4-H Agent Julie Karavan (at top) works with youth on SeaPerch Robotics Project. Photo credit: Cumberland County 4-H.
County 4-H Agent Julie Karavan was awarded the Expanding Audiences Scholarship, which allowed her to attend the National Marine Educators Association Conference in Newport, Rhode Island, held June 29-July 2. Karavan presented two professional development workshops related to her extension teaching and practice in Cumberland County.
Her presentation, Aquatic Robotics, was offered educators information and hands-on experience relating to two marine robotics platforms Karavan has taught: SeaPerch and Waterbotics. She adapted the Waterbotics curriculum for younger audiences at the Millville Schools Club 21st Century Program in July of 2014, reaching over 40 students. A shortened version of the program was also offered at the 4-H Center to 20 Bridgeton Pathways 21st Century summer camp students. While serving as County 4-H Agent in Cape May, Karavan fielded three award winning teams to the Greater Philadelphia SeaPerch Challenge and utilized the PVC-based underwater robots in school enrichment programs.
“It’s pretty amazing to talk with educators from all over the country about replicating a program that started with just a handful of kids in one of New Jersey’s poorest counties,” said Karavan. “I’m grateful to folks like Cindy Angelo of the Cumberland Empowerment Zone and Nancy Quay at Millville’s Club 21 for being ready and willing to innovate with our students.”
Karavan also presented All Hands on Deck, an experiential learning workshop on marine debris and video assessment with Jessica Servis of U.S. Sailing.
The Cumberland County 4-H program is among the most vibrant county 4-H programs in the Garden State, with a diverse range of project areas, from cooking and crafts to robotics, life skills and leadership.
For more information about Cumberland County 4-H clubs accepting new members, visit cumberland4h.org or call 856-451-2800, ext. 3. Like the Cumberland 4-H Facebook page. For information about how you can apply to serve as a 4-H volunteer, contact Julie Karavan at karavan@njaes.rutgers.edu.
