Physical, Biological, and Earth Science Senior Project Guide

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Overview

Georgia 4-H Project Achievement empowers young people with skills for a lifetime. Through a competitive process, students explore their interests, unleash their creativity, share their work, and celebrate their achievements! This guide provides 9th – 12th graders with examples for getting started with their project exploration.

Overview of Project Achievement Process

1) Choose project
2) Develop skills in leadership and service
3) Prepare portfolio for work completed from January 1 – December 31
4) Prepare presentation
5) Practice
6) Compete
7) Reflect

Description of Physical, Biological, and Earth Science Project

4-H’ers may explore the study of chemistry, physics, living organisms, or the earth. Through this project 4-H’ers may:

• acquire knowledge about the scientific aspects of topics dealing with non-living matter or energy, such as physics, chemistry, and/or astronomy
• gain an understanding of the origins, history, characteristics, habitats, and systems of plants and animals
• study earth and space processes, including geology, astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, and/or paleontology
• learn the processes of scientific inquiry to determine the nature of things
• explore career opportunities in the areas of science and scientific inquiry

Examples of Project Development Experiences

• Shadow a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officer, geologist, or other scientist to learn about their job
• Tour an astronomy tower, planetarium, aquarium, and/or natural history museum
• Conduct an informational interview with a scientist, teacher, or other professional to learn about their work and career path
• Visit your local county Extension office and discover the process of soil sampling
• Tour local industries to discover how science is used in manufacturing processes
• Schedule a visit to a 4-H Center and participate in a 4-H Environmental Education program

Project Sharing and Helping Examples

• Start a club that focuses on the environment, gardening, and/or science
• Volunteer as a teen leader on 4-H National Youth Science Day
• Conduct science experiments or demonstrations with 4-H’ers
• Teach a class about circuits
• Learn about disaster relief, extreme weather, and climate changes in your area. Help your family and neighbors become better prepared for these situations
• Learn about astronomy and constellations. Host a nighttime viewing party with friends, neighbors, and family to teach them what you’ve learned
• Trace the production of a material such as glass, plastic, or metal. Prepare and display an informational poster about the chemicals and natural resources used in the production
• Prepare an exhibit to teach others about the science behind satellites, fiber optics, and radio transmissions involved in distance learning
• Volunteer at a school’s science night
• Assist younger students with their science projects
• Serve your community as a 4-H STEM Ambassador

Special Considerations

• Youth should talk with their science teacher about appropriate safety measures prior to conducting or leading experiments.
• Youth should practice internet safety when communicating with new people online.
• Remember to ask permission before photographing, taping, or quoting someone for your project.
• Food should not be prepared as part of the Physical, Biological, and Earth Science Project Achievement competition presentation.
• Live animals and weapons are not permitted.

Recommended Resources

• Georgia4h.org/ProjectAchievement
• naturalhistory.uga.edu
• 4-h.org/parents/stem-agriculture
• georgia4h.org/4-h-ambassadors/
• agroclimate.org
• epa.gov/students
• usgs.gov

At Competition

Physical, Biological, and Earth Science projects may use posters, artifacts,
biofacts, and/or technology to support their presentation.

The time limit for these presentations is 12 minutes.

Computers, projectors, screens, and other technological devices may be used.

Prepared by: Natalie Bock
Reviewed by: Taylor Madgett, Keri Hobbs, Melanie Biersmith, Jenna Daniel, and Jason Estep