Cass County Extension 4-H and Nishna Valley YMCA are partnering to create learning opportunities for young people in grades 4-8 to gain knowledge and skills in the science, technology, engineering and math fields with a new program.  The group “whY Science” begins October 15 from 3:45-4:45 PM in the Nishna Valley YMCA.

Young people in grades 4-8 are invited to be a part of “whY Science” that will begin meeting after school on Monday, October 15 in the youth room of the Nishna Valley YMCA.  Science sessions will be from 3:45-4:45.   Youth need to pre-register so resources, materials and staff are available for all youth. Adult partners include Lynn Barnes, Denny Stuetelberg, Tamara Gibson, Nishna Valley YMCA-Kids Fun Fitness Program coordinator, and Lee Havemeier plus other adult volunteers from the YMCA and Susan Oliver, Extension Youth Coordinator and Kate Olson, Extension Program Coordinator.  The first of a series of science sessions will be Funtivities, a hands-on exploration of electricity, magnetism, and air pressure.

Pre-registration for the collaborative program is due by October 11th.  You can register at the Y or enroll online at ia.4honline.com.  Create a new account and add “whY Science” as your club.  There is no fee for registration and the group is open to all youth in Cass County in grades 4-8.

Officials say in school, science classes need to cover a broad range of topics in a limited amount of time. “whY Science” will allow more time for youth to explore science.  The goal of the Cass County 4-H and YMCA partnership, according to the extension, is to offer additional science, technology, engineering and math opportunities on a regular basis.  In addition, science find-out days, workshops and guest speakers and tours may be incorporated into the program from now until May 2013.