Projects A - C

Projects A-C are resources for leaders and youth to enhance the 4-H project experience.  For a list of 4-H curriculum for these projects, refer to the Missouri 4-H Clover publication.

Note: Links in the Additional Resources section do not imply endorsement of products or services.

Click Here to Order Curriculum

Aerospace

State Specialist: Bill Pabst

The excitement and dreams you may experience about sending a rocket into space, making a first solo flight, becoming an astronaut or perhaps someday visiting other planets, and learning what they provide can be exciting.  In the aerospace project you will enjoy learning more about your dreams through hands on experiences and group interaction. 

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Aerospace Project Brief (PDF)

Aerospace Character Connection (PDF)

Parts of a Plane Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Web Resources

• 4-H Aerospace Education
  http://www.aces.edu/dept/4Haero/
• Astronomy Sites for Kids
  http://www.kathimitchell.com/astron.htm#General Sites
• NASA for Kids
  (back button will not work at this site)
  http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov
• Space and Astronomy Information and Activities
  http://www.earthsky.org/
• Aerospace Team Online
  http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/aero/kids/
• Space Information and Resources
  http://www.space.com
• Kids - Laugh & Learn
  http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/
• StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/StarChild.html
• For Kids Only - Earth Science Enterprise
  http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/
• NASA Return to Flight for Kids
  (back button will not work at this site) http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/home/returntoflight.html
• Virtual Astronaut
  http://virtualastronaut.jsc.nasa.gov/

• PlaneMath
  http://www.planemath.com/

• Infrared Astronomy
  http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/ir_tutorial/

• From Stargazers to Starships
  http://www.phy6.org/stargaze/Sintro.htm
• Beginner's Guide to Propulsion
  http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/bgp.html
• Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics
  http://www.lerc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/
• The Liftoff Academy
  http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/
• Space Mysteries
  http://mystery.sonoma.edu/

Space Station and Orbital Simulators

• SpaceStation Sim  Free trial download, Full version $24 for single, $12.50 for 24 or more.

  http://www.vision-play.com/index.html

• Orbitor -  Free Download

  http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/orbit.html

• SpaceShuttle Docking Sim – free download
  http://imedia.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttledock/index.html

• Space Station Manager 1.2.1 – free trial download
  http://www.download3k.com/Games/Other-games/Download-Space-Station-Manager.html

Flight Simulators

• FlightGear, open-source flight simulator, free download

  http://www.flightgear.org/

• Microsoft FlightSim X  - Trial download

  http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulatorx/

• Microsoft FlightSim 98 -2004 – Check Amazon.com $10-20

Astronomy

• Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer
  http://www.stellarium.org/

• Google Sky  Just like Google Earth but looking up.  Also links to Google Moon and Mars
  http://www.google.com/sky/

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Agronomy

State Specialist: Ben Gallup

Agronomy is the science of utilizing plants for food, fuel, feed, and fiber. 4-H projects in agronomy can explore the areas of plant genetics, plant physiology, soil science and even the weather! Agronomy is really cool because it combines sciences like biology, chemistry, ecology, earth science, and genetics. As a career choice, Agronomists help in producing food, creating healthier food, managing environmental impacts, and creating energy from plants. Just imagine, you might invent a fuel for our cars.

Curriculum

Small Grains

Forages

Other MU Extension Ag Guides can be found at http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/shop/

Additional Resources

Agronomy Character Connection (PDF)

Grain Pests Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Seed to Plant Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Soybean Parts ID Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Web Resources

• Soybean crop publications from University of Missouri Extension
  http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/
  crops/#Soybeans
• Missouri Soybean Association
  http://www.mosoy.org/
• University of Missouri-Soybean Extension
  http://www.psu.missouri.edu/soyx/
• Soybean Rust from Missouri Department of Agriculture
  http://www.mda.mo.gov/Pest/soybeanrust.htm
• North Dakota State University Soybeans Menu
  http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/aginfo/procrop/syb/
• Soybeans Webpage from the University of Kentucky
  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/GrainCrops/soybean.htm

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Amphibians and Reptiles

State Specialist: Gerry Snapp

Have you ever seen an Ozark Hellbender?  Do you know the difference between a skink and a glass lizard?  Can you name and identify the venomous snakes of Missouri?  What’s a newt, anyway? Did you realize that Missouri is home to 13 native species of lizards and 17 species of turtles –several which are listed on the endangered species list? 

