Extension
It Starts With Us
4-H Natural Resources
Life Skills and Diversity
Steve Conrad, Lacey Kessell, Cathy Fellows, Rusty Wolf
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Today’s youth spend less time outdoors than previous generations (Clemonts, 2004; Karsten, 2005; Carver et al., 2008) and are likely able to identify a Pokémon character more easily than a native plant or animal (Balmford et al., 2002). Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducts a survey to assess Kentuckian’s environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. According to KEEC’s 2015-2020 Environmental Education Master Plan (2015), “…the average Kentuckian is able to answer correctly slightly more than half of the environmental knowledge questions included on the survey. This result leaves ample room for improvement” (p 27). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. The KEEC (2018) defines environmental literacy as “…the ability to recognize the components of healthy natural and man-made systems and the actions necessary to maintain, restore, or improve them” (p. 4) and states that environmental education is a pathway to environmental literacy (KEEC, 2018). Kentucky Statute (KRS 157.905) defines environmental education as “…an education process dealing with the interrelationships among the natural world and its man-made surroundings; is experience-based; interdisciplinary in its approach; and is a continuous life-long process that provides the citizenry with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to individually and collectively encourage positive actions for achieving and maintaining a sustainable balance between man and the environment” (Kentucky Legislative Research Committee, 2020, p.1). Kentucky 4-H provides environmental education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation for natural resources and environmental sciences. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of environmental science, entomology, forestry and wood science, geology, soils, water, wildlife, and shooting sports.
- Youth will be environmentally literate.
- Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration.
- Youth will be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship.
- Youth will explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life.
- Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect natural resources.
- Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations.
- Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content.
- Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship.
- Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.
- Outcome to be Evaluated
- Youth plan and implement a natural resource project (e.g., entomology project, forestry project, etc.).
- Indicator of Success for Outcome
- Youth complete a natural resource project.
- Method of Evaluation
- Oral or 4-H Common Measures Experience Survey at conclusion of learning activity
- Program Indicators
- Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H natural resource programming (PRACTICE)
- Number of youth who used the skills and knowledge learned in 4-H to conserve natural resources (PRACTICE)
- Number of youth who have gained an understanding of ecosystems in Kentucky (KOSA)
- Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #6 “Is 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself?” (SEEC)
- Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #13 “Is 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader?” (SEEC)
- 4-H Entomology
- Curriculum: 4-H Entomology State Fair Resources
- Summer project class (June, July)
- 4-H Environmental Science
- Curriculum: 4-H Exploring Your Environment Series
- Environmental Camps 3rd/4th/5th grades (Sept/Oct 2023) (Mar/Apr/May 2024)
- Wildlife Critters (Sept. 23-Aug. 24, monthly)
- 4-H Junior Master Naturalist (June/July 24)
- Teen Survival Camp (July 2023, 2024)
- Environmental Kids Camp (July 2023, 2024)
- Scout group guided hikes and water quality programs (by request)
- 4-H Forestry and Wood Science
- Curriculum: 4-H Forestry Project; Leaf collection and hikes (June, July)
- Maple Tapping Programs (Jan, Feb, March, 24)
- Scout group woodworking workshops
- 4-H Shooting Sports
- Curriculum: Shooting Sports Curricula
- Training: Certified Volunteer Training
- 4-H Sharpshooters Club (monthly Sept. 23-Aug. 24)
- 4-H Water
- Curriculum: Healthy Water, Healthy People Educator’s Guide and Field Monitoring Guide; Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide; 4-H There’s No New Water; 4-H2O Ambassador Curriculum; "Creek Critter Crawl programs" (By request)
- 4-H Camp
- Camp Week (June 24)
- 4-H Garden Club (Sept-July monthly)
- Curriculum: Learn, Grow, & Eat
- 4-H Floral Design Club
- Art in Bloom (May 24)
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for environmental careers are expected to grow over the next decade. Fostering a respect for nature in students K-12 may not only increase the desire to pursue such careers but according to the North American Association for Environmental Education (naaee), environmental education shown to provide a wide variety of positive impacts on youth: Improves knowledge in science, math, reading and writingEmotional and social skills (i
