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Beekeeping is a very enjoyable and rewarding pastime that is relatively inexpensive to get started. Moreover, it’s a hobby that can eventually make you money! This factsheet is a primer on how to start your first hive and begin keeping bees.
A step-by-step instruction and description of how to install and maintain a new colony of honey bees.
This publication provides information about common calf health issues and steps youth can take to evaluate calf health and treat sick calves.
Colostrum is the first thick yellowish milk produced by the doe after giving birth. Colostrum contains maternal antibodies that help the goat kid develop its immune system to fight diseases. Colostrum should be ingested or bottle-fed very early in life as soon as kids have a suckling reflex.
This factsheet summarizes the benefits of fruit and vegetable gardening with children. It includes age-appropriate activities for childcare providers to engage young children using fresh produce from the garden for cooking and eating.
This publication focuses on developing fruit and vegetable production gardens in the Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) of childcare centers. Included are basic garden design and layout to help childcare centers get started in year-round gardening activities. This is the second of fifteen publications about childcare center production gardens.
This appendix is part of the Extension Gardener Handbook and gives users to the tools to implement a youth, community, or therapeutic garden.
Ways to promote teenagers' awareness of career options
“Se hacen puentes al andar” is about highlighting the power of family belonging and the risks associated with family rejection; lack of positive LGBTQ+ representation; and rigid adherence to traditional gender roles. Each story featured is drawn from a study about Latino LGBTQ+ youth belonging within a familial context and includes corresponding research-based and participant-informed recommendations for you—the parent, caregiver, or loved one of an LGBTQ+ youth.
This publication offers information on youth showmanship of swine.
This publication focuses on easy-to-grow, child-friendly, warm-season fruits and vegetables suitable for childcare center gardening. This is the third of fifteen publications about childcare center production gardens.
This publication includes simple recipes that childcare center cooks and educators can use to engage children in snacking and cooking with fresh cool-season fruits and vegetables from on-site production gardens and elsewhere. This is the sixth of fifteen publications about childcare center production gardens.
This factsheet is a guide to introducing children to common garden insects in an early childcare setting. It includes age-appropriate activities for childcare providers to engage young children in identifying garden insects at all life stages.
This publication offers 6 lessons for a school curriculum on the importance of vermicomposting, setting up a worm bin, anatomy of earthworms and how to reduce waste and recycle. Lesson objectives an activities are provided.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses how to control fire ants in the homeowner's yard.
Earthworms can turn food scraps into a soil amendment called vermicompost — worm castings — which increases plant growth and reduces attacks by plant diseases and pests. Vermicomposting is easy, involves little work, and can be done indoors or outdoors. All you need is a container, bedding, worms, and worm food.
This publication covers a list of current North Carolina 4-H curricula titles available through your local 4-H agent for grades K-5.
Ways parents can support career exploration by children and teenagers.
This factsheet offers information on showing swine for youth aged 7-8.
This publication covers a list of current NC 4-H curricula titles available through your local 4-H agent for grades 6-8.
Ways to support career exploration by preschool-aged children
“Se hacen puentes al andar” es sobre resaltar la importancia de sentirse parte de la familia y los riesgos asociados con el rechazo familiar, la falta de representación positiva de personas LGBTQ+, y el cumplimiento a los rígidos roles tradicionales de género. Cada historia que contamos proviene de un estudio de jóvenes latinos LGBTQ+ dentro de un contexto familiar e incluye recomendaciones correspondientes para usted—el padre, el tutor o el ser querido de un joven LGBTQ+—basadas en evidencia y en las experiencias de los participantes.
This chapter of the Farm to Early Care and Education Resource Guide for North Carolina Extension Agents discusses special considerations for early childhood gardening, cooking, and local food programs and provides resources for successful Farm to ECE initiatives.
This publication includes simple recipes that childcare center cooks and educators can use to engage children in snacking and cooking with fresh warm-season fruits and vegetables from on-site production gardens and elsewhere. This is the fifth of fifteen publications about childcare center production gardens.
