Extension
It Starts With Us
Promoting 4-H in Graves County
In-class 4-H
4-H Agent
4-H Health Core Curriculum
4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Core Curriculum
4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H Communications and Expressive Arts Core Curriculum
America’s future lies in the hands of the students in school and college today. Unfortunately research shows that few of these individuals have a strong background in the scientific disciplines. The National Academies, the nonprofit institutions that provide expert advice on science and technology, warned years ago that the United States would continue to lose ground to foreign economic rivals unless the quality of its math and science education were improved. Experts reported last year that among 29 wealthy countries, the United States ranked 27th in the proportion of college students with degrees in science and engineering. Among developed countries, the United States ranks 31st in math and 23rd in science. American 12th graders were near the bottom of students from 20 nations assessed in advanced math and physics. Large parts of our student population are literally being deprived of a top-notch education.
Over the past year, Kentucky schools have shifted the classroom focus to math and reading. This change leaves many students with limited opportunities for hands on science in the classroom. As Kentucky works toward implementing the Next Generation Science Standards as many other states across the country have, 4-H offers a variety of lessons that complement these lessons whether in the areas natural resources or science, engineering and technology. Kentucky
4-H Curriculum easily supplements classroom work. Studies show that youth who experience science in the classroom through research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies learn skills that help them to understand environmental issues and in turn help sustain the environment for future generations.
Additionally, the large variety of programming offered by 4-H can also help fill the gap that today’s busy parents are unable to provide. Subjects like Basic Food Preparation that was once taught in Home Economics class is virtually non-existent and Basic Etiquette seems to be lacking in today’s youth. Partnering with teachers in the classroom is an excellent marketing tool for Extension and opens the door for children to learn about other opportunities available through 4-H.
- Youth will utilize the scientific method to solve problems
- Youth will choose a career path in science, engineering or technology
subject matter.
- Youth will apply skills in food safety and food preparation.
- Youth will use problem solving and logical reasoning skills.
- Youth will use and apply skills gained from 4-H SET programming
- Youth will mentor younger 4-H’ers in SET programming
- Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in science, engineering and
technology with others.
- Youth will apply improved food preparation and food safety skills.
-Youth will increase interest and participation in SET programming
- Youth will learn new skills in SET
- Youth will be introduced to careers in SET
- Youth will develop and interest in science
- Youth will gain knowledge of the interrelationship and interdependencies
within an ecosystem
- Youth will identify natural resources within their community
- Youth will learn to grow, prepare and preserve food
- Youth will learn to incorporate unfamiliar foods or “new” foods into a
healthy diet
Initial Outcome: Agent will collaborate with teachers to provide monthly
classroom science lessons to complement Next Generation
Science Standards. Students will participate in engaging
hands on lessons.
Indicator: Students are engaged in learning hands on science
lessons.
Method: Number of elementary schools participating in 4-H
science
Timeline: Ongoing
Initial Outcome: Students will participate in food safety and food
preparation classes.
Indicator: Student attendance during culinary programming and in
class food lessons
Method: Agent observation
Timeline: Ongoing
Intermediate Outcome: Students will demonstrate safe food handling and food
preparation
Indicator: Students are able to execute safe knife handling skills,
cleanliness in the kitchen and safe handling of meats and
other perishables.
Method: Agent observation
Timeline: Ongoing
Intermediate Outcome: Students will demonstrate skills and concepts through
hands on projects.
Indicator: Students are able to “peer” instruct concepts learned.
Method: Agent/Teacher observation
Timeline: Ongoing
Long Term Outcome: Students vocalize an understanding of skills and concepts
taught.
Indicator: Evidence of knowledge gained from Pre Test to Post Test
Method: Pre/Post Test and Student Self-evaluation
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: Graves County Elementary Youth
Project or Activity: In Class Science
Content or Curriculum: State 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Classroom lessons
Date: School year
Audience: Graves County Youth
Project or Activity: Etiquette
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Classroom lessons, after school and teen clubs
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Graves County Youth
Project or Activity: Food Preparation classes and Culinary Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Classroom lessons, after school and culinary clubs
Date: Ongoing
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges for the community as schools were moved online and parents were home from work. In an effort to address these issues, the Graves County Extension Office offered Grab-n-Go Project Bags to give youth something to do after their NTI work was completed. This gave youth something to look forward to as many enrichment programs were cancelled and also helped continue their at-home education. Project bags that were designed, assembled, and distributed
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the COVID-19 pandemic, families were encouraged to stay home and Extension services could not be provided in person. To meet this challenge and provide youth with long-term programming, the Graves County 4-H program offered an opportunity for at-home learning through the 4-H Virtual Olympics. Youth ranked which of the 7 teams representing the 7 curriculum areas of Kentucky 4-H that they were most interested in. Options included River Ramblers (Natural Resources), Tech Wizards (Science, En
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
This year for the first time in recent memory, Graves County has started a 4-H Livestock Club under the volunteer leadership of Certified Livestock Volunteer Matthew Dowdy. Graves County is a very agricultural county and tops all other counties in total agricultural sales--with over 346 million dollars in agricultural receipts. The next county in second place brought in 215 million. Because of the county's makeup, a 4-H Livestock program was considered a high-priority need by the Extension D
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 4-H was able to partner with organizations serving underserved youth to reach clients who may not have had internet or transportation access to access Brown Bag or Virtual programming. Kits were assembled that included three lessons on international education including Japanese paper cranes, Taiwanese lanterns, and Mexican tissue paper crafts. Kits included all information needed to complete the lesson at home with all included materials.Kits were then distributed t
