Natural Science

Youth in grades 4 to 8 will use the 4-H Discovery: Learning Outdoors publications to introduce youth to outdoor manners and safety, forestry, energy, marine, soil, water, air, range, and wildlife.

Angler Education

Adult leadership for this project is provided by a Master Angler volunteer who has completed a training program organized by the Oregon Department of Fish and wildlife and the Oregon State University Extension Service. Youth education may include types of fishing gear and methods, when and where to fish, safe handling of the catch, and preparing fish for consumption. Additional lessons introduce the water cycle, watershed functions, food chains, fishing ethics, fish biology, fish identification, and environmental stewardship.

Entomology

The 4-H Entomology project provides opportunities to learn about insects and their value, to go on field trips, to collect and identify insects, and to learn how to control harmful insects.

Forestry

Forestry offers boys and girls an opportunity to get better acquainted with Oregon’s number one industry and natural resource. Members take hikes in the woods and learn how trees grow and how to identify them. They learn about animals, birds, and insects that live in the woods and the many uses of our forests. Activities include hikes, field trips, and forest camps.

Geology

Geology is the science of the earth. It includes the study of rocks, minerals, land forms, and the fossils of ancient animals and plants. Much of the earth’s story is recorded in its rocks.

4-H geologists go on hikes and field trips to study land forms and the rocks, minerals, and gem stones they find. They lean about animals, plants, soil and weather and how they relate to each other.

The project has an advancement program that stimulates interest in learning about geology and natural science. 4-H geologists collect and identify rocks and minerals, prepare exhibits and displays, and participate in rock and mineral identification contests.

Marine Science

This project was prepared by Marine Science Center staff and is a cooperative program of Oregon State University Sea Grant and Extension Service. Marine science includes the study of the ocean, its shores and bays, and the plant and animal life found in and around it.

Outdoors

Boys and girls go on hikes and trips to fields, forests, ponds, streams, seashores, mountains, roadsides, and backyards to observe and learn how plants and animals live. The project combines biology, entomology, forestry, geology, ecology—the study of animals and plants in their natural habitat. It is recommended for 4th to 12th grade boys and girls who wish to continue with a general outdoor project. After 1 or 2 years, they may enroll in a more specific project or continue in the 4-H Outdoors project.

Water Resources

Water resource issues are a primary concern for many Oregon communities. Youth who understand how to maintain water quality and quantity can provide leadership on this issue.

Adults leading youth in the water resources project may choose to use the general community investigations of Give Water A Hand, to focus on watersheds or wetlands, or to combine all these resources.

Archery

4-H archers learn how to select, care for, and use a bow and arrow; how to shoot safely and accurately; and about wildlife and the outdoors.