Montana State University is a "land-grant" university, but did you know that MSU is also a "space grant" university?
| November 19, 2004 |  View for printing |
Montana State University is a "land-grant" university, but did you know that MSU is also a "space grant" university? That's right, we're home to a space grant program that receives federal funds to engage K-12 and college students and teachers in exciting science and math projects that relate to space.
As a part of my role as the new Director of the 4-H Center, I have been scheduling meetings around campus with various program leaders, and recently met with Donna Minton, the director of the Montana Space Grant Consortium ( http://www.spacegrant.montana.edu ). Our first meeting was very productive and we talked about a number of ways to support each other's programs. We will be linking their web site on our home page, and likewise they will be listing Montana 4-H as one of their educational affiliates on their web page.
Bottom line is that the MSU Space Grant Consortium has a number of programs that will appeal to our 4-H leaders and members. Let me highlight just a few.
NASA Student Involvement Program
The NSIP is a national program of six competitions and design challenges for youth grades k-12. Deadline for entering is January 15, 2005. Check out details at: http://spacegrant.montana.edu/Text/NSIP.html
International Space State (ISS) EarthKam Program
In its eighth year, this program involves youth in the scientific study of Earth from space. EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) program provides students with direct access to--and control of--a digital camera mounted on the International Space Station. Youth identify places on earth to photograph from space and then use the ISS EarthKAM web-based interface to calculate exactly when the digital camera should take pictures. Participation is free. For more information, visit: http://spacegrant.montana.edu/Text/EarthKAM.html
Rocketry Contest
This is the world's largest model rocketry contest. Although this year's deadline is too close to participate, this may be something next year for a local county team to enter. Team members must be in 7-12th grade but can be a member of other organizations. The MSU office is also interested in sponsoring a model rocketry contest of its own during Congress here on campus. See more details at: http://spacegrant.montana.edu/Text/R ... llenge.html
First LEGO League Contest
The entry deadline for this year's event is already past, but future years are a possibility. This event teaches analytical skills to 9-14 year olds to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. To learn more about existing contests, see: http://www.firstlegoleague.org
These are just some of the many programs they facilitate. We will continue to provide you with updates as we receive them and pass along opportunities that may be of interest to your 4-H clubs and members.
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4-H: Your first class from Montana State University
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Kirk A. Astroth, Director
4-H Center for Youth Development
210 Taylor Hall, MSU
PO Box 173580
Bozeman, MT 59717-3580
406-994-5691 (phone)
406-994-5417 (fax)
406-579-3945 (cell)
Montana 4-H website: http://www.montana4h.org
"Montana has the kind of mountains I'd create if mountains were put on my agenda." --John Steinbeck, My Travels with Charley
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