Whether it's your community, home, family car, or your iPod; energy makes things happen. You will likely experience dramatic changes related to energy during your lifetime. So, understanding the fundamental concepts of energy is important. You will gain knowledge and skills to understand energy development and use, and the impact on economics and the environment which could lead to future careers. 4-H is developing projects to help youth understand the science and technology of energy and energy transformations.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are hot technologies! Exploring Spaces, Going Places explores the world of geospatial science and goes where no 4-H project has ever gone before! Accessed entirely on one CD, the three youth levels and helper's guide are valuable resources to anyone interested in geospatial technology, geographic education, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Youth and leaders in Missouri qualify for free GIS software to support youth programs and projects. Request the software through the Missouri Esri GIS K-12 License.

For more information, go to the GIS and Spatial Analysis Laboratory website.

So what exactly is GPS and GIS?

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a network of satellites that continuously transmit coded information, which makes it possible to precisely identify locations on earth by measuring distance from the satellites.

GIS (Geographic Information System) is essentially a high-tech map! Unlike paper maps, GIS can allow the user to change the information shown as well as ask questions about the relationships between that information. GIS combines layers of information about a place to give a better understanding of that place. What layers of information are combined depends on the purpose. GIS software is becoming more sophisticated with the rapidly developing technology.

If you would like to learn more about the world of GIS and GPS, please visit the 4-H GIS GPS Facebook page!

Resources for all project levels

VIEW CURRICULUM

VIEW RESOURCES

GS991 Geospatial - Beginner

  • Where in the world are you? Young people are introduced to new ways of thinking about geographic positions
  • Introduction to navigational tools (GPS, compasses, maps and globes) identifying locations, measuring distances and more
  • Learn how to use GPS technology for multiple purposes

Curriculum

GS992 Geospatial - Intermediate

  • Future map-makers will learn how to collect data, combine the data with geographical positions and then make your own maps.

Curriculum

GS993 Geospatial - Advanced

  • Advanced users will understand the basics of Remote Sensing Science through the curriculum
  • This project also enables self-determined exploration of emerging technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS's) also known as "drones" for humanitarian, agricultural, natural resources and more (please note there is no 4-H Drone Curriculum at this time).

Curriculum

Community mapping

Community mapping is a process involving youth, citizens, community professionals, and community decision-makers working together to learn and use geospatial tools and data to address community and environmental issues.

Resrouces for all project levels

Missouri 4-H GIS/GPS Club Mapping Project Form (DOCX)

State Fair

4-H exhibits and competitions are part of the fun of the Missouri State Fair. You won't want to miss this special event; visit the 4-H building to see the projects of our 4-H youth or catch the judging competitions. Whatever your niche, there is something for everyone. Bring the family! The Missouri State Fair is located at the intersection of Highways 50 and 65, and less than 20 miles south of I-70, Sedalia is roughly an hour from Kansas City, Columbia and Jefferson City.

MISSOURI STATE FAIR