4-H

The Water Scene Investigation (WSI) was developed by Arizona Project WET for use by local water providers and water educators in middle school classrooms to inspire simple actions that result in real water savings. This guide is the result of several iterations of writing, classroom testing, revision, and retesting. The WSI is a two–day, in– classroom project; the two days are separated by a week to allow for homework completion. To date, the WSI has reached 4,025 students and saved over 12 million gallons of water. Arizona Project WET is a program of the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Arizona Cooperative Extension, the Water Resources Research Center and the Department of Agricultural Education.

The Water Scene Investigation (WSI) is a valuable tool, effective in many different scenarios, for raising water use awareness and empowering individuals to make their water use more efficient. This guide was written for presenters from businesses, public agencies, nonformal education and the community to engage 5th through 9th grade students in a project focused on water conservation, efficiency and water auditing. One may adapt it easily for non–classroom use, whether that is in community groups or clubs, with youth or with adults.

The WSI is a participatory method of learning where students learn effective ways of conserving water indoors, while developing specific STEM skills. Students utilize math skills by measuring water use before and after the installation of new faucet aerators in their own homes; and then calculate annual water use in gallons per year using mathematical thinking skills. Aerators reduce the flow of water without reducing the pressure needed to accomplish tasks such as hand washing and dishes, so they are a simple, yet effective technology for students to install. By using aerators and tracking water savings, people of all ages can gain a better understanding of how a small investment in a simple technology can save precious water resources over time.

Youth development is the continual growth process in which all youth are invested in meeting their basic personal and social needs to feel safe, well cared for, valued, useful, and emotionally grounded. Scientists have long studied what youth need to be successful and contributing adults. The purpose of this set of fact sheets is to provide research based information to youth development professionals, volunteers and youth on the four essential elements of positive youth development.

• Overview of the 4-H Experience
• Mastery
• Belonging
• Independence
• Generosity

Illness or injury to a show animal may be preventable by following a few guidelines. Providing a clean and safe environment and properly feeding, watering, and vaccinating animals will help to reduce the risks of experiencing illnesses and injuries. Owners should also learn how to identify signs of health problems, such as sudden changes in behavior or appearance, and prepare a first aid kit for use in the event of an emergency. Also, being familiar with emergency treatment guidelines will help owners protect themselves, prevent further injury to the animal, and properly administer care to the animal if appropriate.

"Jean Jems" is a simple sewing project guide for 4-H youth. All projects utilized recycled blue jeans to allow youth to learn sewing skills on inexpensive fabric. Projects advance from very simple to more involved.

A Sports Ethics Program is a companion piece to the Josepheson Institute's Character Counts program. Utilizing the same principals as their Pursuing Victory with Honor sports ethics program, 6-4-6 is targeted at youth ages 5-13. Sportsmanship, teamwork and fun are the focus of this easy "user friendly" set of lessons and manual. It is designed to meet the needs of volunteer coaches and increase positive parental involvement in youth sporting events. Portable challenge games that focus on the six pillars of character begin each practice and are the basis for the program. Parents, coaches, and youth sign codes of conduct at the beginning of the sports season to establish expectations for all.

• 6-4-6 Sports Ethics Program
• Caring
• Citizenship
• Fairness
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Trustworthiness

Animal skulls can tell us many things about creatures and how they once survived in their natural environment. This publication explains some of the characteristics of skulls that we use to tell us about how the animals lived. Topics include skull diagrams, activity lesson plans, suggestions for future learning activities and sources of animal skulls.

Sometimes, what should be an enjoyable and challenging experience of showing a project animal becomes a traumatic experience which demoralizes youth participants. Major reasons for these calamities are lack of preparation, inadequate knowledge of how to prepare, selection of show animals that the youth is physically incapable of handling, and/or a lack of time commitment from the youth participant. The objective of this paper is to provide information to help reduce the occurrence of show ring fiascos.

Before you ever purchase a show animal, decide if you have the ability to commit to the minimum of 1 to 1¹⁄₂ hours per day required in caring for a show animal. Also, enlist the help of qualified volunteer leaders in selecting a market animal and in designing a feeding, handling, and animal health regimen.