Missouri 4-H brings programming directly to your classroom, offering experiences during school hours or in after-school programs. Recognizing the challenges of providing hands-on, current learning experiences, Missouri 4-H understands your time and budget constraints. We offer affordable, engaging educational curriculum and programming tailored to meet your needs and to spark the interest of your students. Our diverse offerings cover over 100 topic areas, providing flexibility for integration into the school day or as part of an afterschool program, ranging from one-time lessons to yearlong experiences.
Tailored for ages 5 to 18, Missouri 4-H has matched curriculum to the Missouri State Learning Standards, offering research-based resources to streamline your planning and allow more time for quality moments with your family.
Download a free copy of our Missouri Learning Standards for 4-H Curriculum. This is a living document that lists our curriculums, the activities in each, and the Missouri Learning Standards that match.
To explore bringing these programs to your school, contact your local 4-H Specialist.
Healthy living
4-H Move Across Missouri
Move Across Missouri encourages young people to engage in physical activities they enjoy from a broad range of possibilities such as, walking, biking, running, swimming, dance, taekwondo, gardening and more. Young people and their families can “log” the number of miles they accumulate throughout the year and during the competitive component of the MOVE program. 4-H members can enroll in MOVE as individuals or as a part of a team. A team may consist of a family or members of a 4-H club or group. MOVE awards are provided.
Eating from the Garden
Eating from the Garden is a nutrition and gardening curriculum. Research-based information guides students through nutrition and gardening activities that increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, healthier food choices, gardening knowledge and physical activity.
- Based on a one-hour class with additional activities for longer time periods.
- One garden is planted in the fall and one in the spring.
- Each lesson includes a newsletter for students to take home.
Soccer for Success
Learn about the sport of soccer, eating right and other ways to stay healthy as you gain teamwork and decision-making skills to achieve your personal goals. Developed by the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Soccer for Success is 4-H on the pitch!
Note: Certified leaders required. Ask your county extension office for availability in your area.
SNAC
Successful 4-H SNAC Clubs fulfill the following goals:
- SNAC Clubs focus on projects including nutrition, gardening, and/or physical activity. Recommended curriculum includes Kids in the Kitchen, Eating from the Garden, Soccer for Success, iCook, and Illinois Junior Chef.
- SNAC Club members will engage in a culminating youth-led advocacy project to promote healthy habits in their community and/or teach younger youth about healthy habits.
- SNAC Clubs incorporate leadership and citizenship skills central to 4-H.
Civic Engagement
4-H Global Education
Seeing i2i: Adventures in Diversity and Cultural Awareness is intended to help youth gain ‘global competence’ and ‘cultural competence’ skills needed in today’s increasingly interconnected world and culturally diverse communities.
On My Own
Target Audience: ages 13-18
On My Own is a youth financial education program designed by University of Tennessee Extension and will be delivered by Missouri 4-H Specialist and Youth Program Associates, as well as classroom teachers that have been trained to deliver the program. During the simulation, students become the major income provider for their household which may include a spouse and/or children. Using a hypothetical occupation and income, students work through a month of expenses that include housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, food, child care, clothing, entertainment and expenses from unexpected events.
Note: This project will be taught by certified leaders.
College and Career Pathways
Career Explorations
Target Audience: grades 9-12
From exploring potential jobs to starting their own business, the “Build Your Future” curriculum helps teens develop skills and knowledge in career exploration. Participants experience a variety of learning methods including developing a business plan, competing in a quiz bowl, creating a portfolio, analyzing case studies, and discussing questions that reflect on their experiences.
Juntos
Target audience: grades 8-12
Juntos™ 4-H is a program that helps youth and their families gain the knowledge and skills they need to bridge the gap between high school and higher education.
- Family engagement: high school and middle school workshops, family nights and events
- Juntos 4-H Clubs: focused on academics, tutoring, life-skill activities, and community service
- Juntos One-On-One Success Coaching/Mentoring: adults help youth achieve their goals
Note: Programs are available in English and Spanish through certified trainers in partnership school and community locations.
Youth Futures
Target audience: ages 14-18 Youth and their families will:
- Look into higher education options, the steps necessary to enroll in college, and what can be done now to prepare
- Learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and transition from high school to college
- Explore possible majors and career options while touring local colleges
- Learn about financial aid options and get tips on navigating FASFA
- Discuss college expectations and how to transition from high school to a college or trade school setting
Note: This project will be taught by certified leaders in a club setting.
STEM and Ag
Embryology
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.
Future City
This program is designed to help middle school youth develop their problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills while learning more about STEM and city planning. Youth work in teams of at least three students to imagine, research and design a future city at least 100 years from now. There is a new theme each year in which youth will work to address the problem.
4-H Stem Challenge
The 4-H STEM Challenge is a national event for 4-H science programming, bringing together youth, volunteers and educators from all over the country to complete hands-on STEM activities. Each year the 4-H STEM Challenge is completely different, with a new topic, supplies and resources.