4-H program generates classroom interest in science

 

School children enjoying Ladybug and Butterfly Project

Creating a strong interest in science skills and processes at the elementary school level can be a real challenge for teachers. Yet we understand that these skills are essential for everyday living, academic success and job performance. Statistics indicate that nearly half of all California eighth graders test below grade level in science abilities. The 4-H program has long been recognized as an important collaborator and leader in school science activities. Many classroom teachers believe that inquiry-based experiences are an important component in the classroom. The 4-H Ladybug and Butterfly Garden School Enrichment project was developed to meet this need.

 

 
4-H staff members from Calaveras, El Dorado, Amador, Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties worked in a collaborative effort with elementary and middle school teachers. The 4-H staff brought live ladybug and butterfly larvae, posters and curriculum into the school classrooms. Each classroom received live larvae that the students watched grow each day. They compared the growth of the larvae to the lifecycle poster, and also used the curriculum to learn about the stages of development. At the end of the project, the adult ladybugs and butterflies were released. The project was made possible with a grant from the Edwin and Jeanne Woods Foundation and Ms. Lorraine Finch.
 

 
As a result of these project and school enrichment showcasing efforts, students learned more compassion for small creatures and gained a better understanding of the life cycle. The project covered an area that is part of required science curriculum in a way that is interesting and fun. Students’ interest was maintained at a high level and correspondingly enhanced their understanding of science. This project is ideally suited for special education students, who were captivated by the daily development of the larvae. More than 1,200 students participated in and benefited from this project. Most of the participating teachers will continue to utilize science-based educational materials provided by the 4-H Youth Development Program.
 

 
“My class was very excited to receive the caterpillars and think about what might be happening inside the chrysalides, once the caterpillars created them. It was a point of discussion every morning during greeting time and we extended the subject into centers and math/reading blocks. I think any time students can be excited about learning, we have succeeded in helping them love to learn. It has been a great experience.” - a participating teacher
 

Supporting Unit: 4-H Youth Development Program
 
Ken Churches, (209) 754-6475, cdcalaveras@ucdavis.edu; Jennifer Goerlitz, (209)754-6474, jgoerlitz@co.calaveras.ca.us