North Carolina 4-H would like to thank the North Carolina Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at NC State University for its partnership in the development of Cooking Up Confidence. This cookbook was developed as a skill builder for young people to further the enjoyment of cooking and nutrition.
This publication illustrates the NC State Extension Model for Program Planning and Evaluation for proactive and reactive programming.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explains how to make a composting bin to house earthworms and recycle food scraps.
This factsheet offers information on showing swine for youth aged 5-6.
This resource guide explores how Early Care and Education programs serve families and show potential collaborations for Extension agents; inspires new local collaboration by highlighting successful programs within communities; and encourages cross-program activities to increase program support from Extension across North Carolina.
4-H “Mooving Milk from Farm to Fridge” is a Cloverbud curriculum developed in partnership with the North Carolina State University Department of Animal Science, The Randleigh Dairy Heritage Museum, and The Dairy Alliance. In this unit, youth trace Clover the Cow’s growth from calf to dairy cow. Along the way, they learn about the dairy industry and how dairy foods can contribute to a healthy diet. The lessons in the unit feature dramatic roleplay, math, science, social studies, and literacy activities as well as · Coloring pages to go with each lesson see Appendix C, page 217 · Take home activities so Cloverbuds can share their learning with caregivers · Materials to reach a range of Cloverbud ages and skillsets to accompany each lesson · A shared-reading book about milk safety · Numerous suggestions for multimedia learning and extension activities
This fact sheet discusses different types of amendments that can be used to manage ammonia levels in broiler houses.
This factsheet offers information on showing sheep for youth aged 5-6.
This curriculum was developed through funds from a USDA-NIFA Grant (Award # 2012-68003-19621) titled “Development of Novel Salmonella Control Practices and Integrated Education Program to Reduce Salmonellosis.” Research Principal Investigators include Dr. Hosni Hassan, Dr. Matthew Koci at North Carolina State University, and Dr. Andrea Azcarate-Peril at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Extension and education components for this grant were provided by North Carolina 4-H and the North Carolina Kenan Fellows Program, both at North Carolina State University.
Excerpt of Exploring the Built Environment: An Introduction to Architecture curriculum. By NC State Extension and NC 4-H. Designed to introduce youth to the fine art of architecture and the mathematical principles involved in the field, students will discover how nature is a common form of inspiration in building design, observe how they experience personal and public space, recognize the role that visualization plays in the design process, and explore ancient and modern icons in architecture. Using the 4-H Experiential Learning Model of Instruction, youth will become familiar with the art and science of building by first exploring their own personal living spaces and then making connections and generalizations about places for work and play in their community.
This chapter of the Farm to Early Care and Education Resource Guide for North Carolina Extension Agents discusses potential partner organizations.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explains how to identify a wide variety of animal tracks.
This publication focuses on easy-to-grow, child-friendly, cool-season vegetables suitable for childcare center gardening. This is the fourth of fifteen publications about childcare center production gardens.
Excerpt of the curriculum, I Am An Ecosystem - An Elementary Introduction to Microbes. This curriculum was developed through funds from a USDA-NIFA Grant (Award # 2012-68003-19621) titled “Development of Novel Salmonella Control Practices and Integrated Education Program to Reduce Salmonellosis.” Research Principal Investigators include Dr. Hosni Hassan, Dr. Matthew Koci at North Carolina State University, and Dr. Andrea Azcarate-Peril at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Extension and education components for this grant were provided by North Carolina 4-H and the North Carolina Kenan Fellows Program, both at North Carolina State University.
This chapter of the Farm to Early Care and Education Resource Guide for North Carolina Extension Agents discusses the roles and benefits of farm to ECE programs.
Hive Helpers curriculum - 4th Grade Facilitators Guide by NC 4-H, NC State Extension, and Syngenta. Every spring and summer, youth and adults alike enjoy sweet-smelling flowers and listening to the buzzing sound that comes from the rapidly beating wings of busy bees. Through a series of seven lessons and multiple experiential activities, youth will learn how critical bees are to our agricultural industry and native ecosystems. They will explore different types of bees, their structures and functions, how they forage for food, pollinate plants and the ways bees share information. Youth will study native bees and the honey bee and discover the significant role they play in production of delicious and healthy food that humans have been eating for centuries; such as apples, blueberries, cherries, watermelons, almonds.
