Project Achievement is one of the largest and most exciting, challenging and rewarding programs offered by Georgia 4-H. 4-H’ers choose a project area of interest, research a topic, then write and present an oral presentation to others. For Cloverleaf 4-H’ers, students in grades 4-6, this process is about hands on learning, self confidence, and sharing knowledge. Competition begins at the school, local, or county level and can advance to a district level. Please refer to the complete list of projects available through Georgia 4-H.

 

 

Eligibility Rules

  • Participants must be 4-H members during current year and enrolled in 4-H Enrollment for the county of competition.
  • Participants must be enrolled in the 4th – 6th grade in the current 4-H year. For clarification and Age and Grade conversion chart, check eligibility guidelines.
  • Presentations to be given at District Project Achievement (DPA) should be related to a 4-H project or activity being worked on by the 4-H member. Presentations should be presented at the assigned time and location and in the 4-H’ers county’s assigned district.
  • Participants can participate for awards in only one project at District Project Achievement during the 4-H year.
  • 4-H’ers who have been named district winners as a Cloverleaf 4-H member are not eligible to participate in the same project area again as a Cloverleaf 4-H member. Although project competition is divided by grade, 4-H’ers may not compete in the same project at a different cloverleaf grade level should he/she placed first in that project as a cloverleaf the previous year. For example, a 1st place winner in 5th grade Dog Care is not eligible for competition in 6th grade Dog Care.

Eligibility Guidelines

Presentation Rules

  • A county may bring up to four (4) 4th -5th grade 4-H’ers in a project to District Project Achievement, in any combination of the two grades.  In addition, a county may bring up to four (4) 6th grade 4-H’ers in a project to District Project Achievement, for a total of 8 Cloverleaf 4-H’ers in the project. EXCEPTION: A limit of three (3) 4-H’ers from the same county in any grade combination may compete in each of the Between Meals Snacks and Food Fare lab projects.
  • Each 4-H’er will compete against all 4-H’ers in the competition in the project area including those from his/her county.
  • Presentations will be limited to a maximum of six minutes. Exception: Performing Arts presentations are four (4) minutes maximum.
  • There is a five minute setup time limit for presentations. The 4-H’er may use assistance as necessary to set up within the five minute limit. The limit begins once the previous presenter has cleared away his or her materials.
  • Refer to “Can You Bring It?” as a guide for acceptable visual aids.
  • Live animals including small animals such as fish, hamsters and hermit crabs and live insects are not permitted at Cloverleaf Project Competition.
  • Firearms and like weapons including but not limited to loaded or unload firearms, mace, box cutter, explosive devices including bullets and stun guns, razors, guns or replica of guns, chemical sprays, razor blades, darts, ammunition of any type, pellet or BB gun, night stick knife of any type or size, stink bomb\pipe bomb, fireworks of any type, any homemade bomb or smoke bob, martial arts devices, paint bombs, any item that releases a spray, foam, smoke, gas, fire or odor, fuses for explosive devices, fighting chains, metal or brass knuckles, pen style laser pointers or any item not allowed by a school district are not allowed to be used as visual aids in any 4-H presentations.
  • Cloverleaf projects may not use any appliance with a blade for a presentation (including a food lab). This includes blenders, food processors, hand choppers or craft tools.
  • Technology such as videos, slides and computers can be used in all projects. 4-H’ers must provide their own equipment for such technology including projectors, players, screens, extension cords, etc. Please note the room may not be completely dark and presentations must be given the room assigned. 4-H’ers are responsible for setting up and removing all equipment and should do so in the 5 minute set up time. 4-H’ers may have assistance.
  • Any project may make use of multimedia audio devices such as mp3 players and other playback devices.
  • Foods Lab Projects (Food Fare & Between Meal Snacks ) are the only projects in which food preparation should take place during project achievement competition. Other Foods Projects are illustrated talks and not the appropriate avenues for food preparation to be demonstrated.
  • 4-H’ers are encouraged to create their own visuals. However, there are no restrictions on how a 4-H’ers visuals including posters are made or by whom. Visuals are judged on their contribution to the presentation. NOTE: Visuals are not allowed in the Public Speaking project.
  • Any educational handout provided by the contestant must be adequate quantity for each person in the presentation room. Contestants may not give judges a gift or sample of the project work. This rule does not apply to dishes sampled by judges in the foods lab projects.
  • Cloverleaf Project Achievement competition ends at District Project Achievement.

