Project Selection and Project Resources

Considerations in selecting a 4-H project:
Select a project you like
Select a project that can be completed
Consider the money it will take. Can parents/guardians help?
Consider the space and equipment that you have at home
Consider the time the project will take
Consider parental support for the project
Be aware of the opportunities for growth in this project
A 4-H project should be fun, serve a purpose, and be worth the effort
Select only the number of projects you can complete

Project List – 2016-2017 Project List

Project Publications

Beef-Explores beef cattle breeding, feeding, reproduction, health, meats, marketing and economics. Market steers are purchased at 6 to 9 months of age and fed for about 10 months or until ready for slaughter at 1,200 to 1,300 pounds. Beef heifers can be purchased at weaning (6 months old) and bred so they will calve at 24 to 26 months of age. Records are kept on daily gain and price per pound of gain.

Biological Sciences-Focuses on the physiological aspect of plants and animals, from single cell organisms to mammals. Includes investigation of biotechnology and genetic discovery.

Citizenship-Doing your part, following the rules, serving your community, knowing how to make a difference-these are the qualities of good citizens. Through this project 4-H’ers become well informed, productive members of society.

Clothing and Textiles-A clothing and textiles project helps you develop a variety of skills, including clothing selection, care, purchase and construction. You will also learn about career options through the study of clothing and textiles and related activities.

Community Service Projects-Community Service Projects are a service learning experience where youth determine a need for their community and/or county.  The plan is put into place by youth (and adults) working to organize the necessary persons, develop or collect the necessary resources, and then implement or distribute the need to the community.

Companion Animals-Participants learn about the selection and care of a companion animal; the maintenance and production of companion animals; the responsibilities of having a companion animal; the importance of keeping accurate records; and the importance of citizenship, sportsmanship and cooperation.

Computer Science-Focuses on interaction with computers, use of software, development of software programs, and using the Internet.

Consumer Education-Participants learn to make wise decisions when shopping. Project activities also focus on the economy, money management consumer rights and responsibilities, and the environment.

Dairy Cattle-Raising a dairy project is a great way to learn more about the dairy industry and milk production, as well as animal nutrition, health and reproduction. Dairy project participants can demonstrate their knowledge and abilities through dairy cattle shows from the local to national level, in public speaking contests, and in dairy cattle judging.

Dog Care and Training-Participants learn the care, training and production of dogs.

Entomology-Youth become familiar with the insect world by studying, collecting and identifying various insects. Discover how helpful and harmful insects live, multiply, are controlled, and affect humans.

Entrepreneurship-Allows youth to explore the world of business and how to develop new business opportunities for themselves and their community.

Family Life-Youth increase their knowledge and gain skills regarding family issues such as care of young children, working with older adults, preparing for marriage, and relating to others. Vocational choices and career preparation are also covered in this project.

Field and Stream-This broad program involves hunting, fishing, camping, natural history, outdoor cookery and related activities. Each club determines the elements used.

Food and Nutrition-The food and nutrition project helps participants learn to make healthy food choices, reduce disease and illness risks, and gain knowledge of nutrition. Major learning experiences are centered around nutrition, menu planning, food buying and preparation, food safety, careers and cultural influences.

Forestry-Stresses general forestry knowledge, tree identification, insect and disease identification, compass and pacing, and judgment about land management decisions.

Global Education and Awareness-Provides 4-H youth with educational opportunities that will cultivate an awareness of global issues, develop culturally aware citizens and provide opportunities to learn about and address major issues confronting the world.

Goats-Dairy-Participants learn about the production of milk, cheeses and other quality products targeted for niche markets. The project involves raising animals and learning about showmanship, judging, sportsmanship and leadership.

Goats-Hair-Involves raising and caring for animals. Youth learn animal health, nutrition, breeding, selection and marketing. Youth may also participate in mohair judging contests. The 4-H goat project offers outstanding opportunities for individuals to gain experience in decision making, record keeping, responsibility, sportsmanship and leadership.

Goats-Meat-Project involves raising and caring for live animals while learning about animal health, nutrition breeding, selection, and marketing. The 4-H goat project offers outstanding opportunities for individuals to gain experience in decision making, record keeping, responsibility, sportsmanship and leadership.