Step outside and into the natural world, become an amateur herpetologist, discover interesting facts about Missouri amphibians and reptiles. If you’d like, try your hand at raising reptiles and/or amphibians in your own vivarium…of course, while observing all Missouri regulations.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Amphibians & Reptiles Character Connection (PDF)

Web Resources

• Conservation Department
  http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/herpetol/
• Melissa Kaplan's Herpetological Care Collection
  http://www.anapsid.org/

• Western New York Herpetological Society
  http://www.wnyherp.org/

• National Wildlife Federation’s Frog Watch Page http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/

• Reptile and Amphibian Care Sheets http://www.kingsnake.com/nepa/caresheet.htm

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Arts and Crafts

State Specialist: Bradd Anderson

Cutting and pasting, painting, sculpting, drawing, printing, preserving memories, and construction with fibers and other materials are all exciting hands on activities in the arts and crafts project. Experience different careers, culture, science and technology that are available. Explore your creativity and discover a hobby that you may enjoy for the rest of your life. You can experience art with personal attitude with Advanced Visual Arts. Budding artists manipulate fiber, construct sculpture and draw in Sketchbook Crossroads. Portfolio Pathways affords the opportunities to create and communicate through printing, painting and graphic designing. Learn how to communicate through pictures, how to draw attention to a particular area of the page or picture, and how to use colors to highlight your picture or story in Arts & Computers. You can create a scrapbook and preserve memories to share with generations to come by working with cropping and matting, designing pages, color basics, embellishments and more in the Scrapbooking unit.

Curriculum

Scrapbooking Curriculum

Y3150 Pieces of Time (PDF - 4.03 MB)

For great ideas check out Scrapbook Crazy http://www.scrapbook-crazy.com/

Arts & Computers
http://www.4h.uidaho.edu/kidspaceart

Supplemental Project Material
Sculpting Project: Edible Art

Additional Resources

Arts & Crafts Project Brief (PDF)

Scrapbooking Project Brief (PDF)

Arts & Crafts Character Connection (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Web Resources

• CCS Visual Arts
  http://www.4-hcurriculum.org/projects/visualarts/
• Color Matters
  http://www.colormatters.com/entercolormatters.html
• Experimenting with Color
  http://www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/
• Online “Freestyle” Coloring
  http://www.crayola.com/activitybook/
• Fun Family Craft Ideas
  http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/

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Beef

State Specialist: Ben Gallup

You can have fun in the beef project learning how to determine the type of animal you are looking for, how to feed it, diseases it may have, management techniques, and many other important skills.  This project is filled with many hands on activities including how to make a rope halter, preparing your beef animal for the fair, and giving vaccinations to name a few.  You will also have the opportunity to explore the many careers and opportunities in the beef industry has to offer.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Beef Project Brief (PDF)

Beef Character Connection (PDF)

Halter Your Steer Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Supplemental Project Material

• Beef Cattle Showmanship Scorecard

Web Resources

• Missouri 4-H Livestock Judging Manual (PDF) - 640 KB
• Pattern for Realistic Cloth Model Calf
  Directions (PDF 3.83 MB)
  Pattern (PDF 513 KB)
• National Cattleman’s Beef Association
  http://www.beef.org
• American Meat Institute
  http://www.meatami.com/
• Oklahoma 4-H Beef projects
  http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/litonline/
• Meat Judging
  http://aggiemeat.tamu.edu/judging/meatjudging.html
• Breeds of Livestock from Oklahoma State University http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/
• Beef Publications from the University of Missouri-Extension http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/ansci/beef.htm
• NetVet Beef Resource
  http://netvet.wustl.edu/cows.htm#beef
• Beef Today
  http://www.agweb.com/beeftoday.asp?sigcat=beef
• Missouri Beef Council
  http://www.mobeef.org/
• Virtual Farm http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/virtualfarm/main.html