Project List

Cloverleaf Project List

Projects & Objectives

Presentations are illustrated talks using the general scorecard unless indicated.

Agricultural Awareness

4-H’ers may explore aspects of agriculture gaining a basic understanding of the importance of agriculture in providing life-sustaining food and fiber for the world’s people and the many careers available in the field of agriculture.

Archaeology
4-H’ers may explore human history and prehistory through physical items, such as excavation of sites, analysis of artifacts, and/or other physical remains.

Arts
4-H’ers may explore aspects of art and develop skills in the arts including various visual art forms such as painting, sculpting, printmaking, and drawing. Art may include information about various artists, genres of art, or art from different times in history.

More information on the leisure education page linked below in Resources.

Beef
4-H’ers may explore aspects of beef cattle and the related industries, including breeding, feeding, production, by-products, and end products. 4-H’ers are not required to own an animal to participate in the project.

Bicycle
4-H’ers may explore aspects of cycling including the recreation and health applications achieved by cycling, the rules of the road on bicycle driving, and knowledge of bicycle safety, care, and maintenance.

Cat Care
4-H’ers may explore sound cat care and management practices including feeding, care, handling and grooming, basic first aid and simple treatments for cat ailments not requiring veterinary attention. Cat ownership is not required.

Clothing and Textiles
4-H’ers may explore aspects of clothing and textiles including determining clothing needs, developing consumer skills in purchasing clothing and textile items, care of clothing and textiles, history of various textiles and clothing styles as well as personal appearance and grooming skills.

Communications
4-H’ers will explore aspects of communication including but not limited to visual, verbal and written communication. 4-H’ers may consider communication skills, barriers to communication, methods of communication, historically significant events in the field. 4-H’ers may use technology in supporting this presentation area but must provide all of the equipment necessary for a video, computer, or other technological presentation.

Companion and Specialty Animals
4-H’ers may explore sound pet care and management practices including feeding, care, handling and grooming, basic first aid and simple treatments for pet ailments not requiring veterinary attention. Animal ownership is not required for the project. 4-H’ers making presentations concerning Dogs, Cats or Rabbits should not present in Companion Animals.

Computer Information Technology
4-H’ers may explore aspects of technology as it relates to computers, smartphones, web-based technology, robotics, gaming systems or other computer systems.

Crafts
4-H’ers may explore aspects of crafts and develop skills in creating craft projects such as recycled crafts, repurposed items, clay or t-shirts projects.

More information on the leisure education page linked in Resources below.

Creative Stitchery
4-H’ers will explore the basics of sewing and construction including pattern selection, tools and equipment, and techniques. 4-H’ers will prepare a garment or item that includes a seam and seam finish in the one item. Items may include, but are not limited to, a pillow, purse, duffel bag, apron, shorts, skirt, or any other item. 4-H’ers will be asked questions relative to selecting and sewing their item or garment.

For project ideas and instructions, visit the Creative Stitchery Resource page linked in Resources below.
Score sheet available in resources section.

Current People, Places, and Events
4-H’ers may explore contemporary people, places, and/or events that have had a significant impact within the past ten years using research-based resources.

Dairy (previously Dairy and Milk Science)
4-H’ers may explore aspects of dairying and the related industries, including breeding, feeding, production, by-products, and end products of dairy cattle and milk goats. 4-H’ers are not required to own an animal to participate in the project.

Dairy Foods
4-H’ers may explore the role that milk and other dairy foods play in health, the relationship of milk and other dairy foods to the food groups in the My Plate, the basic nutrients available from dairy foods and the skills needed to prepare dairy food dishes, and how dairy foods fit into a daily food plan including basic nutrition information. The preparation of a dish is not appropriate in this project.

Dog Care and Training
4-H’ers may explore sound dog care, training, and management practices including feeding, care, handling and grooming, training, and basic first aid and simple treatments for pet ailments not requiring veterinary attention. Animal ownership is not required for the project.

