4-H Club Program - 4-H Science Toolkits: Experiential Learning At Your Fingertips!
4-H Science Toolkits are available to enrolled 4-H volunteers, Cumberland County educators, after-school staff and other non-profit organizations working with youth ages 5-18. Some of the kits are adaptable to all grade levels. There is little to no cost (replacement of supplies) and a $25 deposit is required. Toolkits can be reserved for a month to 12 weeks (depending on the kit). To reserve a toolkit, contact UMaine Extension Cumberland County at 781-6099.
Toolkits come with:
- Lesson plans for 4-H Science activities
- Materials to support lesson plans
- Itemized list of materials in kit
- 4-H Life Skill wheel and definitions
- University of Maine Cooperative Extension staff as resources
- General release form for youth and adults
The Toolkits
Power of the Wind: The Power of the Wind Curriculum is part of the National 4-H Curriculum Collection and is designed for youth, grade to 4-10, to learn about the wind and its uses. Youth work with members of a team to design, create, build, and test a wind powered device and are given opportunities to explore wind as a potential energy source in their community. For more information, see the Power of the Wind Curriculum overview.
Animal Science: The Animal Science Toolkit is a series of six activities, 60 minutes each, that will help children in elementary school discover a variety of interesting facts about animals. Youth learn of the characteristics humans and other animals have in common, as well as the ways we are different. Students will use the scientific method to predict what will happen, test their theories, then share their results. For more information, see our Animal Science Project resources.
Entomology: The Entomology Toolkit is a series of activities designed to get elementary aged children outside. Once outside they will learn about their environment by focusing on a subject all kids find fascinating – bugs. All of these adventures call on students to predict what will happen, test their theories, and share their results. They’ll be introduced to entomology vocabulary, gain an understanding of the life cycles of plants and animals and learn how to be good environmental stewards. For more information, see our Entomology Project resources.
Climate Change: The Climate Change Toolkit is a series of six activities, 60 minutes each, for children in grades 3-6. Participants will explore the impact of weather and climate on humans, animals and plants and begin to understand what causes wind, snowfall, storms and other weather events. These hands-on activities allow students to predict what will happen, test theories, then share their results. By gaining an understanding of the basic forces affecting climate, some of the mysteries of storms and wind are revealed and children can see the impact of human activity on climate and environment. They’ll be introduced to climate vocabulary, gain an understanding of the importance of species diversity and learn how to be good environmental stewards. For more information, see our Climate Change Project resources.
Embryology: This project provides an experiential learning opportunity for youth by providing materials needed to successfully hatch chicks. Groups and youth develop a personal connection to the food system through hands on learning. Youth learn life skills such as disease prevention, problem solving, keeping records, planning and organizing. They can study the process of incubation, learn about the cycle of life, care for healthy and possibly unhealthy chicks, and work as a team to ensure the success of their project. For more information, see our Embryology Project kits.
Cooking Up Science: The Cooking Up Science Toolkit (part of the 4-H Aggie Adventures for Kids) is a series of 30 activities for children in grades 3-6. Time needed for each activity ranges from 15 – 35 minutes. Participants will explore basic biology, chemistry and physics using common items from the kitchen. The goal is to have students understand the work of scientists and to see the aspects of performing experiments. The curriculum was designed for a day camp or after-school setting but is easily modified for a 4-H club meeting or classroom.
Crime and Spy Science: The Crime and Spy Science Toolkit (part of the 4-H Aggie Adventures for Kids) is a series of more than 30 activities for children in grades 4-7. Time needed for each activity ranges from 20 – 50 minutes. Participants will solve the case of “The Murder of Professor Half Track” using clues, and conducting biotechnology experiments. The goal is to have students understand the work of scientists and to see the aspects of performing experiments. The curriculum was designed for a day camp or after-school setting but is easily modified for a 4-H club meeting or classroom.
Magician’s Science: The Magician’s Science Toolkit (part of the 4-H Aggie Adventures for Kids) is a series of more than 30 activities for children in grades 2-3. Time needed for each activity ranges from 5-35 minutes. Participants will explore gravity, reactions, optical illusions, and learn about the cool science behind magic and maybe even perform a magic show The goal is to have students understand the work of scientists and to see the aspects of performing experiments. The curriculum was designed for a day camp or after-school setting but is easily modified for a 4-H club meeting or classroom.
FUN-damental Science: The FUN-damental Science Toolkit (part of the 4-H Aggie Adventures for Kids) is a series of more than 30 activities for children in grades 1-3 (but easily adaptable to most elementary age ranges). Time needed for each activity ranges from 5-35 minutes. Participants will explore chemical reactions, learn about famous scientists, and discover the “fun” in science activities through exploration and experimentation. The goal is to have students understand the work of scientists and to see the aspects of performing experiments. The curriculum was designed for a day camp or after-school setting but is easily modified for a 4-H club meeting or classroom.
Phenology – Signs of the Seasons (SOS): The Phenology Toolkit supplies a classroom or youth group with the materials they need to observe and record the phenology (seasonal changes) of common plants and animals living in their own backyards and communities. The data the collect data can help document the local effects of global climate change. Phenology is the study of the seasonal timing of cyclical life events, such as bird, fish, mammal, and butterfly migrations and reproduction, insect emergence and metamorphosis, and plant leafing, blooming, fruiting, and foliage changes. Many organisms, including humans, depend on the historically predictable nature of these seasonal changes. Teachers, staff or volunteers who wish to participate must complete an on on-line training. For more information, see Signs of the Seasons.
Additional Resources
4-H After-School Academy: This is a professional development opportunity for educators, staff and volunteers who work with school age youth in an informal educational setting. Participants will learn how to integrate 4-H and positive youth development concepts into their afterschool programs, actively engage students in 4-H Science, and be introduced to 4-H Science curriculum that’s research-based and easy to use. Participants must complete all 10 hours of training to receive their certificate of completion. CEUs are available. For more information, see 4-H After-School Academy.
4-H Curriculum: The 4-H program provides dozens of juried curriculums for school age youth in a variety of delivery settings. Curriculum subject matters are based on an experiential learning model and cover science subjects as diverse as butterflies, geology, robotics and film making. For more information about what specific curriculums are available, visit 4-H Curriculum.
4-H @ UMaine: A three day event for 12-17 year olds at the University of Maine – Orono. Youth participate in workshops taught by UMaine faculty and students while staying in dorms and experiencing campus life. The goal is to introduce youth to both higher education and sciences. Past workshops have included nanotechnology, forensics, marine biology and veterinary science. Takes place in May and is open to all Maine youth.
For more information about these programs, or 4-H in general, contact UMaine Extension Cumberland County at 781-6099 or visit extension.umaine.edu/cumberland.
