Did you know that annually, UF/IFAS Extension reaches over 7,000 Nassau County students through 4-H school enrichment programs? 4-H is a non-formal, practical education program for youth that complements the classroom teaching you’re already doing! Our Extension agents, along with trained volunteers, enjoy the annual opportunity to provide hands-on learning for your students. We serve both public and private schools of Nassau County for all youth ages 5-18.

Why add 4-H programs to your classroom or home school group?

• To include valuable, hands-on learning opportunities

• All programs are low to no cost for schools

• Extension educators and volunteers are highly qualified to teach a variety of subjects

• Programs are adaptable to your students’ interests and grade level

• Full curriculum available for most subjects

• Virtual programs now available!

All programs require an RSVP and are available on a first come, first served basis. Call or sign up today to reserve your classroom or home school’s spot!

RSVP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/Nassau4Hschool26 

Looking for our full school enrichment letter to share with your school or co-op? You can download our current letter HERE.

Egg-splore the science of embryology from egg to chicken. This popular program is best suited for students in grades 3-8.  During this learning opportunity, students will be provided with equipment and eggs to potentially hatch in your classroom. You will have a daily commitment of caring for these animals from the first day we meet you until the hatched chickens are picked up, approximately 30 days total.  Two 30-50 minute lessons will be provided by Ms. Kelsey or her trained volunteers. If you are interested in participating, contact Ms. Kelsey and please sign up early to reserve your class or grade level the equipment as we only have a limited supply. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/26Nassau4-HEmbryo  

Although it is no longer called the Tropicana Public Speaking Contest, we are still offering a classroom, school and county level public speaking contest for your students. This program is managed through the TEAMS platforms, making communications and access to resources quick and easy for teachers or co-op leaders.

This program is designed to help youth step out of their comfort zones and learn valuable life skills. As you complete the form, please take note of some changes we have made for the upcoming year.

Program Overview: The program consists of two parts. Teachers will host an in-school public speaking contest within their classrooms. The first-place winner from each classroom will be invited to present the same speech at the 4-H contest, where they will compete against students from other schools for a final award.

REGISTER HERE 

The Leadership and Team Building Course is a dynamic program tailored to equip students with essential skills for effective collaboration and leadership. By engaging in this course, students will enhance their critical thinking abilities while learning to work efficiently with peers to accomplish various tasks and activities. The curriculum is highly customizable, addressing key areas such as: Communication, public speaking, leadership etc. Register here: https://forms.gle/DQaDL2s8NuzdmJN97 

The I am a Scientist program is designed for elementary school youth to explore the steps of the scientific method through a 4 week discovery series. Using practical experiments and a fun workbook everyone an become a scientist!

Students will be observing and learning the lifecycle of a butterfly as their living larvae mature to become a butterfly.  Lesson topics are taught through videos created by a team of four Master Gardeners.  The topics include life cycle and diet, migration, pollination and habitats, what is a scientist, and exciting careers in the field of butterfly science. We will arrange a drop off time for supplies and the butterfly larvae to be delivered in person to each classroom. The lesson videos can be shown virtually or in the classroom.  Students and teachers will have access to all the curriculum and supplementary materials on a Google Site.  Contact Ted Karsch.

Limited quantities of seeds available, can be done in either spring or fall! Learn all about the scientific method and completing a citizen science partnership program through growing Space Tomatoes & the Tomatosphere project!! This fun horticulture project can be adapted to test various mediums of growing or use of a Tower Garden system by school. 

Our 4-H agents can lead programs, activities, and discovery series on a variety of other sciences. These programs can also be tailored to all age groups, including High School, gifted, and honors programs. We are happy to help create programs that fit your needs!

Some examples of programs: Introduction to agriculture, ecology & population management, marine science, poultry & livestock judging, human dimensions of ecology & conservation

Financial literacy, healthy living, nutrition, team building, emergency preparedness, culinary and home arts, and more can also be taught by 4-H or Extension agents. When in doubt, reach out! We're happy to help your classrooms.

4-H has a wide variety of options and if you can’t choose just one, consider starting a 4-H club at your school and participating in multiple projects! 4-H clubs can be run during or after the school day with the assistance from teachers, volunteers, or school administrators. Some examples of clubs can be farm/garden clubs, art, leadership or citizenship, science, or environmental studies.

4-H also has a large selection of approved curriculum and project books. These books can be incorporated into current lessons or even as an option for independent/elective study.