A Six-Hour 4-H Leadership Development & STEM Learning Project for 9–12 year old youth
iGrow: Beyond Ready in Science is a 4-H leadership development curriculum for youth ages 9–12 (grades 4th through 6th) that blends positive youth development with engaging science and engineering experiences. Participants explore their Sparks, practice GPS goal management, strengthen a growth mindset, and build the habits and skills that help them become ready for work and life.
The educational approach is experiential and inquiry-based, using a simple cycle of explore, reflect, and apply. Youth design and build artifacts such as a working flashlight, optimize paper airplanes, and create a kinetic confetti launcher, while discussing how scientists and engineers think, collaborate, persist, and improve. Activities include guided reflection and optional take-home istretch tasks to connect learning with family and community.
Total instructional time is 6 hours across 8 sessions. Learning objectives include increased interest in science, stronger self efficacy and persistence, practical goal-management skills, stronger teamwork and problem solving, and clearer pathways for applying new skills to benefit others.
Curriculum
Youth Workbook | Adult Educator Guide |
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Download PDF | Download PDF |
Spark Card Supplements
Set of 24 spark cards - they help youth identify and explore their “sparks” by presenting a range of interests, skills, and passions with examples.
Field of Science and Engineering Card Supplements
Set of 50 fields of science and engineering cards - visual tools that help youth explore the diverse branches of science and identify connections between their personal interests (sparks) and real-world scientific disciplines.
Team
- Steven Worker
- Gemma Miner