4-H Projects to Science Fair Projects

4-H Projects to Science Fair Projects

By Lauren Sharpe, CSU Extension Agent, Baca County 

Southeast Area – In Science classes all over the country, students will be busy making hypotheses, conducting research, gathering data, and reporting on what they discovered.  Many of these same principles can be applied to a 4-H project.  So take that 4-H project that you worked so hard on all year and turn it into a science fair project that will turn some heads! 

Many of the projects that 4-H members complete during the 4-H year can be turned into a science fair project with very few modifications.  For example, in the Model Rockets project members build, test, and finally launch a rocket.  This project teaches the process of aerodynamics and testing different types of fins and body styles.  The Range Management project can be used as an opportunity to conduct an experiment on weed control; and Photography can use different lighting and developing techniques.  The list goes on and on.   

When entering a science fair project, it is important that all rules regarding experimentation are followed.  If the project is going to be working with vertebrates, then special permission must first be obtained.  Planning is also a crucial step in the success of a science fair project.  Make sure that there is enough time to complete the experiment and also to retest, if necessary, to give more credibility to the project.  s

For more information on science fair projects, please contact your local CSU Extension Office: Baca County 719-523-6971, Bent County 719-456-0764, Cheyenne County 719-767-5716, Crowley County 719-267-5243, Kiowa County 719-438-5321, Otero County 719-254-7608, Prowers County 719-336-7734 or you can find us on the web at http://www.extension.colostate.edu/SEA. CSU Extension offers up-to-date, unbiased, research based information to families in Southeast Colorado. CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.