About

The National 4-H Directory is an online database that has hundreds of educational materials for 4-H youth, volunteers and staff, many that are part of the National 4-H Curriculum Collection. The directory contains both print and electronic products that cover a variety of subjects. The four categories of 4-H materials are:

• 4-H Individual Project Curriculum
• 4-H Curriculum for Groups
• 4-H Volunteer/Professional Development Materials
• 4-H Resources

The full directory will launch on April 1, 2008.

4-H is the only youth development program with a direct connection to technological advances from research conducted at the nation’s 106 state land-grant universities and colleges. The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, “learn by doing” experiences encourages youth to learn experiment, innovate and think independently. 4-H offers youth opportunities to master life’s challenges, cultivate independence from caring adults, gain a sense of belonging and share their spirits of generosity.

Boys and girls ages 5-19 of all races and ethnic backgrounds in urban, suburban and rural communities in every state in the United States and its territories and on U.S. military installations worldwide participate in 4-H, which is offered through school-based, after-school and camp settings and community clubs. Click here to find your local 
4-H office.

 

4-H Individual Project Curriculum
Audience: Youth

Description: Emphasis on products for individual learning by youth with the guidance of an adult/youth helper. Products for the adult/youth helper to guide and support learning must be included.

Products provide in-depth content on subjects, often with multiple levels of difficulty. These materials provide breadth, depth, duration, and frequency of learning experiences. The curriculum design typically provides sequentially planned learning experiences that are intended to produce changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills, aspirations, and/or behaviors.Search All Resources - check "4-H Individual Project Curriculum" and then click "Search".
Example:Dairy Cattle Curriculum

 

4-H Curriculum for Groups
Audience: Youth

Description: Emphasis on products for adult or youth leaders to facilitate group learning that are easy to implement with limited preparation time or few resources. Materials for the youth participants are integral for learning. Materials to take home for family reinforcement are also very important, particularly with younger audiences.

Curriculum that is designed to be used in small or large groups that have approximately 30-45 minutes per learning session; guided by an adult or youth facilitator. Curriculum should be designed for a minimum of 6 total hours of educational experiences. The curriculum design often provides sequentially planned learning experiences that are intended to produce changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills, aspirations, and/or behaviors.Search All Resources - check "4-H Curriculum for Groups" and then click "Search".
Example:Acres of Adventure Curriculum

 

4-H Volunteer/Professional Development Materials
Audience: Adult/Youth

Description: Materials that provide training, support or professional development with the goal of improving performance so that staff and volunteers are as effective as possible in carrying out their roles in positive youth development. Products may be in print and electronic formats. Search All Resources - check"4-H Volunteer/Professional Development Materials" and then click "Search".
Example:4-H 101:The Basics of Starting 4-H Clubs

 

4-H Resources
Audience: Adult or Youth, Individual or Group

Description: Any number of additional resources, often intended for adult audiences, that are designed to supplement materials or provide activities or guidance for volunteers. Materials can be web-based, print, or produced in other mediums.Search All Resources - check"4-H Resources" and then click "Search". These may include the following types of materials:

• Rapid Response Materials: Materials that need to be produced and disseminated quickly in response to an emergency, health threat, or other topics that need a quick response. Materials are generally produced by state specialists, faculty, or National Program Leaders and posted quickly on web sites. This category could also allow curriculum postings on a web-site while waiting for print materials.
  Example:Understanding Avian Influenza
• Grab & Go’s: Materials that are often activity-based materials intended to introduce a topic area but do not include a full scope and sequence. These may be most appropriate for camps or other activity-focused settings that are activity focused.
  Example: Icebreakers, single activities, making a craft item
• Guides: These materials may provide additional background information in support of other 4-H materials, or simply provide a volunteer with more in-depth guidance than found in a Grab & Go yet less in-depth than curriculum.
  Example:National Animal Identification System (NAIS), or a guide on parliamentary procedure.