Creativity in 4-H Programming During COVID-19 Pandemic

Published: 2020
By Nikki Bailey

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carbon County MSU Extension addressed the needs of 4-H youth sheltering in place by developing a series of interactive videos. During the series, youth learned many new life skills, utilized science outside of the classroom and continued to learn through 4-H at a distance. Each class was virtual yet hands-on, and addressed a wide variety of 4-H life skills. For example, in an animal science class, students built model digestive systems for both monogastric and ruminant animals. Students compared the two systems for effectiveness and how it affects feeding animals. Guest speakers were brought in remotely for specific topics. Lori Beth Evertz, PhD, from the MSU College of Engineering, taught a webinar on biomechanics and the science of muscles. Students built jumping machines after a look at the fundamentals of biomechanics and mechanical engineering principles. Other biweekly classes included topics from photography to record books. Each virtual workshop was presented in a webinar and posted to social media. Each workshop averaged 115 direct virtual views and remotely reached an average of 220 people. 4-H youth were able to continue to advance their STEM knowledge and project skills during the shelter in place order. A community service project was created to keep 4-H members connected during this challenging time. Adult and teen leaders collaborated with Carbon County MSU Extension to create new Carbon County 4-H Facebook and Instagram pages aimed specifically to create interconnectedness in a virtual world. These pages have served as a vehicle for educational material and promotion of 4-H education in the county and continue to be active. While the pandemic has provided many challenges, opportunities also have risen for creative thinking and virtual instruction. Carbon County MSU Extension has been able to reach many community members through a new and creative virtual presence.