What is 4-H School Enrichment?

4-H School Enrichment provides teachers with high-quality, “learn-by-doing” lesson plans and kits. These resources are developed by land-grant university experts and are specifically designed to meet K–5 Standard Course of Studyrequirements.

When a school partners with our local Extension office, they gain access to:

• Teacher-ready lesson plans (often available for free or at a low cost).

• Hands-on kits and specialized equipment for classroom use.

• Expert support from our county 4-H agents.

Bringing 4-H Into the Classroom: Elementary School Curriculum

Bringing 4-H into the classroom is more than just an extra-curricular activity—it’s a way to bring science, healthy living, and civic engagement to life through hands-on, research-based learning. For elementary schools in our county, 4-H offers a wealth of curriculum designed to align with educational standards while keeping students excited about discovery.

Here is an overview of the 4-H school enrichment programs and curricula available to our local educators.

Popular Elementary Curriculum Topics

1. STEM & Natural Sciences

Our STEM curriculum turns the classroom into a laboratory. Students don’t just read about life cycles; they witness them first-hand.

• Embryology: One of our most popular programs where students hatch chicks in the classroom while learning about biology, development, and responsibility.

• The Busy World of Bees (Grade 1) & Hive Helpers (Grade 4): Lessons on pollinators, their vital role in our food system, and the complex science of the hive.

• Astronomy: Students reach for the stars by exploring the solar system, phases of the moon, and constellations. This curriculum often includes hands-on activities like building scale models of the planets or using “star finders” to navigate the night sky.

• Soil Solutions: A hands-on exploration of the world beneath our feet, focusing on plant science, nutrients, and conservation.

• Vermicomposting: Using red wiggler worms to teach students about recycling, decomposers, and soil health.

• Winged Wonders: Raising butterflies from larvae to adulthood to study metamorphosis and environmental stewardship.

• Mooving Milk from Farm to Fridge: An engaging program that teaches students about the dairy industry, the nutritional value of milk, and the journey our food takes from the farm to the kitchen table.

• Be a Bone Builder: Specifically designed to teach elementary students about the importance of calcium and physical activity for bone health.

• Public Speaking: Curriculum to help students gain confidence and learn how to structure and deliver an effective presentation.

• Cloverbuds (K–2): A non-competitive introductory program that focuses on social skills, creativity, and exploring new interests through group play.

Here is the updated guide for our county’s Middle and High School 4-H curriculum. These programs are designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, offering students specialized tracks in STEM, leadership, and life skills.

Middle School Curriculum (Grades 6–8)

At the middle level, 4-H enrichment shifts toward critical thinking and “deep dives” into specific technical and scientific interest areas.

• Embryology (Advanced): While popular in elementary school, the middle school track focuses on the complex biology of avian development, genetics, and the physiological requirements for successful incubation.

• Astronomy: Students explore the physics of the universe, including planetary motion, the lifecycle of stars, and the technology used in space exploration.

• Energy Transformation: A hands-on look at how energy is converted from one form to another. Students explore renewable energy sources like wind and solar, building working models to understand the laws of thermodynamics.

• Engineering & Robotics: Programs like Junk Drawer Robotics challenge students to solve engineering problems using everyday items, teaching the basics of physics, force, and motion.

• Exploring the Built Environment: This curriculum introduces students to the world of architecture, urban planning, and sustainable design. Students learn how the spaces we live and work in are engineered for safety and efficiency.

• Health Rocks!: A healthy living program that focuses on stress management, making healthy social choices, and resisting peer pressure.

High School Curriculum (Grades 9–12)

At the high school level, 4-H enrichment programs go beyond the basics, offering rigorous, research-based modules that align with advanced science and social studies standards.

• Microbiology: Students dive into the “invisible world,” exploring the role of microorganisms in human health, food safety, and environmental ecosystems. This curriculum involves laboratory-style investigations into bacteria, fungi, and viruses, helping students develop the technical skills used in medical and biotechnological fields.

• Soil to Seed: This agriscience program explores the complex relationship between soil chemistry and plant production. Students study soil composition, nutrient cycling, and sustainable farming practices. It is an excellent fit for Earth Science or Horticulture classes, focusing on how we can feed a growing global population while protecting our natural resources.

• Real Money, Real World: One of our most impactful financial literacy programs, this curriculum provides a “reality check” for students. They are assigned a career and a monthly salary, then must navigate a simulated month of expenses—including housing, transportation, insurance, and childcare. It teaches the practical realities of budgeting and the financial consequences of life choices.

• Natural Selection: Designed for biology and life science classrooms, this unit explores the mechanisms of evolution. Students participate in hands-on simulations to see how traits vary within populations and how environmental pressures influence survival and reproduction over time.

Why Partner with 4-H in High School?

• Career Readiness: Our programs help students build “soft skills” like critical thinking and complex problem-solving that employers value.

• University-Backed: All curriculum is developed by land-grant university specialists, ensuring that the science is accurate and up-to-date.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Students who excel in these programs often find opportunities to serve as 4-H Teen Leaders, which looks excellent on college applications and scholarship essays.

Why Use 4-H Curriculum in Your School?

• Standards Aligned: Every lesson is designed to support the goals of the Department of Public Instruction.

• Experiential Learning: We use a four-step model: Experience, Share, Process, and Apply. This ensures students don’t just memorize facts but understand how to use them in the real world.

• Ease of Use: Many of our titles are “grab-and-go,” including digital downloads, PowerPoints, and student worksheets.

How to Get Started

Teachers and administrators can access these materials by partnering with our local 4-H office. We can provide training on how to implement the curriculum or, in some cases, visit your classroom to lead a specialized session or deliver a kit. Contact us at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Person County Center to get started!

Hailee Dickerson 
4-H Extension Agent
📧Hailee_Dickerson@ncsu.edu
📞 (339) 599-1195