4-H Project Selection Guide

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4-H Project Selection Guide

Welcome to 4-H! You have decided to become part of the largest youth development program in the world. You and the other 328,000 Tennessee 4-H participants are now “students” of the University of Tennessee.

The 4-H program will help you develop skills you need to succeed in life. You will develop those life skills through project work. So, your next step is to select your 4-H project. What do you like to do? What would you like to learn more about? Tennessee 4-H has 26 program areas for you to choose from. Working with your parents and 4-H leaders, read through the brief descriptions of the projects listed below and sign up for your 4-H project.

Beef*

The 4-H beef program will teach you to select, manage, produce, market and show cattle.

Clothing and Textiles

This project will help you acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, select, make, assemble and care for suitable clothing for school, work and social events.

Citizenship

This project will help you learn to value others and to be a good citizen of your local, national, and global communities.

Communication/Public Speaking

This project will help you learn to express yourself in a variety of ways, from speeches to written communication.

Companion Animal (dog, cat, rabbit)

This 4-H project is for you if you want to learn how to select, care for and train a dog or other small animal for personal or family enjoyment. The 4-H dog care program will help you learn about health care, nutrition, training and getting ready to show a dog.

Computers and Technology

In this project, you will learn to interact with computers and technologies to explore the world of animated presentations, interactive Web sites, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), robotics and video editing.

Consumer Education/Economics

This project will help you learn about being a good consumer as you explore smart shopping, income and expenses, saving money, credit and needs vs. wants.

Dairy*

The 4-H dairy program will teach you about the selection, production, management, health and showing of dairy animals.

Electric

Learn about the exciting world of electricity through this 4-H project. Atoms and electricity, current and voltage, generating electricity, electrical circuits and applications and using electricity safely – it’s all here for you.

Engineering/Safety Science

In this project, you will learn about safety and a variety of engineering areas from bicycles and lawn mowers to leaf blowers and tractors.

Entomology

This project will lead you into the exciting world of insects and their arthropod relatives. Learn about bees and insects found in the soil, on plants, in homes, on pets, and in other secret places.

Environmental Science/Conservation (Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries)

You can find lots to do in this great outdoor adventure. Learn about fish and wildlife and the habitats in which they live. Check out outdoor sports, such as fishing and hunting. Learn about forests and how they contribute to people and wildlife.

Food Science

In this project, you will learn about food safety and food science. Learn how food goes from the farm to your table. Also learn how to safely prepare foods for yourself and others.

Goat*

The 4-H goat program will help you learn about feeding, caring for, managing, selecting and showing goats.

Horse*

The 4-H horse program will allow you to develop horsemanship skills. You will also learn skills through educational activities such as horse judging, horse bowls, hippology, speech and demonstration contests. You don’t have to own a horse to be involved.

Horticulture/Garden

This 4-H project is for you if you’re interested in selecting, planting and growing (and sometimes harvesting) plants for home food production and beautification.

Leadership/Personal Development

This project will bring out the best in you as you learn about yourself and what you can do. Learn how to work with and lead others at home, at school, and in the community.

Line and Design

In this project you will learn to express your creativity through art, crafts and interior design.

Nutrition, Health and Fitness

This project will help you learn about food preparation, healthy foods, career opportunities and personal health.

Performing Arts/Recreation

Express yourself creatively though dance, music and drama in 4-H performing arts. Explore the recreation project and develop leisure time activities such as hobbies, games, collections and outdoor adventures.

Photography

This project will help you learn how to use a camera to capture images on film. Explore flash techniques, lenses, shutter speeds and more.

Plant Science

In this project you will learn how food and fiber are produced. Explore soils, plants, crop production and more.

Poultry*

The 4-H poultry program will teach you about chickens from the egg to the table. Get involved in embryology, poultry judging, growing and managing a small flock of chickens and chicken barbecue programs.

Sheep*

The 4-H sheep program will help you learn about the selection, production, management, marketing and health of sheep and wool production.

Swine*

The 4-H swine program will help you learn about the selection, production, breeding and management of swine.

Veterinary Science

This 4-H project is for you if you’re interested in learning about animal health and behavior, and how modern veterinary practices increase animals’ health, comfort, recreation and livestock values.

* These programs are part of the 4-H Animal Science Project.