Breadcrumb

Ag Home
Extension
Extension 4-H General Science Project

Page Title

General Science Project

Banner

Photo Credit:

NDSU Extension

Text

Are you curious about how the world around you works? Have you asked yourself, “why do things fall down?”, “why do clouds form?”, “why am I not feeling well?”, why do mosquitoes bite?”, “why is this rock shiny and the other is dull?” or “why does 2+2=4?” Through science, these can be understood through scientific investigation.

Sections

Project Level Goals

Beginner

Research lab equipment.
Create your own lab procedures
Start a science journal Discover the states of matter
Explore the forces that act on objects
Test objects to see if they sink or float
Layer different liquids in a container
Create your own lava lamp.
Use a prism to separate light
Discover why apples fall from trees

Intermediate

Design an experiment where a chemical reaction occurs
Test the solubility of different substances in water
Create an experiment to separate marker colors
Make a golf ball float
Create ooze, flubber, or gaak
Experiment with bubbles
Discover who or what is “ROY-G-BIV”
Learn about the surface tension of water
Make models of atoms

Advanced

Investigate the differences between the states of matter
Read about Albert Einstein
Research the different states and forms of energy
Investigate how to control the speed of a chemical reaction
Read about Sir Isaac Newton
Research acids, bases, and the pH scale
Investigate friction and how it affects movement
Research the effects of gravity on different planet

OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE

Interview a local scientist.
Design an experiment and share the results at your school science fair.
Attend a Marketplace for Kids event.
Attend a science themed summer camp.
Contact your county NDSU Extension office for local workshops, activities and events.
Interested in a college education in the area of Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics? Schedule a visit with North Dakota State University to explore these majors: College of Science and Mathematics (NDSU)

CAREERS

There are many exciting career opportunities in general science. These include: Biologist, geologist, physicist, chemist, lab technician, engineer, environmental scientist, forensic science technician, research scientist, science museum curator, data scientist, food scientist, forester, meteorologist, political scientists, risk analyst, software developer, statistician

SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROJECT

Build Leadership & Service Skills

Arrange a farm tour, start a livestock judging team, volunteer to present beef promotions during Beef Month in May, provide beef taste testing at a grocery store, or volunteer at the county fair!

Polish Communication Skills

Create a poster displaying beef cuts and how to prepare them, give a presentation on the importance of following drug labels, teach someone about the traits of selecting breeding animals.

Learn about Entrepreneurship

Build your own business selling meat from farm to table, fit and groom animals for others, use another skill like photography to help producers market their animals.

Discover new Technology Interests

Learn about gene editing and sequencing, shadow an A.I. technician to see the latest equipment and techniques, or learn the detailed science of carcass grading and meat quality.

Engage in other County, Regional, & State Events

4-H STEM Camp, Communication Arts, Project EXPO

Exhibit Ideas

Display