Suggestions for supporting career exploration by elementary school aged children.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explains how to build, place and monitor a suitable nesting structure for mourning doves.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explains how to identify and locate household materials to recycle in the construction of archery equipment.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to keep detailed records of butterfly observations and recommends which plants would be most beneficial to local butterflies.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to collect used materials, construct and strategically place nest boxes for wood ducks.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to recognize and record wild turkey vocalizations; then give an oral presentation discussing how turkeys communicate.
This factsheet offers information on showing meat goats for youth aged 5-6.
This publication covers a list of current North Carolina curricula titles available through your local 4-H agent for grades 9-12.
This publication summarizes an evaluation of the 4-H Science: Building a 4-H STEM Career Pathway Initiative with the goals of tracking the initiative's implementation, describing the extent to which the initiative goals were being met, and evaluating the 4-H Career Pathway for further implementation.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explains characteristics of lizards that distinguish them from other animals.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explains which bodies of water are suitable for amphibian growth and development.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explains how to identify snakes and their behavior in nature.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to collect information on fish populations and evaluate it to determine management recommendations for ponds.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to observe urban wildlife, record information and use findings to develop a wildlife habitat improvement plan.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains the physical and technical skills expected of entry-level wildlife and fishery biologists and/or law enforcement officers, and explains how to evaluate personal abilities along with educational and vocational needs and opportunities.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explores food preferences in animals through inquiry-based learning strategies.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explains the different types of baits and lures and their effectiveness in attracting fish.
Gardens bring communities together. Not only are community gardens a good way to get more fresh fruits and vegetables in our diets, they also allow us to be active outdoors and build a strong community.
This curriculum was developed through funds from a USDA-NIFA Grant (Award # 2012-68003-19621) titled “Development of Novel Salmonella Control Practices and Integrated Education Program to Reduce Salmonellosis.” Research Principal Investigators include Dr. Hosni Hassan, Dr. Matthew Koci at North Carolina State University, and Dr. Andrea Azcarate-Peril at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Extension and education components for this grant were provided by North Carolina 4-H and the North Carolina Kenan Fellows Program, both at North Carolina State University.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explores the nesting and feeding requirements of birds and explains how to build nesting boxes.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to build a model of a wetland and its functions or map how stormwater flows between their neighborhoods and the ocean.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to plant food plots and manipulate the seed bank to improve food resources for white-tailed deer and other wildlife species.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains basic rules for being a good sportsman while hunting or fishing on another’s property.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to collect and identify stream insects and other tiny invertebrates in a group outing.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to properly handle, store, dress and prepare wild game or fish.
The Busy World of Bees Curriculum - First Grade Educator's Guide by NC 4-H, NC State Extension, and Syngenta.
Excerpt of Safety through Design curriculum. Welcome to On Track for Learning – Safety through Design. This curriculum is developed for middle school-aged youth. In using this curriculum with your 4-H’ers, we have found that the members enjoy the experiences more if you are prescriptive only where necessary. The curriculum has several resources that when used with the curriculum serves to heighten the experience. The curriculum kit contains nearly all of the items you will need to conduct the lessons. Training is also provided as we recognize that leaders often times have subject matter to convey that they are not as familiar with. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are basic to our life and studies show that the future job market is in these areas. This curriculum was developed in partnership with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering within the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University.
In this curriculum, youth will observe the wonders of the natural world unfolding in front of them by raising painted lady butterflies from larva through adulthood. Youth will experience the mystery of the butterfly life cycle while engaging in hands-on activities that explore concepts of insect structures and functions, compare insect behaviors and life cycles, and demonstrate the role everyone can play in environmental stewardship.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 offers information about turtles and their role in nature.
Excerpt of the Be A Bone Builder Curriculum by NC 4-H, NC State Extension, and the NC Osteoporosis Foundation.
