824-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, June 1,1985 4-H Computer project EBENSBURG - When people think of 4- H, they think of cows and cooking and computers and. . .Co mputers? That’s right Pennsylvania is one of the first states to offer a new project that acquairits young people with microcomputers. “The 4-H members are genuinely interested in computers,” says Teresa Wilson, a volunteer leader from Cambria County. “They don’t take the project just to kill time.” Mrs. Wilson taught the first level of the project in which 4-H’ers learn the parts of a computer. They learn to turn it on, to use the computer as a calculator and to load programs Mrs Wilson and others who taught the project felt it was well organized. Developed by the University of Kentucky’s Agricultural Engineering Depart ment, the project's objectives are to make 4-H’ers and their families aware of the computer’s many uses and its impact on their lives. The project allows them to use computers for “more than playing Pac-Man,” says one leader. After completing the introductory project, members can take a second project to learn to execute simple commands; write, read and run a program; and design a flow chart. In Project 111, members plan and write programs using flow charts, variables, loops, arrays and other computer functions. Pennsylvania was one of 10 states selected to pilot the project. “Starting a national 4-H project in this way is unusual,” says Cindy Kauffman, state 4-H program assistant, who coordinated the project in Pennsylvania. “Most projects are prepared by Extension specialists or individual states,” she added. Five Pennsylvania counties participated in the pilot project. The 65 4-H members com pleting the project ranged in age from 8 to 17 Volunteer leaders included computer science graduates, a farmer who owned a home computer and a junior high school teacher. Some leaders limited their groups to four to six members because of a lack of computers. Facilities were often a problem since the project is most suc cessful when each member has his or her own computer to work with. Some leaders offered their own computers or used one at the local Extension office One teacher used the computers at her school, while another used those at a nearbv Penn State branch t dmpus Some leaders felt the project moved too slowly or that the visual aids in the project book were not helpful to members Others felt it needed programs of more interest to the members Some leaders, like Mrs. Wilson, modified the project on their own. If the members weren't interested on how much feed a herd of cows ate, Mrs. Wilson wrote a program for something they were interested in. She also said she slowed down the project somewhat and had to review sections with her younger members before beginning a new lesson All members, leaders and Extension staff involved with the SAVE 40% on Now Replacement ■•lts For Farm Machines • Bale Thrower Belts *52.00 ' • Grove-Gehl-Int.-S.U Wagon Box Belts *9B to *l2O Also Available: Bean Picker Belts & Big Round Baler Belts Any flat belt can be custom made for your farm machinery (cleats installed). Belts shipped same day by UPS. For more information, write SbbGobd Rt. 16, Chaffee, New York 14030 Phone Collect: 716-496-6025 project were asked to evaluate it Their evaluations have been compiled with those of participants in the other nine states, and used by the developers at the University of Kentucky to revise the project The State 4-H Office expects to receive the final project soon, says Kauffman. In Pennsylvania, 214 members enrolled in the project this year. Those involved in Penn sylvania’s pilot project feel that the project has great potential in the 4- H program. As Mrs Wilson stated, “Com puter knowledge is something everyone’s going to need and these kids realize it now ’’ COW MATS Use our unique method of install ing a one piece mat under a row of cows Prevents movement of mat and bedding from creeping underneath. All “row” and single mats are cut from heavy one inch rubber belting. Baltimore has a 'blast' ML' i P* A crowd of 11,000 attended the Baltimore Blast's second annual “Milk Night" at the Baltimore Civic Center and cheered members of WIYY 98 Rock as they competed in a cow milking contest during halftime of the indoor soccer game. Morning deejays Bob Lopez and Alan Courduff (center left and center right) received engraved miniature cow milking stools for competing in the contest. Pictured with them are afternoon deejay Chris Emry (far left), who provided the color commentary, and Maryland Dairy Princess Tara Woodfield, the official cow milking contest judge Sr ■' ’ Farm Wives Love the NEW Meyer’s ‘Wife- Sav Steel Bale Throw Box but watch unload everyone will want your job! You'll never walk more than a few steps to unload even the last bale Simply slide the bales on to the conveyor and away they go l There's no more leaning over the elevator to straighten bales There just isn’t room here to tell you all about the new Meyer’s Semi-Automatic Steel Bale Throw Box. You’ll just have to see it at your dealer. It’s only fair to warn you that once you have seen it, you’ll never be satisfied with any other kind! The best part is it’s sold at a price you can afford! For Your Nearest Dealer Contact ©RJ. Lee Manufacturers Rep efmmsfk Carlisle, Pa. 17013 717/243-3966 with milk promotion * 1 i I It’s so easy it, girls.
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