4-H

Target audience: grades K-12

Healthy living focuses on projects including nutrition, gardening, and/or physical activity. Youth will engage in a variety of activities to promote healthy habits in their homes. Healthy living incorporates leadership and citizenship skills central to 4-H.

• Kids in the Kitchen (grades K-6) encourages youth to eat healthier meals and snacks because of hands-on experiences. Students experience fun educational activities that help them understand the value of eating from all the food groups, participate in physical activities and learn safe food handling practices in the lessons.
• Eating from the Garden (grades K-9) provides research-based information through nutrition and gardening activities to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and promote healthier food choices, gardening knowledge and physical activity.

Target audience: grades 7-12

On My Own is a youth financial education program created by the University of Tennessee Extension. In this simulation, students assume the role of the primary income earner for their household, which may consist of a spouse and/or children. With a hypothetical occupation and income, students manage a month's worth of expenses covering housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, food, childcare, clothing, entertainment, and unforeseen events.

Target audience: grades 7-12

Youth Futures: College and Careers Within Reach is a program in which caring adults and near-peer mentors inspire youth to pursue pathways; expose them to a variety of pathways; assist in accessibility to pathways; and provide opportunities to be future-ready. Facilitators use Youth Futures curriculum that includes activities in 5 general categories:

• Self-Awareness
• Exploring Pathways
• College and Career Preparation
• Financial Literacy
• Durable (life) Skills

The mission of Youth Futures is to help youth identify and aspire to reach personal postsecondary goals based on their strengths and values, and to expand accessibility to the paths leading to such goals.

Target audience: grades K-5

This curriculum brings action and experience to the classroom, using a still-air incubator. Students observe the development of the chick in the egg, hatching and post-hatch care. Each activity is grade-level appropriate and has been correlated to National Science Education Standards.

Target audience: grades 6-8

This curriculum is designed to introduce youth to career options and choices. The goals of the program are to help youth prepare for the job market by teaching them about career readiness, workplace skills, career research and career development. Youth will learn about different careers, how to identify their personal skills and interests, and how to work cooperatively in teams. Youth will learn about workplace professionalism and develop personal financial literacy. Youth participants will develop a sense of self, usefulness and responsibility as they successfully contribute to society.

Target audience: grades 3-12

Explore animal science through hands-on, classroom-based learning opportunities. 4-H and MU Extension have a variety of resources available to help students learn about livestock, genetics, animal development and agriculture.

• Animal Science Learning Labs (grades 3-12) provide hands-on activities that introduce students to livestock production and animal science. Laboratory kits are available for beef, swine and poultry and can be adapted to different age groups and classroom settings.
• Genetic Lockbox (grades 7-12) is an interactive genetics activity where students work together to solve puzzles and unlock a series of locks. Students explore basic genetics concepts including genotypes and phenotypes, dominant and recessive alleles, and how traits are passed from one generation to the next. The lockbox is designed for learners of all ages and includes a facilitator's guide with instructions, modifications and additional resources.

All curriculums have been matched to the Missouri State Learning Standards.

We have additional 4-H and MU Extension programming resources available and may be able to tailor a program to fit your classroom or group. Contact us to discuss available options:

Aleeha Pedigo
4-H Youth Program Associate - Cape Girardeau County
684 West Jackson Trail
Jackson, MO 63755
573-243-3581
apedigo@missouri.edu

4-H clubs are open to ages 8 to 18. Clubs meet monthly for group activities and club business. Each club elects officers and has an approved adult leader who supervises club activities. Club members also enroll in projects in their areas of interest.

With projects on more than 75 topics, 4-H has something to interest every child. Here are just a few of the opportunities 4-H offers: geocaching, robotics, international exchanges, horsemanship, pets, starting a business, arts and crafts, raising animals, woodworking, photography, and gardening.

Clover Kids introduces 5- to 7-year-olds to the 4-H experience. Children learn how to get along with others, work in groups and explore their interests, while building self-confidence. Clover Kids do not enroll in projects or raise animals and do not participate in competitive events, contests or shows.

Joining 4-H is as easy as contacting your local extension office. A staff member will explain the enrollment process and membership dues. In addition to dues, some projects may require a small investment to get started, and there may be a fee for materials, trips or other activities.

Young people are welcome to join at any time. The 4-H program year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Certain activities may have participation deadlines.

Adult volunteers are essential to 4-H. Adult volunteers serve as club or project leaders, help with county or regional events, chair committees and organize fundraisers. You don't have to be a parent or grandparent of the 4-H member to get involved. All volunteers are screened for child abuse and neglect, as well criminal records, before they are accepted and each year thereafter. As a volunteer, University of Missouri Extension will provide you with training so you will be well-prepared and successful as an adult leader. The orientation includes information on 4-H history and the educational framework, the characteristics of age groups, character development and safety.

LEARN ABOUT VOLUNTEERING