Engineering and Mechanics
4-H’ers may explore aspects of engineering and mechanics including principles of chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, design and development of structures, machines and engines, safe practices and energy efficiency as it relates to systems.

Entomology
4-H’ers may explore insects, including how to identify insects, life history of various insects, habits of insects and how to control insects with insecticides in a safe manner.

Environmental Science
4-H’ers may explore aspects of the environment and the importance of conserving and reusing the earth’s natural non-renewable resources including air, soil, minerals, water, energy sources, and certain plant and animal species.

Flowers, Shrubs, and Lawns
4-H’ers may explore aspects for flowers, shrubs and lawns in the home environment including selecting, planting, caring for, controlling insects and maintaining flowers, flower beds, shrubs, and lawns.

Food for Health and Sport
4-H’ers may explore basic nutritional and health practices related to health, disease prevention, and sports performance including food selection, energy and fluid needs, and the role of nutrition for athletes. The preparation of dishes not appropriate in this project.

Food Safety and Preservation
4-H’ers may explore food safety and preservation practices related to handling and storing food safely to prevent foodborne illness; principles of food safety and sanitation; preservation of foods including drying, canning, and freezing.

Foods Lab: Between Meal Snacks
Lab (1 hour)
4-H’ers may explore food and nutrition practices including understanding the food groups in MyPlate, identifying a snack that contributes essential nutrients – not just empty calories, and demonstrating best practices of food safety by preparing a snack.

4-H’ers will:

  • Investigate food and nutrition resources through ChooseMyPlate.gov
  • Plan the recipe
  • Prepare the no-cook (no-bake) snack food and display
  • Identify the food group(s) listed in the recipe

Additional information and resource guides can be found in the Foods Labs Quick-Start Guide for Cloverleaf Project Achievement and at the Georgia 4-H Project Achievement Foods Labs Page.

Foods Lab: Food Fare
Lab (1 hour)
4-H’ers may explore food and nutrition practices including understanding the food groups in My Plate, identifying a snack that contributes essential nutrients – not just empty calories, and demonstrating best practices of food safety by preparing a snack.

4-H’ers will:

  • Investigate food and nutrition resources through My Plate.
  • Plan the recipe
  • Prepare the no-cook (no-bake) snack food and display
  • Identify the food group(s) listed in the recipe
  • Acquire skills in planning, preparing and serving nutritious meals on a budget.

Additional information and resource guides can be found in the Foods Labs Quick-Start Guide for Cloverleaf Project Achievement and at the Georgia 4-H Project Achievement Foods Labs Page.

Forest Resources and Wood Science
4-H’ers may explore aspects of forestry and wood science such as identification, selection, protection, and arrangement of forest woodlands for conservation purposes or income. Displays and information concerning the crafting of wood items such as birdhouses are not part of this project.

Fresh Water Fish and Shellfish
4-H’ers may explore aspects of farming of freshwater fish and freshwater shellfish. Freshwater fish and freshwater shellfish refer to those fish and shellfish that live in freshwaters such as lakes and rivers, as opposed to marine animals.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts
4-H’ers may explore aspects for fruits, vegetables, and nuts including selecting, planting, cultivating, controlling insects & disease, maintaining and preparing for market.

General Recreation
4-H’ers may explore aspects of social recreation including areas such as collecting, hobbies, social dance, and travel. List of categories available in the Leisure section linked in Resources below.

General Science
4-H’ers may explore aspects of life, physical and earth science and the important role science plays in our life.

Geology
4-H’ers may explore aspects of the t the earth, its structure, its development, and its history, including rocks and land formations.

Health
4-H’ers will explore aspects of desirable personal and community health habits including areas such as disease prevention, scientific understandings of health and disease, or areas of modern medicine.

Herpetology
4-H’ers will explore aspects of herpetology, the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians including frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts and reptiles including snakes, lizards, turtles, terrapins, tortoises & crocodiles; identify habitats, life history, dangers too, and other information concerning environments of animals in this category. By definition, herpetology excludes fish and should not be included in this project.

Historic People
4-H’ers may explore the historical significance of individuals, groups, cultures, and/or sub-cultures.

