Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom
Oklahoma Aqua Times
Oklahoma Aqua Times looks at the complexities of preservint one of our most precious natural resources - water. It uses activities to look at the quantity and quality of our water. The self-contained curriculum suggests ways to manage our water supply and solicits each person's committment to preserving and conserving this natural resource
The five units are accompanied by supplemental activities as well as a five-issue tabloid newspaper for each student. In the final issue, the class produces a newsletter on water issues.
Grades: 3-6
Curriculum: Science, Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, Health, Creative Arts, and Creative Thinking
Oklahoma Aqua Times ClassesBlue Sky Below My Feet
This series is packed with actual space footage, scenes of space experiments and children involved in activities that represent various aspects of space science. Three units presented in 1/2 inch videotape are "Gravity and Forces," "Fiber and Fabrics," and "Food and Nutrition."
Grades: 3-6
Curriculum: Science, Health, Social Studies, Mathematics
Resources: Student/member's mission manual, teacher/leader guide, student membership certificate, VHS tapes
The Beginning of Life - 4-H Embryology
The egg is a marvel of nature, and incubating eggs and observing the emergence of the chick is a fascinating experience for a young person. Students can study the development of chick embryos, record and interpret observations and brood chicks in the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to adapt the curriculum to the needs of their particular age group.
Grades: K-6
Curriculum: Science
Resources: "The Beginning of Life" teacher/leader guide; fertile eggs, perhaps at a minimal cost; incubator may be available, perhaps at a minimal cost.
4-H Entomology Project
Youngsters learn what insects are and how they impact our daily lives. Students learn about collecting insects, life cycles and body parts. In addition to an extensive leader/teacher guide, there is a "Swallowtail Butterfly" project that your students will enjoy.
Grades: 1-6
Curriculum: Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies
Aquatic Maestro
Many classrooms across the state have aquariums with nothing more in them than algae-filled water. If you have ever tried to set up an aquarium only to have the fish die, you should try this program. Aquatic Maestro will give you tips on setting up, maintaining and enjoying your aquarium. Beyond basic information, you can try breeding programs and raising plants. Designed to be used in a club setting, this project can also be used effectively in a classroom setting.
Grades: 3-6
Curriculum: Science and Social Studies
Resources: Teacher guide for each of three units, $4 each; student manuals, $4 each (optional); fish fact sheet, free; nine videotapes
Caring for Planet Earth
This environmental education program provides background information, vocabulary words and student activities. Some of the topics include solid waste management, energy conservation, groundwater pollution and global warming.
Grades: 3-6
Curriculum: Science, Language Arts, Mathematics and Creative Thinking
Resources: Packet of lessons for the teacher and a set of educational computer games.
Plant Science Project
Children like to experience the mystery of how a dry seed can emerge and grow. In this activity students learn the parts of a seed and how it germinates and grows. The teacher's guide outlines numerous exercise and activities for use in the classroom.
Grades: K-6
Curriculum: Science
Resources: Teacher's guide with transparency masters, soil media, seeds
Great Pumpkin Project
The pumpkin is a magical plant. Children will enjoy growing this plant in milk cartons saved from the cafeteria. The large seeds are easy to handle for younger hands. Students can take their transplants home in the spring, care for the plants during the summer, then have a pumpkin show next fall. As a project extension, consider roasting seeds, carving a Jack-o-lantern or making a pumpkin pie.
Grades: K-4
Curriculum: Science
Resources: Project guide sheets, pumpkin seeds and growing media may be available
4-H Quail Science
The bobwhite quail is Oklahoma's most popular game bird. Students will enjoy learning about this bird by hatching eggs, then raising and releasing the birds as a 4-H School Science Project.
Grades: K-6
Curriculum: Science
Resources: " The Beginning of Life" teacher/leader guide; "Bobwhite Quail" teacher's guide; fertile eggs (may be a minimal cost); incubator (may be a minimal cost).
Other 4-H School Enrichment Programs
- "Bee Science" - Introduces social structures and bee culture
- "Fundamentals of County Government" - Junior High Civics
- "High School Financial Planning Program"
- "I AM, I CAN!" - Personal development for ages 5-8
- "Meteorology" - Students learn about weather phenomena.
- "9 to 5 Survival Skills"
- "Careful With Strangers" - Should be used with "9 to 5 Survival Skills."
- "Project L.E.A.D" - Legal Education Against Delinquency
- "Tornado Safety" - Create your own tornado in a tornado machine
- "4-H Wagon Masters" - Economics
Availability of school enrichment programs vary from county to county. Check with your Cooperative Extension Service county office for more information.