Health-Teaches youth how to improve physical, intellectual, emotional, and social health. It also focuses on community health resources and how to use the health care systems in the community. Safety concerns related to health issues, such as first aid and passenger safety, are also addressed.

Horse-The horse project offers activities in horsemanship, horse development, management and training.

Horticulture-A hands on project that incorporates community and volunteer service with learning about plant growth, environmental horticulture and ecology, fruits and nuts, landscape design, soils and water, insects and diseases, vegetables and herbs, and life skills and career exploration.

Housing & Home Environment-Learn and apply the principles of design and function to make the home more attractive, safe, and comfortable for all family members. The project also teaches the importance of efficient energy usage as it relates to housing, home equipment, waste management, and indoor air quality.

Leadership-Learn the different club officer positions and their roles; parliamentary procedure (rules for running a meeting); how to lead groups; gain skills in public speaking.

 

Meat Science-Youth learn to identify various cuts of meats, determine the relative quality of wholesale and retail cuts of meat.

Natural Resources-Provides opportunities for youth to explore resources provided by earth.  These include such areas as wildlife, water, air, conservation, recycling, etc.

Outdoor Education-Gives youth the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and develop skills in camping, backpacking, etc.

Photography & Videography-The photography project encourages self-expression and teaches proper use of photographic equipment and developing processes. Photography provides opportunities for career exploration and promoting 4-H.

Poultry-Members learn poultry production and marketing by managing their poultry projects. Project topics include broilers, capons, turkeys, egg production, and development from egg to chick.

Public Speaking-This project develops and promotes the skills needed to research, organize and present a speech on a given topic. In addition, participants develop a pleasing personal appearance and acquire the ability to speak convincingly in public.

Rabbits-Participants learn proper methods of caring for, raising, breeding and marketing rabbits. There are three project options: Market Rabbit Project (breeding and raising rabbits for meat): Rabbit Breeding Project (breeding and raising rabbits for desired or unique characteristics); and Pet Project (maintaining rabbits for companionship).

Range Science & Management-Develops knowledge and skill in practical range and ranch management.

Recreation-This fun project teaches leadership and life skills through project development. Youth learn how to lead quiet games, active games, songs, ceremonials, party planning and much more. Emphasis is on building leadership skills, communication and teamwork through experiential learning.

Safety-Participation in the safety project helps youth reduce accidents and injuries by recognizing and correcting safety hazards. This project can be a stand-alone project or a component of various projects.

Sheep-Youth care for live animals while learning about animal health and nutrition, breeding, selection and marketing. In the 4-H sheep project individuals learn decision making, record keeping, responsibility, sportsmanship and leadership. They may participate in market projects, breeding projects and non-competitive projects.

Shooting Sports-A comprehensive introduction to shooting safety and the fundamentals of archery, hunting, muzzle loading, pistol, rifle and shotgun. The project includes an introduction to a wide array of shooting games, and wildlife ecology and behavior. Strong youth development approach based upon long-term mentorship and low youth/adult ratios. Family involvement activities and programs for youth of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.

Soil and Crop Science-Offers activities and experiences in the area of soils and science of raising productive and healthy crops.  This project also includes some opportunities in the entomology and water projects as well.

Sport fishing-A comprehensive introduction to fishing and related activities. This project is suitable for beginners or experts interested in both freshwater and saltwater sport fishing. There is a mentorship approach and long-term adult/youth interaction.

Swine-Participants learn proper methods of selecting, feeding, raising, breeding and marketing swine. Either market or breeding animals can be raised.

Theater and Performance Arts-Teaches the basics of stage performance, stage design and much more.  This project also provides opportunities for youth to develop communication skills, decision making, and problem solving as they develop their skits or other performances.

Veterinary Science-Deals with techniques and procedures involved in caring for animals. Includes learning how veterinarians are most effective.

Water-Allows youth to explore the conservation of water and how water is an essential part of all aspects of our lives and world.

Wildlife & Fisheries-Explore and learn about the animal life of a specific area and its needs for survival.  Areas of study include Texas mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.  Practice conservation techniques.  Explore career opportunities.

Workplace Preparation/Careers-Allows youth to explore future careers and educational requirements for a variety of jobs.  Career development can be done as a separate exploratory project or as a part of any 4-H project.

 

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