THE 4-H YOUTH PROGRAM FOCUS:
4-H Science programs reach more than 5 million youth with hands-on learning experiences to encourage young minds and help fill our nation’s shortage of young leaders proficient in science, engineering, and technology. Our science programs tackle important national and global issues such as climate change, workforce development, and technological innovation.
Project Butterfly WINGS
Project Butterfly is a curriculum designed for Grades 4 to 8 (9-13 years). The focus area of this project is to introduce youth to environmental science, citizen science, butterfly biology, identification, habitats and monitoring. The project consists of a Youth Project Guide and interactive website designed to encourage adolescent interest, understanding, and long-term involvement in science. Youth leaders and youth without previous knowledge of butterflies can participate as the program transforms them from beginner to engaged citizen scientist. Youth participate in authentic, hands-on, collaborative research as they collect information about butterflies in their communities and enter the data they collect into the interactive WINGS website. Scientists and the public use this information to further scientific knowledge and view the distribution and population trends of common butterfly species.
Youth College GIS/GPS Program
Early exposure to geography, spatial thinking, and geographic information systems (GIS) technology helps students gain an understanding of the world around them. With the first volume in the Our World GIS Education series, teachers and students use tools of geography—maps, geographic data, and GIS—to progress from a basic understanding of spatial concepts to recognizing patterns and analyzing map trends. Students reinforce and improve their basic map-reading skills and extend those skills as the book prompts them to analyze and think critically about the data.
Youth Development through Veterinary Science
Veterinary Science features curriculum that guides youth through various projects. In Veterinary Science 1, youth in Grades 3-5 learn different breeds of animals; interpret animal behavior; identify feed nutrients; describe animal life stages and systems. Veterinary Science 2 (Grade 6-8) youth create health records for animal; conduct food safety experiments; discover importance of immunity and bio-security; consider ethics and animal welfare. Veterinary Science 3 (Grade 9-12) engages youth in projects to investigate the importance of genetics; understand diseases that spread from animals to humans; learn about diversity of veterinary careers. By participating in this program youth interested in animals will develop knowledge and skills in handing and taking care of animals, and might lead to pursuing a career in veterinary science.
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