Curriculum

Authors: Willie Lantz - Philip Malone - Karen Wood - Amy Lang - Brad Hartle - Mark DeMorra - Amanda Wahle - Mary Elizabeth Bissell - Aimee Cristy - Bobbi Hudson - Thomas Hutson - Jessica Mellon

The “Investigating Oysters” underwater science activity booklet is an educational component of the Smart, Sustainable Shellfish Aquaculture Management (S3AM) program. S3AM is a nationwide, multi-institutional, USDA-funded project that uses smart technology to increase farming efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of oyster aquaculture. This guide provides young people with an introduction to oysters and an overview of underwater robotics through engaging activities that connect to the future of oyster harvesting. The activities included in this booklet are a virtual oyster dissection, experiments in buoyancy and propulsion and a guide to building the 4-H SAM underwater robot. Authors: Willie Lantz, Phil Malone, Karen Wood, Amy Lang, Brad Hartle, Mark Demorra, Amanda Wahle, Aimee Cristy, Mary Elizabeth Bissell, Bobbi Hudson, Tom Hudson, and Jessica Mellon.; Title: Investigating Oysters 4-H Guide to Underwater Science Activities for Youth (EC-2025-0751)

Authors: Amy Lang

The Power of Pollinators lessons provide engaging, interactive activities for youth audiences to explore the role pollinators play in our food supply, providing opportunities to explore pollinator species and habitats and engage in environmental stewardship practices to support these vital organisms.  As youth explore these concepts they will develop an increased affinity for the natural world and the science that can be used to explore and understand it. Author: Amy Lang; Title: The Power of Pollinators (EC-2023-0675).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson

This paper delves into the multifaceted dynamics of consumer education and decision-making within diverse cultural contexts. It underscores the pivotal role consumer knowledge plays in navigating today's complex marketplace, addressing both individual and collective needs in a globalized world. By understanding essential consumer rights; such as safety, access to accurate information, and the art of choosing, individuals can enhance satisfaction and mitigate potential negative impacts. The discussion extends to exploring how consumer education enriches financial literacy and refines resource management, equipping individuals with the tools needed to understand guarantees and warranties comprehensively. The paper also highlights the consumer's crucial role in fostering ethical behavior, emphasizing the significance of laws designed to protect consumers. By merging these elements, the article presents a thorough view of how informed consumers contribute to a more equitable and efficient marketplace. Author: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D.; Title: Understanding Choices: Navigating Consumer Education for a Better Tomorrow (FS-2024-0742).

Authors: Vernelle Mitchell Hawkins - Ashley Travis - Rachel Bayer

Extension educators are tasked with providing programs that meet the needs of their respective communities. One way to measure the current community assets and opportunities for growth is through needs assessments. A needs assessment is a tool that measures the interests and identifies gaps in current program offerings. It can also be used to check the status of ongoing programming in a community. The 4-H Needs Assessment Tool Kit is an extension manual that gives insight into using the materials and offers templates that can be adapted for various stakeholder groups. The documents contained in the Tool Kit have been tested in rural, urban, and suburban communities. Authors: Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Ashley Travis, and Rachael Bayer; Title: University of Maryland Extension (UME) 4-H Needs Assessment Tool Kit Overview (FS-2022-0636)

Authors: Torrey Silliman

The Beginner’s Guide to Birding & Citizen Science is a self-paced, online class with seven modules that provide participants with information and tools for youth interested in birding. Each lesson provides an interactive presentation, a class discussion, and additional resources. Author: Torrey Silliman; Title: A Beginner’s Guide to Birding & Citizen Science (WB-2022-0643)

Authors: Ashley Travis - Jessica Mellon - Vernelle Mitchell Hawkins - Chris Rein - Becky Ridgeway - Mark DeMorra - Thomas Hutson

4-H volunteers play a key role in helping youth with college and workforce preparation because they regularly create educational experiences that foster the development of life skills such as time management, responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. Authors: Ashley Travis, Jessica Mellon, Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Chris Rein, Beckey Ridgeway, Mark DeMorra, and Thomas Hutson; Title: Empowering Volunteers to Incorporate Workforce Readiness into 4-H Programs (FS-2022-0628)

Authors: April Barczewski - Sheryl Bennett - Thomas Hutson - Christine Johnston - Becky Ridgeway

Career AGsperience is an agriculture career literacy program designed to increase participants’ knowledge base related to agriculture careers and preparation for careers in Animal Science, Environmental Science, Agri-Business and Leadership, and Agriculture Science and Technology. Authors: April Barczewski, Sheryl Bennett, Thomas Hutson, Christine Johnston, and Becky Ridgeway; Title: Career AGsperience (EC-15)