- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview of 4-H
For over 100 years, the 4-H program has been teaching young people about agricultural science through hands-on activities. 4-H activities are fun and youth love learning about animals, such as chickens. Through learning about chickens, youth experience all four of the Hs:
- Head: Youth learn lots of science and math
- Heart: Youth learn about concern for others
- Hands: Youth learn about serving the needs of their chicks
- Health: Youth learn about caring for their own well being
4-H Embryology Project
While the 4-H program has offered the Embryology program through school enrichment programs (before and after-school), volunteer project leaders can consider leading a 4-H Embryology program for their club. The following are benefits that volunteers can gain from leading an Embryology program:
- Opportunities to teach young people about agricultural values
- Satisfaction of seeing young people learn new skills and gain new knowledge
- Relationships that volunteers make with other volunteers and youth
- Learning about science
- Building lasting memories with others
Now that you are ready to lead your own 4-H Embryology project, consider the following steps.
Step 1: Prepare for your project
The UC ANR Volunteer Educator's Guide provides a wealth of information for 4-H volunteer project leaders. On page 25, you will see a list of 12 items that each project leader should complete PRIOR to beginning your project, such as:
- Discussing your project idea with the club leader
- Completing the required 4-H volunteer application and background check
- Identify a list of youth who will participate in your project
- Develop a project description and lesson plan (see below)
- Obtain a UC ANR facility use agreement
- Obtain signed treatment authorization/health history forms for all youth participants
- Distribute project meeting dates and times to youth, volunteers, and your club leader(s)
- Ensure at least one other adult is present at your project meetings
- If raising funds, have you obtained approval from the 4-H county staff and County Director?
- Provide plenty of drinking water for youth and adults
- Read the 4-H Project Leaders Digest
- Distribute Annual Project Report forms to youth to track their project participation
Step 2: Create learning objectives
A lesson plan is the educator's road map for what the 4-H members will need to learn and how it will be done during the 4-H project meeting. Before designing the lesson plan, you first need to identify the learning objectives.
Image from the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching
4-H Embryology Learning Objective Examples
The following outline learning objective examples for the 4-H Embryology Project based on the youth's developmental stage. For more information, refer to the 4-H Poultry Project Sheet.
Beginner
- Identify different avian species
- Learn how to properly house birds
- Understand basic avian anatomy
- Learn the feed requirements of different poultry
- Demonstrate basic handling techniques
Intermediate
- Name and describe breeds of poultry
- Understand the Standards for breeds of poultry
- Learn the basic of avian disease prevention and care
- Participate in poultry showmanship
- Identify breed characteristics for egg production, meat production, and special purposes
Advanced
- Learn how to properly incubate eggs
- Describe grades and sizes of eggs
- Understand use of photoperiods and lighting in production of chickens
- Participate in Poultry Bowls and Champion Exhibitor contests
- Present on topics pertaining to poultry
- Improve knowledge of breeds and standards of poultry
Step 3: Choose a (or design your own) lesson plan with activities
As mentioned above, a lesson plan outlines what activities the youth will do in order to learn the objectives. Fortunately, there are several really great 4-H Embryology lesson plans with activities already designed for you to consider.
- Hatching Classroom Projects (grades 2-5)
- Experiments in Poultry Science (grades 6-8)
- Embryology Lesson Plans (week by week) by the University of Florida
Depending on your county, you may be able to check out an incubator from your local 4-H office. In addition, your county 4-H office may be able to help you get fertilized chicken eggs.
- Placer and Nevada Counties: Request a 4-H incubator here.
- Sutter and Yuba Counties: Request a 4-H incubator here.
Step 4: Reviewing best-practices for helping youth thrive
Pedagogy is the method and practice of teaching. 4-H volunteers do a lot of teaching, but not in the way some people understand. Here's why:
- Volunteers don't lecture, but instead they design hands-on learning experiences for youth. This way of teaching is called "experiential learning." Learn more about experiential learning here.
- Volunteers don't take over the learning process, but instead they partner with youth by sharing leadership, which is called adult-youth partnership. Learn more abut adult-youth partnerships here.
- Volunteers don't expect youth to learn randomly, but instead they focus on cultivating learning environments, such as helping youth find their spark (passion), helping youth feel like they belong, forging healthy relationships, and encouraging youth to engage in the project. Learn more about the learning environments (i.e. developmental contexts) by viewing the 4-H national Thrive Model of Positive Youth Development.
Step 5: Ask for constructive feedback
4-H's motto is "To make the best better." This motto encourages youth (and adult volunteers) to continue to do their best and continue to grow and develop over time. As such, project leaders have an opportunity to take stock at what is working really well in their project as well as identify any barriers of project engagement. There are many ways to gather constructive feedback. The following are ideas for you to consider:
- At the first project meeting, ask youth how they feel about the project and whether there are any logistical challenges they have with fully participating in the project (e.g. transportation and/or economic barriers)
- At the third project meeting, ask the other adult volunteer what they feel is working well in the project and what ideas for improvement they have "to make the best better"
- Midway through the project, give the youth a written questionnaire asking for their honest (and confidential) feedback. Explain that the questionnaire is not required, but optional.