Historic Places and Events
4-H’ers may explore the historical significance of places and/or events.

Horse
4-H’ers may explore aspects of equine and the related industries, including breeding, feeding, production, by-products, and end products. 4-H’ers are not required to own an animal to participate in the project.

Housing
4-H’ers may explore aspects of housing and the environment including construction and maintenance principles, organization and arrangement, household equipment, and personal space.

Human Development
4-H’ers may explore aspects of human social, mental, physical and spiritual development.

Interior Design
4-H’ers may explore aspects of interior designing include the selection, arrangement, and care of furnishings, accessories, and interiors.

International
4-H’ers may explore aspects of another country’s culture, traditions, festivals/celebrations, geography, population, religions, education, foods, and language.

Marine and Coastal Ecology
4-H’ers may explore aspects of marine and coastal ecology including different forms and habitats of as well as conservation practices. Marine ecology refers to saltwater life forms and coastal ecology are those life forms whose habitats are the coast.

Outdoor Recreation
4-H’ers may explore aspects of leisure activities that take place in the out of doors but do not include competitive sports. Such activities may include hunting, fishing, rock climbing, etc. List of categories available on the Leisure page linked in Resources below.

Outdoor Survival Skills
4-H’ers may explore practices and principles of outdoor survival such as the understanding of the basic elements of personal or group survival including mental attitude, shelter, water, food, fire, safety, and techniques like tool construction.

Paleontology
4-H’ers may explore the study of prehistoric life through fossil records, identify prehistoric habitats, and/or demonstrate an understanding of the paleontologist profession.

Performing Arts – General
4-H’ers may explore aspects of performing arts expressing originality and creativity in skills in various performance areas. 4-H’ers in performing arts general will present a talent that includes multiple performance skills such as singing and playing an instrument, or dancing, or monologues other performance talents. Soloists and instrumentalists compete in another category. A short introduction is required and included in the time limit.

List of categories are available on the Leisure page linked in Resources below.
Scorecard and description is available in Resources below.

Performing Arts – Instrumental
4-H’ers may explore aspects of performing arts expressing originality and creativity in skills in various performance areas. 4-H’ers in performing arts instrumental will playing an instrument. Accompaniment may be used but must not be played in the same melody as the soloist and should be complementary to the piece performed. Pianists are required to use the provided piano and may not have accompaniment to their performance. A short introduction is required and included in the time limit. Vocal performance may not accompany an instrumentalist.

List of categories are available on the Leisure page linked in Resources below.
Scorecard and description are also available in the Resources section below.

Performing Arts – Vocal
4-H’ers may explore aspects of performing arts expressing originality and creativity in skills in various performance areas. 4-H’ers in performing arts vocal will sing. Accompaniment may be live or recorded. A short introduction is required and included in the time limit.

List of categories are available on the Leisure page linked in Resources below.
Score card and description are also available in the Resources section below.

Photography and Videography
4-H’ers may explore aspects of photography such as applications of photography as a hobby and a profession, developing a working knowledge of the mechanics of a camera, basic ideas of picture composition and outdoor lighting, and photo stories. Videos, slides, and computers may be used. 4-H’ers must provide their slide projector, video projector, computer screen, extension cord, etc.

Plants, Soils, and Fertilizers
4-H’ers may explore aspects of agronomy practices and farm management principles including but not limited to crop improvement, soil and fertilizer, crop and weed study, pasture, farm management, etc.

Poultry
4-H’ers may explore aspects of poultry science and the related industries, including breeding, feeding, production, by-products and end products and marketing. 4-H’ers are not required to own an animal to participate in the project.

Public Speaking
4-H’ers may develop skills and know-how in collecting, organizing, and presenting available information on a given topic in the form of a speech or talk. 4-H’ers will present a six-minute speech on any subject that is a positive expression, original speech, and in the vocabulary of the 4-H’er.

Scorecard is available in the Resources section below.

Rabbits
4-H’ers may explore sound rabbit care and management practices including feeding, care, handling and grooming, raising, and basic first aid and simple treatments for pet ailments not requiring veterinary attention. Animal ownership is not required for the project.

