Youth and families can try their hand at biofuel production and other science-oriented activities Oct. 31 at Michigan State University.

The 4-H Science Blast  runs from 9 a.m. to noon in the Agriculture Hall Atrium. In addition to turning common substances into biofuel, visitors will also use wind and leg power to create electricity (and learn about energy conservation), command a robot and learn how they are built, learn how a group of Saginaw high-schoolers ran a school bus on used cooking oil and launch a rocket.

Offered by MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development, the 4-H Science Blast demonstrates how the Michigan 4-H program --which celebrated its 100th birthday last year -- keeps its programming up to date, addressing today’s issues and needs.

“4-H has always been about science. Even 100 years ago, 4-H was created to take research from our land-grant universities, put it in the hands of youth, and have those youth bring the latest research-based techniques back to their families,” said Jake DeDecker, program leader for Michigan 4-H science, engineering and technology programming. “Today, Michigan 4-H’s SET programming gets kids excited about science through everything from robotics and bio-energy to animal and plant sciences.”

On a national level, 4-H has vowed to use its influence and unique public-private partnership to prepare one million new young people to excel in science, engineering, and technology by 2013. Programs such as 4-H Science Blast are combating some disturbing statistics. According to the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nation’s Report Card, only 18 percent of U.S. high school seniors are proficient in science. Just 5 percent of today’s U.S. college grads earn degrees in science, engineering or technology -- compared to 66 percent in Japan and 59 percent in China, according to the National Science Board.

“The 4-H Science Blast will introduce youth and their families to science, engineering and technology in a way that’s not intimidating or scary -- even though the event takes place Halloween morning,” says Michigan 4-H state program coordinator Julie Chapin. “They don’t need to know they’re helping to fight some daunting statistics. They just need to come and have fun!”

Anyone can attend the free program. Parking in the lot adjacent to Agriculture Hall is also free of charge for the event. For driving directions, go to http://maps.msu.edu/files/driving.pdf. Go to http://maps.msu.edu/files/MSUcampus.pdf for a detailed campus map.

Michigan 4-H Youth Development is part of MSU Extension. More than 236,000 Michigan youth participate annually in 4-H-sponsored events, activities and clubs. More than 27,000 adults volunteer each year to guide 4-H youth through hands-on learning activities that enhance self-esteem, build leadership skills, encourage career exploration, create active citizens, develop entrepreneurial abilities and teach practical skills in hundreds of areas.

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