or more, but since it is slow growing, it is usually pruned and kept as a shrub.
Tea Olive Flower. Photo: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS Trees and Powerlines
The tea olive prefers a well-drained soil and is fairly drought tolerant once established. It will thrive in full sun or partial shade, however, too much shade can cause the shrub to become spindly.
The glossy green leaves serve as the perfect backdrop to the tiny white blooms that emerge both late in the fall and early in the spring. Don’t let the flower size fool you. Although the blossoms are small and inconspicuous, the fragrance is powerful and intoxicating.
The tree is not a native plant, but it has been evaluated using the UF/IFAS Assessment of the Status of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (Fox et al. 2005). This species is not documented in any undisturbed natural areas in Florida. Thus, it is not considered a problem species and may be used in Florida.
This is a subtle plant which should be used more often in southern landscapes and is available in most nurseries. If you prefer scented shrubbery, you won’t be sorry.
For more information about the tea olive, visit https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST425 or contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office.
Sherry Mansfield
Master Gardener Volunteer

When it comes to choosing plants for my yard, I follow my nose. And I have found nothing is more aromatically exquisite than the Osmanthus fragrans, tea olive tree. The tea olive is a tree, reaching heights of 20 feet or more, but since it is slow growing, it is usually pruned and kept as […]

Scent-sational Shrubs: Unveiling the Aromatic Allure of the Tea Olive

Roller coasters, physics, and Disney World, oh my!  Thirteen Clay County youth participated in the inaugural 4-H Roller Coasters &#38; Physics Camp.  Youth participants learned different physics and engineering design principles to build their own paper roller coasters.  The youth spent one day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios meeting with a Disney Imagineer and riding a [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_2197" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2197" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/06/IMG_7708-2-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-2197 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/06/IMG_7708-2-300x225.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2197" class="wp-caption-text">Our campers with Conner, the Disney Imagineer, learning about the physics of Disney parks!</figcaption></figure>
Roller coasters, physics, and Disney World, oh my!  Thirteen Clay County youth participated in the inaugural 4-H Roller Coasters &amp; Physics Camp.  Youth participants learned different physics and engineering design principles to build their own paper roller coasters.  The youth spent one day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios meeting with a Disney Imagineer and riding a few rides for inspiration for their roller coaster builds.
<figure id="attachment_2201" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2201" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/06/IMG_7753-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-2201 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/06/IMG_7753-225x300.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2201" class="wp-caption-text">Campers built their paper roller coasters out of paper, tape, and cardboard.</figcaption></figure>
While all the youth were excited for our day in Hollywood Studios, the camp came with challenges.  The youth were tasked in building a roller coaster track that was at least six feet long, contained one loop, and changed directions 8 times.  Initially, the youth doubted their abilities.  However, all 13 campers persevered and created four successful roller coaster designs.   Thanks to our workshop with the Disney Imagineer, 64% of the campers increased their knowledge about different science concepts.
Additionally, the youth gained life skills through this camp.  More than 60% of the campers reported that they improved their communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills.  The camp set the bar high for these youths’ summer experiences and left quite an impression.  56% reported an increased interest in pursuing a STEM career.  One of the youth shared this with one of our camp sponsors: “I appreciate the donation you [gave] to me to go [Disney’s] Hollywood [Studios] and for me to learn physics.  Thank you so much because I learned a lot of physics, [and] it has encouraged [me] to be an engineer.”
<figure id="attachment_2205" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2205" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/06/SlinkyDog.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-2205 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="162" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2023/06/SlinkyDog-300x162.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2205" class="wp-caption-text">Campers rode attractions at Walt Disney World&#8217;s Hollywood Studios to receive inspiration for their own roller coaster builds.</figcaption></figure>

Our campers with Conner, the Disney Imagineer, learning about the physics of Disney parks!
Roller coasters, physics, and Disney World, oh my!  Thirteen Clay County youth participated in the inaugural 4-H Roller Coasters & Physics Camp.  Youth participants learned different physics and engineering design principles to build their own paper roller coasters.  The youth spent one day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios meeting with a Disney Imagineer and riding a few rides for inspiration for their roller coaster builds.
Campers built their paper roller coasters out of paper, tape, and cardboard.
While all the youth were excited for our day in Hollywood Studios, the camp came with challenges.  The youth were tasked in building a roller coaster track that was at least six feet long, contained one loop, and changed directions 8 times.  Initially, the youth doubted their abilities.  However, all 13 campers persevered and created four successful roller coaster designs.   Thanks to our workshop with the Disney Imagineer, 64% of the campers increased their knowledge about different science concepts.
Additionally, the youth gained life skills through this camp.  More than 60% of the campers reported that they improved their communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills.  The camp set the bar high for these youths’ summer experiences and left quite an impression.  56% reported an increased interest in pursuing a STEM career.  One of the youth shared this with one of our camp sponsors: “I appreciate the donation you [gave] to me to go [Disney’s] Hollywood [Studios] and for me to learn physics.  Thank you so much because I learned a lot of physics, [and] it has encouraged [me] to be an engineer.”
Campers rode attractions at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios to receive inspiration for their own roller coaster builds.

Roller coasters, physics, and Disney World, oh my!  Thirteen Clay County youth participated in the inaugural 4-H Roller Coasters & Physics Camp.  Youth participants learned different physics and engineering design principles to build their own paper roller coasters.  The youth spent one day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios meeting with a Disney Imagineer and riding a […]

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Coding Life Skills – Using Technology And Coding to Teach 4-H Youth Life Skills

Scent-sational Shrubs: Unveiling the Aromatic Allure of the Tea Olive

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