Stafford County 4-H is pleased to offer several educational activities to support classroom learning. These enrichment programs address objectives covered in the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL's). Read more about each one below:
Embryology
The "Beginning of Life" 4-H Embryology project provides the opportunity for children between the ages of 5-18 to explore the life and growth processes utilizing the chick embryo. The Embryology Program centers on the incubation of eggs. Everything needed to hatch baby chicks and one in-class lesson and egg candling is provided for a fee of $25. This covers chick feed, eqiupment, fertilized egg costs, etc. The program is on a first-come/first-serve basis for use in conducting the project from February to May. The anticipation of the hatch greatly adds to student interest and excitement about learning.
Kids Marketplace
Kids Marketplace is a financial simulation for upper elementary-aged children. Students receive a job and a monthly income in play money and decide how to spend it at the animal shelter, fun station, grocery store, bank, and other expense stations. Students are encouraged to save a portion of their income and to contribute some to charity. At least 12 volunteers are needed to help run this program. It covers 3rd-grade SOLs perfectly!
It's important for kids to know where our food comes from, and these lessons connect children to agriculture. Reach out with what you are studying, and we will do our best to find a lesson to bring educational standards to life, with agriculture, in your classroom.
Some ideas:
Worm Warriors - Your students will learn about worms and composting (vermicomposting). The class will create a worm bin, which will serve as a basis for investigations about ecosystems, life and nutrient cycles, and decomposition. The lesson takes approximately 45 minutes and can be modified for different ages, science standards, etc.
Engineering Ice Cream - Students explore the journey of milk from cow to ice cream, make ice cream in a bag, and discover how food engineers have developed many different processes for making ice cream.
VA Products -
Mapping and Graphing Virginia Agriculture
Ag Tag
Science Related
Water Cycle
Project Learning Tree (Environment Lessons)