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Bicycle

State Specialist: Alison Copeland

Feel the wind in your face, the excitement of propelling your own motion and the freedom a bike can give you as you cycle your way to fun with your friends.  In the bicycling units, you'll not only get to experience that, but you'll also learn the practical side of owing and taking care of a bike.  You'll learn the parts on a bike, riding rules, along with maintenance and repair to keep your bike ready to ride for a long time.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Bicycle Project Brief (PDF)

Bicycle Character Connection (PDF)

Bicycle Repair Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Web Resources

• Bicycle Web Links from CCS
  http://216.120.158.109/helper.taf?s=302&project=123
• National 4-H Bicycle Contest
  http://www.four-h.purdue.edu/NAENGR/bicycle.html
• KidsHealth for Kids Bicycle Safety http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/bike_safety.html
• League of American Cyclist
  http://www.bikeleague.org/index.cfm
• Bicycle Helmet Information
  http://www.bhsi.org/index.htm
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
  http://www.walkinginfo.org

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Breads

State Specialist: Alison Copeland

MMMMMMMmmm is what this project is all about. Ever come home to freshly baked bread?  Ever fill up on bread before the main meal because it is just so delicious?  Well, these units are for you! Learn how to knead and shape dough, learn how different breads around the world are made with yeast and finally judge the quality of breads by .....sampling, of course.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Breads Project Brief (PDF)

Breads Character Connection (PDF)

Measuring Dry Ingredients Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Web Resources

• Judging Baked Products
  http://cru84.cahe.wsu.edu/cgi-bin/pubs/EM4748.html
• Bake with Kids recipes
  http://breadworld.com/
• Bread Baking Field Trip
  http://www.field-trips.org/sci/bake/

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Cake Decorating

State Specialist: Alison Copeland

Do you like a seven-layer cake? Or would you like to create a cake in the shape of a baseball diamond with "bases" and "baseball players" in honor of your dad's birthday with his favorite team marked in the colored icing? Or would you prefer a jazzy chocolate cake with beautiful red roses and a green border?  You can make any of these cakes.  It starts with knowing the basics like simple borders, decorations and cake molds. Then in advances to lace/lattice work, tiered cakes, special icings and finally advanced flowers. Creativity-it's just a piece of cake!

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Cake Decorating Project Brief (PDF)

Cake Decorating Character Connection (PDF)

Cake of Color Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Swag Style Cake Borders Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Web Resources

• Baking 911
  http://www.baking911.com/decorating/101_intro.htm
• Cake Works Central
  http://www.cakeworkscentral.com
• Decorating Techniques
  http://www.wilton.com/decorating/basic/index.cfm
• Cooking School
  http://www.fabulousfoods.com/school/cstech/
  cakedeco/cakedeco.html

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Cats

State Specialist: Ben Gallup

Some people think cats reflect their owners' personality; they can be friendly and very much their own boss. Cats need your love and guidance to live long and healthy lives. Activities in this project will help you learn nutritional aspects of a cat's diet, health needs, practicing responsible ownership, as well as teaching your cat the "Rules of the House." 

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Cats Project Brief (PDF)

Cats Character Connection (PDF)

Cat Parts ID Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Picking up and holding Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Web Resources

• Feline Education for Youngsters
  http://kids.cfa.org/index.html
• Cats Information
  http://www.catsinfo.com
• Animal Planet
  http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/catselectorindex.do
• Cats & Wildlife
  http://wildlife.wisc.edu/extension/catfly3.htm
• Cat Fancier
  http://www.fanciers.com/
• FDA Website for Cat Care
  http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/kids/html/cat_care.htm
• Humane Society Page for Cat Care
  http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/cat_care/

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Child Development

State Specialist: Alison Copeland

Kids on the Grow! This exciting child development curriculum teaches you about your own growth and development and that of others.  Using the holistic approach to development, kids are engaged in activities that help them learn about themselves, their families and their communities. The curriculum wraps around the new American Red Cross Baby Sitter Training course. You will have the opportunity to take the baby sitting training between units 2 and 3 of Kids on the Grow!