Welcome to Astronomy: Shoot for the Stars. This publication was designed to meet the needs of our residential 4-H camps in North Carolina and was developed with an emphasis on youth discovering knowledge through experimentation. In particular, the lessons in this publication allow for both daytime and nighttime activities. This publication is a collaboration of the Science House located in the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and 4-H located in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Funding for this publication was provided by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The publication was piloted during the summer of 2008 and changes made in accordance with evaluations. This curriculum is currently undergoing revisions as of December 2023. Check back for updates.
Excerpt of Energy Transformation curriculum by NC 4-H and NC State Extension. Supported by Duke Energy, Progress Energy, and E-Conservation.
This chapter of the Farm to Early Care and Education Resource Guide for North Carolina Extension Agents discusses how to ensure Farm to ECE programs are welcoming to all.
This educational resource for children aged 9-12 explores studying beaver biology and behavior through inquiry-based learning strategies.
Soil Solutions curriculum by NC 4-H, NC State Extension, and North Carolina State University 4-H Plant and Soil Sciences. Soil Solutions brims with hands-on science lessons that utilize the local school landscape to connect students to the world of soils and plants in an inviting and relevant way. Students will discover the soil beneath their feet, watch as a basil seed germinates before their eyes, and nibble on nutritious and delicious salad greens they have grown themselves. Activities are structured to foster wonder and curiosity and encourage ways to turn student questions into investigations. The teacher’s role becomes one of a collaborator and a partner in inquiry with their students. Aligned to meet North Carolina’s third-grade science standard course of study in plant and soils, the curriculum draws from current research and knowledge in crops, horticulture, and soil sciences.
Excerpt - From Natural Selection to Classification: Building on Concepts. Beginner + Grades 9-12, Facilitator's Guide. By NC 4-H and NC State Extension. How could we communicate information, much less build knowledge, without agreement on what to call things?! The world would be chaos! In large part due to necessity, humans have been classifying organisms in one way or another for thousands of years. Not surprisingly, how we classify, and consequently our resulting classification systems, have changed considerably over time. In this series of activities, youth will have the opportunity, to engage in the study of natural selection and the taxonomic process, leading ultimately to the development of their own classification trees, classifications, and taxonomic guides. Rather than employing abstract or artificial creatures to reinforce key concepts, the activities are based on species native to the Southeast, contributing to building local knowledge and a sense of “place” in youth.
This educational resource for children aged 13-15 explains how to identify nuisance wildlife situations and make recommendations for minimizing damage.
This factsheet offers information on showing sheep for youth aged 7-8.
Vermicomposting Leader's Guide - School Enrichment Curriculum by NC 4-H and NC State Extension. The 4-H Vermicomposting Curriculum offers children an opportunity to learn how earthworms can recycle waste into a valuable resource that enriches the soil and makes plants healthy. The information in this curriculum may be used to teach children of all ages in a variety of settings, such as school classrooms, homeschools, places of worship, clubs, camps, and after school programs.
This publication explores how to teach your children about race, racism, and racial identity.
Excerpt of Bug Out curriculum - Leader's Guide by NC 4-H, NC State Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Excerpt from Soil to Seed curriculum. Protecting water quality through soil erosion, sediment, and turbidity control. By NC 4-H and NC State Extension. From the food we eat, to the water we drink, to the places where we live and play, soil erosion and sedimentation profoundly affects our everyday lives. The loss of soil from our landscapes and its deposition into our waterways, reduce the ability of the land to be productive in supporting plant growth and the capacity of the water to nurture aquatic habitats, host recreation and have municipal usefulness. Erosion is a natural occurrence, shaping sand dunes, creating river deltas, or carving out enormous rock features like the Grand Canyon. This curriculum focuses on the accelerated processes of erosion and sedimentation that transpire as a direct result of agricultural and construction development activities. It is through abuse that our waters and soils are becoming increasingly compromised. With careful management of the soil, however, we can preserve water quality and keep our soil in place for future generations.
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