School Engagement

September 20, 2023

During the school year, 4-H provides hands-on activities with standards alignment for classrooms. Exploring a concept through a craft, building challenge, or demonstration can reinforce knowledge and provide a break from traditional class lectures. Your 4-H agent provides the supplies, prep work, and clean-up to conduct these classroom visits.

4-H offers the following tracts for classroom engagement, but we are flexible and always eager to plan around individual teachers’ needs and interests:

• Embryology: Hatch chicken eggs with your class! All supplies are provided and the automatic incubator makes this project both unforgettable and easy! Traditionally conducted in the spring.

• Butterfly Life Cycle: Raise Painted Lady caterpillars and watch their transformation into beautiful butterflies. Pair with your life cycle unit for a simple yet engaging demonstration of vocabulary in action. Traditionally conducted in the spring.

• School Gardening: Learn how to start and sustain a school garden with the Clemson University School Garden for SC Educators course. The course includes the Garden STEM curriculum guide as well as options for purchasing raised bed kits. Those who have taken the course and maintain a school garden are eligible to receive transplants and seeds. Plant, nurture, and watch your success grow!

• STEM challenges and more: Want to plan a series of classroom visits around your science lessons? Let’s design a custom set of activities!

4-H recommends at least six hours of engagement (either from the 4-H agent or by using the supplies provided). If you or a teacher you know is interested in free, hands-on classroom engagement, please contact your 4-H agent Stephanie Eidt: seidt@clemson.edu | 803-589-8977.