- "What do you like about the project?"
- "What changes would you suggest to make this project even better?"
- "What are you learning from this project?"
- "Would you recommend this project to your friend?" Why or why not?
Why gather feedback from your youth and volunteers? Because in 4-H, we are committed to "making the best better." As adult volunteers, we have the chance to model continuous improvement in front of many watching eyes. If we are constantly improving our craft, we demonstrate to youth how they can improve their craft too.
Step 6: Consult additional resources
In 4-H, we have a large community with lots of expertise that we can draw from. The following are some additional resources for you to consider as you lead your 4-H Embryology project.
- University of California Cooperative Extension (Placer County) 4-H embryology website
- UC ANR 4-H Project Sheet website
- University of Florida 4-H embryology website
- Utah State University 4-H curricula website
- National 4-H curricula website
- Chicken embryo development video
- Are you a public school teacher? Did you know 4-H has resources to help your school implement an embryology expanded learning (before or after-school) program? To learn more, visit our website.
June Stewart - Making the Best Better
This blog post is dedicated to long-time 4-H professional June Stewart, who ran the embryology program in Placer County for 25 years. Over her career, June touched the lives of many youth and volunteers. To recognize her efforts, the Gold Country Fair named the small animal barn in her honor.
Questions?
Feel free to reach out to Dr. Matthew Rodriguez, 4-H Youth Development Advisor for Placer, Nevada, Sutter, and Yuba Counties at mrro@ucanr.edu or call 530-889-7385.
/h4>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h3>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview
Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H youth member Ava who is also this year's 4-H club president for Meadowlarks in Nevada County. The following are Ava's responses to my questions.
About Ava
[Matt] What is your current role in the 4-H program? Describe your involvement and any leadership responsibilities you have.
[Ava] My name is Ava and my current role in 4-H is being the Meadowlarks President. I am also the Junior Leader for the Meadowlarks Pygmy Goat project. I am very involved in 4-H and love being apart of this amazing community we have built. One of my favorite parts of 4-H is seeing everyone grow around me.
About Ava's Spark
[Matt] What is your “spark”?
[Ava] My spark is helping other people.
Ava's 4-H Accomplishments
[Matt] As a 4-H'er, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?
[Ava] As a 4-H'er, my proudest accomplishment is being the showmen with the Grand Champion Doe and Best Weather at our Nevada County Fair. I love my goats and showing them is a passion of mine and it feels good to get a huge reward for lots of time and effort.
Looking to the Future
[Matt] Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
[Ava] In the next three years I see myself growing in 4-H.
Advice for 4-H Members
[Matt] What advice would you give other 4-H youth members?
[Ava] A piece of advice I would give other members is to find a project you are passionate about.
Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Ava's Life
[Matt] What impact have 4-H volunteers made in your life?
[Ava] 4-H volunteers have helped guide me to projects that have helped me learn life lessons.
About the 4-H Program
To learn more about the 4-H program in Nevada County, please check out our website.
/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview
Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H youth member Jonathan who is also this year's 4-H county ambassador and club president for Kentucky Flat in Nevada County. The following are Jonathan's responses to my questions.
About Jonathan
[Matt] What is your current role in the 4-H program? Describe your involvement and any leadership responsibilities you have.
[Jonathan] Currently, I am the president of the Kentucky Flat 4-H club, as well as a newly appointed Ambassador for Nevada County 4-H. Within 4-H, I am a teen leader for the Swine Group for Kentucky flat 4-H, teen leader for the county 4-H sports shooting project, as well as project mentor for new club members and exhibitors.
About Jonathan's Spark
[Matt] What is your “spark”?
[Jonathan] My 4-H “spark” has always been to help the youth of Nevada County find their own “spark's” and excitement in raising their livestock and preparing their animals for showmanship and market. The relationships I have gained have made my “spark” worth the hours I've spent.
Jonathan's 4-H Accomplishments
[Matt] As a 4-H'er, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?
[Jonathan] Of course being chosen as a county Ambassador has been a true accomplishment, but deep down, knowing I am one of many that made it through 2020 with an animal prepared for fair regardless of the global circumstances, felt pretty good.
Looking to the Future
[Matt] Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
[Jonathan] I have always seen myself entering the military, however, in recent years, I have found a true passion in agricultural science. But to be honest, I can also see myself becoming a pilot some day. The future has a lot of possibility.
Advice for 4-H Members
[Matt] What advice would you give other 4-H youth members?
[Jonathan] Always pursue even what's hard. There is always something to learn, even when we fail.
Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Jonathan's Life
[Matt] What impact have 4-H volunteers made in your life?
[Jonathan] Leadership from the right person, with the right motives can make or break a youth member. I value the strong leadership I have seen in several aspects of projects, including Sports Shooting, and the tremendous effort my mom has put into 4-H across the county.
About the 4-H Program
To learn more about the 4-H program in Nevada County, please check out our website.
/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview
Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H youth member Corea who is also this year's 4-H county ambassador and club president for Dry Creek in Placer County. The following are Corea's responses to my questions.
About Corea
[Matt] What is your current role in the 4-H program? Describe your involvement and any leadership responsibilities you have.
[Corea] This year I was selected to be a Placer County Ambassador. With this title, I represent the county and will help plan all of the events. At the club level, I have been the Dry Creek 4-H club president for four years and a teen leader for five years.
About Corea's Spark
[Matt] What is your “spark”?
[Corea] My spark is public speaking. Through 4-H, I have been able to cultivate this spark through many of my leadership positions and events like Presentation Day.
Corea's 4-H Accomplishments
[Matt] As a 4-H'er, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?
[Corea] As a 4-H'er, one of my proudest accomplishments is being chosen to be a Placer County Ambassador. It was an honor to be selected because now I am able to give back to my county and the program that has helped me thrive and grow over the years. In addition to this, I am proud to be able to help my club while being the club president. By being selected by my club to run community meetings and coordinate social events, I have helped develop a community of strong 4-H'ers.
Looking to the Future
[Matt] Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
[Corea] In the next three years, I hope to see myself at college. I want to pursue a degree in economics in order to expand my skill set and gain a deeper understanding of financial affairs. I hope to continue to work with livestock and continue my passion of agriculture.
Advice for 4-H Members
[Matt] What advice would you give other 4-H youth members?
[Corea] Try it all! I started 4-H with absolutely no background in agriculture or leadership, but throughout my years I have been able to find so many things that spark my interests. I have joined a wide variety of projects and attended as many 4-H events as I can and have been able to cultivate my spark.
Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Corea's Life
[Matt] What impact have 4-H volunteers made in your life?
[Corea] 4-H volunteers have created the supporting and caring environment that is 4-H. Within my club, the volunteers give up so much of their time and resources in order to help other 4-H'ers, including myself, to gain knowledge and have lifelong experiences. I greatly appreciate what they have given to me and the community that surrounds them.
About the 4-H Program
To learn more about the 4-H program in Placer County, please check out our website.
/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview
Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H youth member Myah who is also this year's 4-H club president for Ophir in Placer County. The following are Myah's responses to my questions.
About Myah
[Matt] What is your current role in the 4-H program? Describe your involvement and any leadership responsibilities you have.
[Myah] I am currently President of the Ophir Club. I plan and run monthly officer meetings as well as club meetings. I am also Teen Leader of the Ophir Swine Project where I teach project members how to raise and show pigs.
About Myah's Spark
[Matt] What is your “spark”?
[Myah] My spark that I have been able to find, with much help from the 4-H Program, is my love of agriculture and my passion to promote it. Being able to raise animals to produce meat has taught me so much about the importance of meat production and farming. I have been able to find my love for producing quality food for public consumption.
Myah's 4-H Accomplishments
[Matt] As a 4-H'er, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?
[Myah] As a 4-H member, some of my proudest accomplishments have been working with youth members to practice their public speaking skills and watch them gain confidence in their presentation skills. Being a person who was very shy when I started out in 4-H, I have grown a lot in my public speaking skills as a result of the presenting opportunities I have been given throughout my involvement in the program. So it really means a lot to me that I can now help youth members do the same thing that others helped me do when I was just starting out.
Looking to the Future
[Matt] Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
[Myah] In the next three years, I see myself finishing up college and starting a career in the field of Agricultural Business. I also see myself working hard in everything that I do to give my help and support to the 4-H program by volunteering. I also plan to open a business that offers job opportunities to youth and teens looking to learn more about, and be involved in, agriculture.
Advice for 4-H Members
[Matt] What advice would you give other 4-H youth members?
[Myah] A piece of advice that I would give to other 4-H members would be that you should always push yourself. If there is ever something that you want to do one day that you don't feel like you can do now; you need to take steps to bring yourself one step closer to what you dream of doing. 4-H is a program that turns dreams into reality. The opportunities you will receive when you work hard are endless, and if you push yourself to achieve what you desire, you will go very far in life.
Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Myah's Life
[Matt] What impact have 4-H volunteers made in your life?
[Myah] The main impact I have been able to experience as a result of my 4-H [volunteer] leaders has been the growth of my own leadership skills. Being able to watch and learn from leaders that I appreciate and admire has taught me how I want to lead others myself.
About the 4-H Program
To learn more about the 4-H program in Placer County, please check out our website.
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