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Mecklenburg 4-H offers a number of options for school enrichment programming including 4th and 5th grade science enrichment programs and economic education simulations at elementary, middle, and high school levels. We also provide support for embryology projects and school gardens. We are able to work with public, private, and homeschool groups.
We are currently scheduling school enrichment programming for the 2025-2026 school year. Please contact Jennifer Bowen, jebowen1@vt.edu, to start planning for your class or co-op.
Science Enrichment Programs
Science Enrichment Programs
Mecklenburg 4-H School Enrichment programs are designed to support science standards for 4th and 5th grades. Topics include:
Scientific Investigation (Extensive science fair project book available upon request.)
Electricity
Weather Instruments
Force, Energy, and Motion
Virginia's Natural Resources/Watersheds
Sound
Light
Matter and the Periodic Table of Elements
Cells/Living Systems (Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Eastern Hellbenders)
Rocks and Minerals
Ocean Currents
Each 45 minute lesson includes a hands-on activity designed to reinforce the concepts that you teach. We can visit your class monthly, or you can pick and choose topics as needed!
NEW - We have a series of 30-minute programs that focus on reinforcing scientific investigation concepts for 2nd grade. Each lesson is based on a children's book.
Please contact Jennifer Bowen at jebowen1@vt.edu to discuss programming for your class!
Virginia 4-H Virtual Forest
Virginia 4-H Virtual Forest
4-H Virtual Forest provides youth with an interactive Web-based learning experience that introduces the concepts of forest management to young people ages 9 -13. Learning modules complement 4-H experiential techniques and are consistent with the Standards of Learning for Virginia public schools. On this page you can find user's guides, activity sheets, additional resources, and SOL links for each module.
Mecklenburg 4-H has a limited number of incubators, egg turners, and brooders available to teachers upon request. We also provide fertilized eggs and a comprehensive embryology curriculum. If you are interested in hatching eggs in your classroom, please contact us at 738-6191 ext. 4371.
Watershed Education
Watershed Education
A team led by Buckingham 4-H recently created an outstanding series of watershed education videos. These videos were designed for grades 3 - 7 but are appropriate for any grade level.
Check them out HERE.
Economic Education Programs
Economic Education Programs
Mecklenburg 4-H partners with Mecklenburg County Public Schools to offer economic education programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels through Kids' Marketplace, Real Money Real World, and Reality Store. These programs each give students the opportunity to "fast forward" into the future with a career, a paycheck, and month's worth of financial decisions. Volunteers from the community work with VCE and MCPS staff to man stations and help students through the decision-making process. We need volunteers to staff each station during Kids’ Marketplace, Real Money, Real World and Reality Store programs. If you are interested in volunteering for a few hours, please contact us for available dates and locations. Call 738-6191 ext. 4371 or email jebowen1@vt.edu.
VIRTUAL ECONOMIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS
We currently have virtual versions of Reality Store for high school students and Junior Reality Store (similar to Real Money, Real World) for middle school students. While face-to-face programs are always more impactful, virtual programs can also be a good option. If you are a teacher or administrator interested in offering a virtual economic education program, please email Jennifer Bowen at jebowen1@vt.edu.
Game Changineer
Game Changineer
Game Changineer is a video game design platform created by Dr. Michael Hsiao, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech. The program is an excellent introduction to coding using plain English. Students have to construct correctly written and punctuated sentences in order to execute the game programming. This easily accessible program combines English Language and Computer Coding to offer cross curricular learning for students; allowing teachers to appeal to students' love of gaming but teaching English in the process.
This platform works for students in upper elementary grades through high school. If you would like help using Game Changineer in your classroom, check out this Activity Guide. For more information on Game Changineer or to schedule an online professional development session, please contact Dr. Hsiao at hsiao@vt.edu.
School Gardens
School Gardens
The Mecklenburg Extension Office provides support for and assistance with school garden programs. For more information, please contact Amy Hawkins, FCS Extension Agent, at amoore04@vt.edu or call (434)738-6191
Home Schooling Support
Home Schooling Support
Mecklenburg 4-H has a number of curricula available to home schooling parents and co-ops through our Discover 4-H programs. Families are also encouraged to take advantage of the resources provided by Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center. The Center hosts field trips and provides a number of classes focusing on natural resources, leadership, and teambuilding.
If you are interested in learning more about how 4-H can support your home schooling efforts, please contact Jennifer Bowen at jebowen1@vt.edu.
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