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Child Development Project Brief (PDF)

Child Development Character Connection (PDF)

Choosing Toys for Children Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Babysitting Safety Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Web Resources

• Kids on the Grow
  http://www.4-hcurriculum.org/projects/childdevelopment/
• Parentlink Resources
  http://extension.missouri.edu/parentlink/library/library.htm
• CYFERNET - Children, Youth, and Families Education and Research Network
  http://www.cyfernet.mes.umn.edu/
• Kids Health For Kids
  http://kidshealth.org/kid/
• Zero to Three: Information for the First Three Years of Life http://www.zerotothree.org/
• Youth Online Baby Sitting Handbook
  http://www.youthonline.ca/babysitting/
• Growth and Development
  http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/
  peds_growth/hls.cfm
• Helping Your Child Learn Responsible Behavior
  http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/behavior.html
• Developing Responsibility & Self Management In Young Children:  Goals of Positive Behavior Management
  http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/family/350-052/350-052.html
• Growth Milestones
  http://www.kidsgrowth.com/stages/guide/index.cfm

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Citizenship

State Specialist: Steve Henness

Discover public issues important to you and others by making things happen.  Plan a project. Create, change, or improve something that is valuable to many people. Learn to be an active citizen in a democracy. Public Adventures is about your engagement in changing a piece of the public world, discovering the possibilities of democratic citizenship and building a commitment to taking action in new and exciting ways.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Citizenship Project Brief (PDF)

Citizenship Character Connection (PDF)

Web Resources

• Public Adventures
  http://4hccsprojects.com/publicadventures/
• Youth Leadership Initiative
  http://www.youthleadership.net/index.jsp
• Center for Democracy and Leadership
  http://www.publicwork.org
• Project Citizen
  http://www.civiced.org/project_citizen.php
• Kids Voting USA
  http://www.kidsvotingusa.org/
• Youth-Adult Partnerships
  http://4h.missouri.edu/go/programs/yap/

• Public Adventures Educator Resources
  http://4hccsprojects.com/publicadventures/links.php?PHPSESSID=fe0f040d305fc440fa86ae2706e68fee

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Clothing

State Specialist: Alison Copeland

Have you ever seen an outfit and wanted it in a different color or style that wasn't in available in the store? Or have you tried on an outfit and needed it hemmed to fit just right? In the clothing project you will learn basic sewing like sewing a shirt or putting a zipper on a pair of pants. In the advanced levels you will learn how to take a design of your choice and customize it for the perfect look, color and fit.

Curriculum

Clothing you Make

Clothing you Buy

Available PDF downloads:

Y5240 Looking Your Best

LG5240 Looking Your Best Leader's Guide

Y5250 The Total Look

LG5250 The Total Look Leader's Guide

Additional Resources

Clothing Project Brief (PDF)

Clothing Character Connection (PDF)

Sewing a Hem Properly Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Sewing on a Button Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

     Objectives for New Curriculum

Web Resources

• Weighted Blanket and Vest Instructions
• Sewing Expressions
  http://www.4-hcurriculum.org/projects/sewing/
• The Home Sewing Association
  http://www.sewing.org
• Textile and Clothing Links from Ohio State University
  http://ohioline.osu.edu/lines/home.html
• Textile and Clothing Links from University of Nebraska
  http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/textiles/
• FibreArts Online Educational Resources
  http://www.fibreartsonline.com/fac/sew/education.htm#Kids
• NYS 4-H Resources Directory
  http://www.cerp.cornell.edu/4h/search_results.asp?or=s&d=clothing&x=any
• Fashion Center
  http://www.kidkountry.com/fashion/fashion.php
• Bandanas & Hats: How to make a hat
  http://bandanasandhats.com/hat-making/

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Clover Kids

State Specialist: Alison Copeland

The 4-H Clover Kids Club Program is designed to introduce 5-7 year olds to a variety of 4-H experiences.  As a Clover Kid members will have the opportunity to explore many different interests, learn basic living skills, build self confidence, and make new friends.