Robotics
4-H’ers may explore aspects of robotics and robotics careers including engineering and design principles, problem-solving, decision-making and logical reasoning, science process and design skills, and technology related to robotic systems.

Safety
4-H’ers may explore aspects of safety including personal, home, auto and other areas of safety considering recognition of hazards, solutions to correct hazards and reduction of accidents and injuries.

Sheep and Meat Goats
4-H’ers may explore aspects of sheep and meat goats and the related industries, including breeding, feeding, production, by-products, and end products. 4-H’ers are not required to own an animal to participate in the project.

Sports – Individual
4-H’ers may explore aspects of leisure activities that are individual competitive sports including the history of, famous players, rules for and safety in such independent sporting activities.

List of categories available on the Leisure page linked in Resources below.

Sports – Team
4-H’ers may explore aspects of leisure activities that are competitive team sports including the history of, famous teams or players of team sports, rules for and safety in such team sporting activities.

List of categories available on the Leisure page linked in Resources below.

Swine
4-H’ers may explore aspects of swine and the related industries, including breeding, feeding, production, by-products, and end products. 4-H’ers are not required to own an animal to participate in the project.

Target Sports
4-H’ers may explore aspects of the target sports (firearms, precision air, and archery.) including safety, proper shooting techniques, parts, care, accessories, terminology, and history.

Time and Money Management
4-H’ers may explore aspects of time and money management as it relates to values, goals, decision making, and resources. Time and money management may include management of personal finances or time or considerations for businesses or others about time and money management.

Veterinary Science
4-H’ers may explore aspects of veterinary science as it relates to anatomy, diet, habitat, disease, parasites and veterinary care of all animals including pets, large animals and zoo animals

Wildlife
4-H’ers may explore aspects of wildlife including different forms and habitats of as well as conservation practices for and protection of different species.

Workforce Preparation & Career Development
4-H’ers may explore aspects of workforce development and career choices including what people do in their jobs, factors that influence career decisions, career development skills as well as workforce practices.

Resources

General

Project

Examples

Score Sheets

Performing Arts

Parent

We’re so excited of your interest in Cloverleaf 4-H Project Achievement for your child! Many times Cloverleaf Project Achievement originates in your child’s school classroom. The following resources will help you get started with supporting your child through this process, however, please be sure to check with your child to gain the information and deadlines they may have received at school. If you or your child are new to 4-H Project Achievement, contact your local county Extension office to receive additional information to get started. Space is limited for the district competition and 4-H’ers must qualify at the county level. Discuss your county’s plans with your local Agent and staff to be sure you can meet any school, county, or district specific deadlines.

Judge

Judging Training Cloverleaf Grades 4-6

Foods Labs

Creative Stitchery

Sample Projects

Other Projects

Portable Sewing Machines are available from the state office for checkout.   Contact Dr. Courtney Brown (courtms@uga.edu) for more information.

Leisure Project

Leisure Education projects are broad in nature and many may cross into one or two areas based on the nature of the presentation. The following list is a general guide for placement of topics and areas of interest. For specific questions consider the project objectives. Consideration should be the scope within the presentation. For example, a 4-H’er could make a presentation on baseball catching equipment in Safety if the presentation focuses on safety issues, in History if the presentation focuses on the historical changes in equipment or Sports. A young person talking about competitive dance may be in Sports, perform a dance in Performing Arts Dance, talk about dance as a hobby and leisure activity in General Recreation or talk about the health benefits of dance in Health.

The following project descriptions may help you decide the best category for competition.

Arts & Crafts

The broad area of Arts and Crafts can include almost anything someone creates with their hands – whether totally from scratch or assembling pre-cut pieces. In some cases, a presentation could be given in another category if the final product relates to a specific activity such as fly tying for fishing or shotgun shell loading for hunting. These could fall into the Outdoor Recreation category depending on the direction the presentation leads the audience.

Cloverleafs may choose the project of Arts or Crafts using the suggested list.

