Plants, Soils, and Entomology
In the area of Plants, Soils, and Entomology 4-H'ers will explore the world of
plants and soil. There are three areas of study which a 4-H member can
explore.
Entomology:
Learn about the biology and habits of the insects that live in close association with man. Collecting, preserving, and identifying insects is an important part of learning Entomology.
BeeKeeping Essay Contest
Sponsored by The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. The essay topic is "Use of Honey Bees and Honey in Symbolism". Honey bees and honey have been used symbolically throughout recorded history. Utah is the Beehive State; its motto is "Industry." Napoleon had bees on his throne and robes to symbolize that the emperor was working hard. "As busy as a bee" is part of our language, as is "honey of a job" and "Honey, I'm home." The U.S. Navy Construction Battalion, was tagged "The Sea Bees;" they became known for their ability to work under adverse conditions with few resources and used machine gun-toting bees in their emblem. Bees are inscribed in ancient Egyptian tombs - and so on. See how many symbols you can list and determine why bees and honey are so used.
Top 3 winners will receive cash prizes of - $250, -$100 and $50.
For contest rules and to learn more about this great opportunity for active 4-H members contact Sandra Fisher at the Southwest Va. 4-H Educational Center at 25236 Hillman Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 or email safishe3@vt.edu, or call 276-676-6180. Deadline for entries is February 1, 2005.
Garden:
The 4-H Garden Project includes individualized lesson sheets that
help youth acquire knowledge and develop skills needed to care for and
manage a vegetable garden, plant trees and shrubs, grow a commercial
horticulture crop, learn about career opportunities, gain an understanding
of the basic principles of science relating to plant growth, and contribute
to better family health by producing nutritious fruits and vegetables. The Activity Sheets can be used by the youth as a
series or as individual learning activities.
For more 4-H youth gardening resources visit these sites 4-H Horticulture Resources
4-H Junior Master Gardeners:
4-H JMG is a program for youth that uses fun activities to teach life skills, horticulture, and environmental science concepts. Research shows that youth gardening programs like 4-H JMG, positively impacts interpersonal skills, self esteem, student behavior, academic achievement and nutritional attitudes. Children can also get involved in exploring their world through meaningful activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride and responsibility, and community involvement. To learn more visit the national JMG website.
Horticulture:
The Horticulture Units 1-3 (Budding Gardners, Branching Out and Digging
Deeper) are to be used only by 4-Her's enrolled in the Project.
Land Appreciation and Soils Judging:
Land Appreciation and Soils Judging is a team competition that teaches youth about the properties of soils, how to evaluate soils, and the role of soil in the environment. The State 4-H Soils Judging Contest is held in conjunction with the State Envirothon Contest, held on a weekend in May at a different location each year. The first place 4-H team in the Soils Component of Envirothon will qualify as the state team at the National 4-H Soils Judging Contest that is held the following May. The state competition in soils judging is open to senior 4-H members only, and contestants must abide by the Virginia rules for envirothon (e.g. students in Grades 9-12) and the National rules for soils judging (age 14 on the day of national contest). Contact your local Extension Office for more information. Non-envirothon teams must register (a statement of intent to participate with a list of names) with Jeff Kirwan, jkirwan@vt.edu, by April 15.
