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Riley Co. 4-Her Enjoys Helping Other Kids Learn
Kansas Ag Connection - 02/21/2018

She may be just 11 years old, but Maggie Brummett has a pretty good idea of what it will take to be successful in her adult life.

Armed with gumdrops, toothpicks, paper airplanes and more simple props, Maggie took many other kids for a fun ride through their imagination during the Riley County 4-H Showcase, held at Riley County High School.

Maggie's idea focused on activities that would stimulate thinking in science, technology, engineering and math -- commonly called STEM -- but did it in a way that helped kids like her understand that learning is fun and relevant to real life.

"Some examples of the STEM challenges are making paper airplanes, building structures with gumdrops and toothpicks, math art projects, snap circuits and several 'creation stations' where you have to use your imagination to create something with the pieces provided," Maggie said.

Her mom Lisa said Maggie was inspired to develop the STEM lessons after watching an older brother and sister create fun events for their FFA and high school groups. Instead of waiting until she got older, Maggie decided this year's 4-H project was her opportunity to do something for others.

"I am proud because I have gotten (older and younger) people in my school interested in STEM," Maggie said. "It feels good to help others learn, and I feel like hands-on STEM stations make learning more fun."

Lisa Brummett sees other advantages for her daughter.

"Creating this STEM event has helped Maggie's confidence and ability to interact with people she doesn't know very well," Lisa Brummett said. "She has always been outgoing within groups of friends, but she was reserved around people she doesn't know. Now, she is becoming less nervous and more interactive within groups of unfamiliar people. She will help people who are struggling with STEM challenges and encourage kids who seem too shy to try something new."

Maggie noted that the project has helped her learn hands-on skills, "instead of just reading things from a book."

"I hope other people will try new things," she added. "I hope they will learn to stay determined and keep working until they solve a problem. I hope kids will think that learning is fun."

"I love that 4-H provides so many opportunities for members to do community service," Lisa Brummett said. "Participating in our club's community service projects has made Maggie realize that she can really make a difference (and) that a small gesture -- like visiting someone who is lonely, or donating food -- can really make a big impact on people's lives."

To learn more about Kansas 4-H or to find a club in your area, visit www.kansas4-h.org.


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