WashingtonCountyProject Awards

Available to 7th-12th graders

4-H incentives and recognition programs are provided to motivate youth to participate, learn and evaluate their 4-H experiences. Recognition opportunity is available in all projects. Specific project objectives are listed on the following pages.

Common to all project areas:

  1. To develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities.
  1. To develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes for lifelong use.
  1. To share knowledge gained with others.
  1. To explore career opportunities.

Recognition Program / Objectives
AEROSPACE
(Includes Rocketry) /
  • Develop science and technology literacy as it relates to aerospace.
  • Improve communication and teamwork skills by working on group activities.
  • Develop responsible attitudes about science and how science relates to the real world.
  • Gain experience in problem solving and decision making using science process skills.

ASTRONOMY /
  • Develop appreciation of astronomy.
  • Discover information concerning our moon and other objects in our sky.
  • Develop basic understanding of objects in our sky.

AUTOMOTIVE /
  • Learn about regular and long-term maintenance and repairs.
  • Learn and observe rules of the road and traffic laws for safe operation.
  • To develop skills and strategies in purchasing a car.

BEEF /
  • Learn basic principles of animal science by owning, caring for, and keeping records on one or more head of livestock.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of sound breeding, feeding, and management practices.
  • Learn value of scientific research in its influence on animals and the meat industry.

BICYCLE /
  • Learn selection, care, and maintenance skills.
  • Develop knowledge of safety and proper riding behavior.
  • Create an awareness of recreational, health, and other applications of cycling.

BUCKET BOTTLE
CALF /
  • Learn basic principles of animal science by owning, caring for, and keeping records on one or more head of livestock.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of health, condition, and management of calf.

CAMPING /
  • Learn more about oneself and others.
  • Understand the importance of and the practices necessary for the wise use of the outdoors.
  • Have fun in the outdoors with friends and family.
  • Explore the area(s) of camping that interest you.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT /
  • Learn more about oneself and others.
  • Learn basic skills needed as baby-sitters, adults, and potential parents.
  • Identify the basic characteristics of children from birth to age six.

CITIZENSHIP /
  • Become aware of relationships to others: family, peers, state, nation, and world.
  • Acquire life skills essential to become an active, responsible citizen.
  • Demonstrate social responsibility, respect, and respond to the needs, rights, and responsibilities of others.

CLOTHING /
  • Develop judgment and creativity in planning a wardrobe expressing individual life-style.
  • Gain consumer skills in making and purchasing clothing and using equipment related to clothing construction and care.
  • Learn to make clothing for self and others.
  • Acquire knowledge of fibers, yarns, and processes for making fabric.

COMMUNICATION
(Public speaking)
(Theatre Arts) /
  • Learn about the organization of material to be presented in a speech.
  • Develop a pleasing personal appearance before an audience.
  • Acquire the ability to speak convincingly and/or write news articles.
  • Learn new communication skills
  • Learn to plan and organize individual and group activities.
  • Learn creative expression of ideas.

COMPUTER /
  • Learn how computers work and how computers are used.
  • Use software and communication tools to produce a product.
  • Use the Internet to locate information, solve problems, and make decisions.

CONSUMER
MANAGEMENT /
  • Understand how personal values, goals, and resources affect consumer behavior and management.
  • Understand management, consumer rights, and economic principles when making decisions.
  • Use the management process to reach goals and solve problems in every day living using available resources.

CROP PRODUCTION /
  • Learn knowledge and skills in field projects.
  • Demonstrate and keep records on crop production.
  • Observe crop growth and development.

DAIRY /
  • Acquire skills in dairy production through ownership and care of dairy animals.
  • Learn marketing, processing, distribution, consumption, and use of dairy products.
  • Practice principles of cleanliness and sanitation in production and care of dairy products.
  • Learn nutritive value of dairy products and promote their use.

DAIRY GOAT /
  • Acquire skills in selection, care, and management of dairy goats.
  • Practice principles of cleanliness and sanitation in production and care of animals.
  • Learn nutritive value of products.

DOG /
  • Learn major dog breeds and identify their characteristics.
  • Study responsibilities of dog ownership.
  • Demonstrate dog care and management in feeding, handling, record-keeping, grooming, and fitting.
  • Learn dog health regulations, first aid, and simple treatments for ailments.

/ ELECTRICITY/
ELECTRONICS /
  • Develop an understanding of the basic principles and theories of electricity.
  • Understand the important effects electric energy has on people and their environment.
  • Develop the knowledge of safe practices and procedures.
  • Increase awareness, concern, and knowledge regarding the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy.

ENTOMOLOGY /
  • Learn to appreciate the importance of insects.
  • Develop an appreciation for the complexity of the insect world.
  • Develop an interest in learning more about experimental techniques.
  • Learn skills necessary to study insects.
  • Learn how to make scientific observations.

ENVIRONMENT
(Conservation) /
  • Understand the need for conserving natural resources today and in the future.
  • Learn scientific practices and methods to protect and improve the environment.
  • Work with others on an education program important to the community, state, and nation.

FOOD & NUTRITION /
  • Learn the importance of foods from each of the basic food groups.
  • Understand principles of nutrition related to health, physical fitness, and appearance.
  • Understand the scientific principles of nutrition.
  • Acquire and demonstrate skills in planning, purchasing, preparing, and serving tasty, attractive, and nutritious meals.

FORESTRY /
  • Develop a positive attitude toward the importance of conserving our forest resources.
  • Appreciate woodlands as a source of income, raw materials and enjoyment.
  • Learn about good forestry practices and develop skill in executing them.
  • Learn skills in forest management and use of forest products.