Curriculum

Learn more about the Clover Kid program Here

Clowning

State Specialist: Bradd Anderson

Do you like to communicate in an entertaining way? Clowning is part of a grand and noble tradition, dating back centuries! In clowning, you will learn how to apply clown make-up, create your own clown face, make a costume and perform as a clown. You will also learn about clown etiquette and some of history's great performers who influenced modern day clowning. From props to pantomime, this project will teach you funny new techniques and help you find great ways to perform them.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Clowning Project Brief (PDF)

Clowning Character Connection (PDF)

Web Resources

• Clown Resources
  http://www.caringclowns.org/Pages/resources.html
• Clowning 101 from The Kennedy Center
  http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/2188/

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Communications

State Specialist: Bradd Anderson

Have you ever had an important idea to share? Have you ever felt that there might be something being said somewhere that may be worth listening to? Do you think you'll want to have a great job someday? Would you like to get better at meeting friends and influencing people? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", then you should check out the communications project. Improving your communication skills can make every part of your life better, and you'll have a lot of fun along the way.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Communications Project Brief (PDF)

Communications Character Connection (PDF)

Pass the Message Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Public Speaking Web Based Curriculum
Project #243
Making the Point

Web Resources

• Express Yourself - Communications
  http://www.4-hcurriculum.org/projects/communications/

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Computers

State Specialist: Bill Pabst

Explore the world of computers in the computer project! Learn the different parts of a computer and how they work. Also learn about the internet and the many opportunities that computers and technology provides.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Web Resources

• Youth LearningNet
  http://w30.four-h.purdue.edu/
• Computer Mysteries
  http://w30.four-h.purdue.edu/adec/map.html
• Safe Kids Online
  http://www.safekids.com
• Safe Teens Online
  http://www.safeteens.com
• National 4-H Technology Programs
  http://www.4-h.org/
• How Stuff Works Computer Channel
  http://computer.howstuffworks.com/
• Build Your Own Computer
  http://www.pcmech.com/build.htm
• CNET - Computer News, Downloads, and Reviews
  http://www.cnet.com

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Conservation Frontiers

State Specialist: Gerry Snapp

Identifying Missouri wildflowers, making plaster casts of animal tracks or building a bat house are all part of Conservation Frontiers.  This project is all about Missouri’s natural resources and the great outdoors.  Learn about wildlife, streams, rivers, trees and plants through hands on activities.  Protect and respect the natural world.

Free Download

Additional Resources

Conservation Character Connection (PDF)

Web Resources

• 4-H Million Trees Program
  http://4h.missouri.edu/programs/milliontrees/

• Environmental Protection Agency Student Center
  http://www.epa.gov/students/

• Missouri Department of Conservation
  http://www.mdc.mo.gov/
• National Learning Center for Private Forest and Range Landowners
  http://www.forestandrange.org
• Student Conservation Association
  http://www.thesca.org/
• PowerSmartEasy Tips to Save Money and the Planet
  www.ase.org/uploaded_files/powersmart/
• Earthday Information and Resources
  http://www.earthday.gov

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Consumer Savvy

State Specialist: Alison Copeland

Youth consume more than $175 billion of goods and services each year. Through the consumer savvy project, you will become a better informed and responsible consumer in today's dynamic marketplace.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Consumer Savvy Project Brief (PDF)

Consumer Savvy Character Connection (PDF)

Balancing the books Skill-a-thon (PDF)

Web Resources

Consumer Savvy Project Resources
http://www.4-hcurriculum.org/projects/consumer/

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Crochet

State Specialist: Alison Copeland

A sweater, and afghan, and a hat are all things that can be crocheted. It's an easy, relaxing art of yarn and crochet hooks that can become an interest that travels with you. In the crochet project you will learn crochet terms, abbreviations, stitches, and how to end off. Then watch how your family and friends wait for you to make them something special.

Curriculum

Additional Resources

Crochet Project Brief (PDF)

Crochet Character Connection (PDF)

Business Startup Guide (PDF)

Web Resources

• The Crochet Guild
  http://www.crochet.org
• Learn to Knit & Crochet
  http://learntoknit.com/
• Resources for Crochet
  http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa100398.htm
  http://www.needlepointers.com/

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