Youth to Explore Physics of Motion and Distracted Driving for World's Largest Youth-Led Science Experiment

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kids who are captivated with the crash collisions and daredevil stunts of the Fast and Furious movies will soon have a chance to explore the science that makes it all possible as part of this year's 4-H National Youth Science Day (4-H NYSD).

4-H NYSD is the world's largest, youth-led science experiment. The 2015 National Science Experiment will combine a speeding car collision and a distracted driving demonstration in a simulated activity that investigates the physical and human factors of motion. The activity, called "Motion Commotion," was designed by Oregon State University Cooperative Extension in partnership with Vernier Software & Technology and selected as the winning experiment for the eighth annual 4-H NYSD.

The national rallying event for 4-H Science, 4-H NYSD is an interactive learning experience that gets youth excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and spotlights the many ways millions of youth are engaging in 4-H Science programs year-round.

The "Motion Commotion" experiment is a two-part science activity that involves every day materials, including a toy car, modeling clay, ruler, calculator and cell phone. In the first phase, youth will construct a simulated runway to analyze the speed, momentum and kinetic energy of a car in motion, and will explore the science behind the car's collisions. In the second phase, they will lead an experiment that uses the same physics principles to demonstrate the consequences of distracted driving.

Youth will conduct the experiment at hundreds of local events taking place in all 50 states. National 4-H Council will host the flagship national event, with hundreds of youth participating in the experiment on October 7 in Washington, D.C. The national sponsors of 2015 4-H NYSD are Hughes (HughesNet satellite Internet), Lockheed Martin and U.S. Cellular.

"More than 70,000 young people participated in the 4-H National Youth Science Day experiment last year, and we're looking forward to record-setting numbers again as this year's activity connects science to cars, collisions and distracted driving – subjects that are a high priority for youth across America," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "We are very thankful to our national sponsors Hughes, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Cellular for their support in showing millions of young people that science can be exciting and fun."

A recent longitudinal study conducted by Tufts University, The Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, revealed 4-H programming does indeed get young people more connected to science.  According to the study, 4-Hers are two times more likely to participate in science, engineering and computer technology programs during out-of-school time (Grades 10-12) and 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.

Every year, youth complete more than 5 million 4-H Science projects in robotics, agricultural science, rocketry, wind power, environmental science and alternative energy. To learn more about 4-H NYSD, visit www.4-h.org/nysd. Science kits for the 2015 National Science Experiment are currently available for pre-order.

About 4-H
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. In the U.S., 4-H serves every county and parish through our network of 110 universities and more than 3000 local offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. 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. 4-H is led by a unique private-public partnership of universities, federal and local government agencies, foundations and professional associations. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

SOURCE National 4-H Council

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