By Matthew McClellan

Rowan 4-H agent

I usually write about all the opportunities that are afforded youths who join 4-H and all the great programming that membership affords.

Today, however, I want to talk about some of the curricula that I can provide for use in a traditional classroom or home-school setting.

North Carolina 4-H has developed several curricula designed to supplement traditional classroom settings. These programs are hands-on and are fun, interactive and, best of all, free. There are programs to reach every age level and on a variety of subjects.

All supplemental curricula meet North Carolina education standards and are peer-reviewed and research-based.

One of the more popular 4-H school enrichment programs is embryology. This program is designed for early elementary-age students and is an excellent way for students to investigate and learn about the life cycle. Plus, what’s cuter than baby chicks?

The embryology program runs on a schedule because of its popularity. Teachers who wish to implement the program in their classrooms need to go through training at the Extension Office.

I recently sent information about training dates and embryology program dates to all elementary school principals, so if you’d like to use the program, talk to your principal or contact me at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office.

Because of equipment restraints, we do have to limit the scope of the embryology program to 25 classrooms each cycle. Equipment is scheduled on a first-come basis.

Along with embryology, I have a few other curricula that educators may check out and use in the classroom. A microbiology curriculum has programs for use at every grade level from early elementary through high school.

There is an electric curriculum that is appropriate for elementary and middle school use. There is an entomology curriculum that is appropriate for elementary use, and I have an environmental science/horticulture curriculum that is appropriate for elementary and middle school use.

All of these kits are available for checkout to educators at no charge and can provide a hands-on science experience in your classroom.

If you would like to implement any of these programs, give me a call at the Rowan County Extension Office 704-216-8970. I would be happy to discuss how 4-H can help supplement your classroom program.