HEALTH /
  • Accept responsibility for maintaining your own physical, intellectual, emotional, and social health.
  • Learn about community health resources and appropriate use in the community.
  • Learn about environmental issues as they affect health.
  • Learn to make decisions that affect personal, family, and community health.

HISTORICAL/FAMILY
HERITAGE /
  • Learn and share more about the history of 4-H in Iowa and/or family heritage.
  • Work with an adult and gain a greater appreciation for 4-H history and family heritage.

HOME IMPROVEMENT /
  • Apply principles of design and function to make the home attractive, convenient, and comfortable.
  • Plan home living spaces in keeping with the needs of family members.
  • Develop skill in care and preservation of old and new housing, furnishings, and accessories.
  • Become aware of community housing situations, opportunities, and responsibilities.

HORSE & PONY /
  • Acquire skills in horse management by owning and being responsible for an animal.
  • Appreciate riding as recreation.
  • Learn horsemanship skills and understand breeding, training, and raising of horses as a business.
  • Acquire safety skills to prevent injury to persons and animals.

HORTICULTURE
(Gardening) /
  • Learn basic principles of plant science.
  • Learn to plan, care for, and manage vegetable and/or flower gardens, lawns, or commercial horticultural crops.
  • Learn effective, safe methods of pest control and management.
  • Produce vegetables and fruits for year-round use to improve nutrition.

LEADERSHIP /
  • Identify and understand roles, attitudes, tasks, and functions necessary for effective leadership.
  • Strengthen local 4-H units in leadership responsibilities and encourage other youth.
  • Participate in program planning, development, and implementation, and help recruit new members and leaders.

MUSIC /
  • Develop and demonstrate performance skills.
  • Listen to and learn about various types of music.
  • Compose or arrange music.
  • Explore the construction of musical instruments.
  • Develop the life skills of communication, decision-making, leadership, citizenship, coping with change, and learning how to learn.

PETS
(Bird, cat, fish, hamster, etc.) /
  • To learn about the selection, care, and needs of pets.
  • To learn basic principles of pet behavior, nutritional needs, and healthcare.
  • To learn and practice ownership responsibilities.

PHOTOGRAPHY /
  • Recognize photography as a hobby or profession.
  • Develop skills in taking and using pictures.
  • Learn about photography as an art, a science, and a communications tool.
  • Learn to observe and appreciate surroundings.

PLANT SCIENCE /
  • Learn basic biological facts about plants and soils, including plant growth factors, plant reproduction, plant characteristics, and utilization of plants.
  • Apply knowledge gained about plants and soils through experiment either in a laboratory or field setting.

POULTRY /
  • Learn basic principles of poultry science by caring for and keeping records on a flock.
  • Apply economic production, marketing, and keeping records.
  • Learn value of research and its influence in the poultry industry.

RABBIT /
  • Learn about rabbit breeds and identify characteristics.
  • Learn and practice nutrition, care, feeding, record keeping, and grooming to show.
  • Learn marketing principles.

SAFETY /
  • Learn how to reduce accidents and injuries, recognize and correct hazards, and think and practice safety.
  • Encourage the entire family to become safety conscious.
  • Learn how safety can be applied to any 4-H program or project.

SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY /
  • To develop an interest and understanding of science, math, and technology.
  • Learn skills and knowledge related to all areas of science, math, and technology.
  • Learn to develop skills of problem solving and logical reasoning.

SELF DETERMINED /
  • Learn subject matter skills and knowledge in a selected area of interest.
  • Identify and evaluate reliable sources for information on topic of interest.
  • Learn basic decision making skills.
  • Become a skilled, productive, and self-directed individual.

SHEEP /
  • Learn basic principles of animal science by owning, caring for, and keeping records on one or more head of livestock.
  • Gain knowledge of sound breeding, feeding, and management practices.
  • Identify types and grades of animals and fleece to employ efficient marketing methods.
  • Identify quality in wholesale and retail cuts of animals understanding relationship to management principles.

SMALL ENGINE /
  • Learn about principles of compressor, carburetors, ignitions, and general care and maintenance of engines.
  • Learn to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain engines.

SPORT FISHING /
  • Learn basic fishing skills
  • Develop responsible fishing behaviors.
  • Become nature resource stewards.

SWINE /
  • Learn basic principles of animal science by owning, caring for, and keeping records on one or more head of livestock.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of sound breeding, feeding, and management practices.
  • Identify types and grades of animals and employ efficient marketing methods.

TRACTOR /
  • Learn to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment.
  • Learn about regular and long-term maintenance and repair.
  • Learn and observe safe operator’s guidelines on the farm and roads.

VETERINARY
SCIENCE /
  • Appreciate the importance of good management and sanitation practices in keeping animals and birds healthy.
  • Learn the values of scientific research and its influence on animals and their health.

VISUAL ART /
  • Find satisfaction and pleasure in creative forms of leisure activity.
  • Feel greater self-worth as a creative and unique individual, able to make art judgments and think, feel, and act creatively.
  • Develop discipline of an art form to improve the quality of life.

WELDING /
  • Learn skills and techniques to construct or repair needed items.
  • Practice safety guidelines.

WILDLIFE /
  • To learn about wildlife and the environment in relation to man.
  • To identify, use, and wisely manage wildlife resources.

WOODWORKING /
  • Develop an understanding for fiber products of the forest.
  • Develop skills in the selection and uses of various types of wood and wood products.
  • Develop skills in the selection, care, and safe use of woodworking tools and machines.
  • Learn about environmental protection and the wise use of natural resources.