  • Arts
    • Calligraphy
    • Drawing
    • Painting (Oil, Tole, Watercolor, etc.)
    • Cartooning
    • Fine Arts Appreciation
    • Pen & Ink
    • Computer Graphics and Drawing
    • Illustrating
    • Pottery
    • Costuming
    • Make-up (clowning, stage, costume, drama)
    • Printing
  • Crafts
    • Basketry
    • Food Crafts (cake decorating)
    • Paper-Mache
    • Bead Work
    • Jewelry Making
    • Quilting
    • Block Printing
    • Knitting
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Braiding
    • Leather Work
    • Rock Art
    • Candle Making
    • Macramé
    • Rope Art
    • Carving (wood, soap, stone)
    • Marionette & Puppet Construction
    • Sand Crafts
    • Ceramics
    • Metal Crafts
    • Scapbooking
    • Copper Tooling
    • Model Building
    • Shrink Art
    • Crocheting
    • Mosaics
    • Textile Art
    • Decoupage
    • Nature Crafts
    • Textile Painting
    • Dough Art
    • Needlework
    • Weaving
    • Embroidery
    • Paper Crafts
    • Wood Carving (constructions, whittling, etc.)
    • Embossing

General Recreation

General Recreation emphasizes hobbies and collections as well as social recreation pursuits. This division includes the following:

  • Collections
    • Cartoons
    • Coins
    • Insects
    • Leaves
    • Rocks
    • Stamps
  • Hobbies
    • Aquariums
    • Astrology
    • Chess
    • Flower Arranging
    • Reading
    • Scrapbooking
  • Community Service & Social Recreation
    • Lighting
    • Magic & Other Skilled Acts
    • Makeup
    • Play Writing
    • Card Games
    • Dance
    • Party Game Leadership
    • Party Preparation
    • Recreation Leadership

Sports

Sports includes all team and individual sports. Cloverleaf projects are divided by team sports and individual sports for competition.

  • Team
    • Volleyball
    • Hockey
    • Basketball
    • Softball
    • Soccer
    • Football
    • Baseball
    • Lacrosse
  • Individual
    • Wrestling
    • Extreme Sports
    • Golf
    • Fencing
    • Badminton
    • Handball
    • Skiing
    • Skating
    • Weight Lifting
    • Cheerleading
    • Ping Pong
    • Billiards
    • Horseshoes
    • Swimming & Diving
    • Tumbling & Gymnastics
    • Boxing
    • Paddle Tennis
    • Track & Field
    • Bowling
    • Judo, Karate
    • Tennis

Projects describing techniques, rules, regulations, or the benefits of these activities would be acceptable in Sports. Appropriate presentations could also include selecting proper equipment, caring for equipment, your experiences, etc.

Outdoor Recreation

The Outdoor Recreation project includes anything related to outdoor recreational activities. Specific examples include:

  • Bait Casting
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Bicycle
  • Fly Casting & Tying
  • Camp Shelter
  • Boating/Sailing
  • Hiking & Backpacking
  • Compass & Map
  • Bird Watching
  • Horseback Riding
  • Fire Building
  • Canoeing
  • Skin & Scuba Diving
  • Knot Tying
  • Care of Outdoor Equipment
  • Skiing
  • Orienteering
  • Spelunking
  • Rappelling
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Paintball

Performing Arts

Performing Arts presentations are performances. An illustrated talk about performing arts fits in another category, usually General Recreation.

Performing Arts – Instrumental

Any talent act which is totally instrumental belongs in this project. Live or recorded accompaniment is allowed, but not required. The accompaniment must not play the same melody as the soloist and should be complementary to the piece performed. Judges will not consider the accompaniment when scoring the performance.

NOTE FOR PIANISTS: Pianists are expected to play the piano provided and may not have additional accompaniment.

Performing Arts – Vocal

This area evaluates the singing ability of a performer. Singers may play their own instrument, use an accompanist or use an accompaniment track. Instrumentation will not be judged in this area.

Performing Arts – General

Any talent act which involves something other than or in addition to an instrument will fall in this project. Examples are twirling, monologue, sing and play an instrument, sing and dance, puppetry, magic act, etc.

NOTE: A participant may choose to be judged in multiple talent areas by entering the general category. However, remember Performing Arts are performances. Illustrated talks about a skill or talent should enter a recreation project such as those listed earlier.