2/23/2012 2:45:49 PM

4-H Science

Science, Technology, Engineering and Applied Math are all discovered with 4-H Science. The focus of 4-H Science is developing science interests, skills and abilities in the areas of agriculture, energy, environmental stewardship and technology.

This year UNL Extension is partnering with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to offer Outdoor Skills Training. The training is an eight session program intended to give youth the opportunity get outdoors! The series of eight sessions are delivered to two separate age groups. One series is targeted toward third and fourth grade youth and the second series is targeted toward fifth and sixth grade youth.

In the third and fourth grade series, youth will explore fishing by making and using their own casters and stick rods. Youth will also learn about wildlife identification using life-size banners as well as uncovering the animal’s habitat including: food, water and shelter. The youth will understand the difference between a predator versus prey and also the differences between domesticated and wild animals.
The youth will discuss camouflage and why animals rely on camouflage to disguise themselves. Insect identification and insect body part identification will be explored. The youth will learn about hiking and important items to pack for a hike. Finally the youth will learn how to read and create a map.

In the fifth and sixth grade series the youth will explore a wide variety of outdoor lessons including the basics of casting a fishing line, setting up a tent for camping and how to build a camp fire. The youth will learn how use two different turkey calls including the box call and slate call. In addition to the turkey calls, youth will learn the body parts of a turkey. In the GPS unit, youth will navigate a GPS unit, learn waypoints, make a geo-cache and hunt for a geo-cache. The youth will also learn about food chains, tracking wildlife and bird identification.

For more information about the location of these programs, contact Megan Hanefeldt, UNL Extension Assistant in Holt County, at 402-336-2760 or mhanefeldt@unl.edu.