4-H Discovery Challenge
4-H Discovery Challenge is an in-school 4-H program that provides structure and assistance to children in grades 3-5 as they research and present a topic of interest to their teachers and classmates. Through age-appropriate activities, children can choose from topics in areas of science, social studies, arts and crafts, healthy living, environmental stewardship, and leadership.
Unlike other programs, which focus on competition, Discovery Challenge focuses more on exploration and competence building. Children participate in activities designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, laying the groundwork for their future involvement in other community initiatives and their eventual careers.
Our Goal
The primary goal of 4-H Discovery Challenge is to introduce children to various subjects in a fun and engaging manner while promoting personal growth and life skills development in the areas of research and presentation.
Discovery Challenge Teaching Materials
If you are interested in offering "Discovery Challenge" in your school, please contact Bill Decker, 4-H Discovery Programs Educator, at wdecker@purdue.edu.Parent Guide: Discovery Challenge
4-H Discovery Challenge 3rd Grade Teacher Summary and Standards
3rd Grade 4-H Discovery Challenge Mentor Notes (01/25)
Day #1 Discovery Challenge Project Objectives
Day #1, 3rd Grade Discovery Challenge Rubric
Day #1, Scientist Master Sign-Up Sheet
Day #1, National Park Master Sign-Up Sheet
Day #2 Scientist Research Sheets
Day #3 How To Build A Presentation
Day #3 Presentation Structure Table
Day #4 Designing My Slides (PDF)
Day #4 Designing My Slides (PPT Option)
Day #5 Discovery Challenge Scorecard
Day #5, Optional Scoring Worksheet
Parent Guild: Discovery Challenge
4-H Discovery Challenge 4th Grade Teacher Summary and Standards
4th Grade 4-H Discovery Challenge Mentor Notes 10/24
Day #1 Narrowing Your Topic, Visual Aid by Sarah Pate
Day #1 Discovery Challenge Project List
Day #1 Discovery Challenge Project Objectives
Day #1, 4, 5 Discovery Challenge Rubric
Day #2 Which Of These Photos Is Real
Day #2 Helpful Research Sites (09/06/24)
Day #3 Cinderella Master Outline (10/24)
Day #3 Cinderella Mixed-Up Facts (10/24)
Day #3 Cinderella Blank Outline (10/24)
Day #3 How To Build A Presentation
Day #3 Introductions That Get Attention
Day #3 Path To A Good Presentation
Day #3 Presentation Structure Table
Day #4 Bad Slides (PPT Version)
Day #4 Visual Aid Draft Worksheet
Day #5, Optional Scoring Worksheet
Parent Guide: Discovery Challenge
4-H Discovery Challenge 5th Grade Teacher Summary and Standards
5th Grade 4-H Discovery Challenge Mentor Notes (10/24)
Day #1 Narrowing Your Topic, Visual Aid by Sarah Pate
Day #1 Discovery Challenge Project List
Day #1 Discovery Challenge Project Objectives
Day #1, 4, 5 Discovery Challenge Rubric
Day #2 It Is On The Internet, PowerPoint
Day #2 It Is On The Internet, PDF
Day #2, Is This A Good Source?
Day #2 Helpful Research Sites (09/06/2024)
Day #3 How To Build A Presentation
Day #3 Presentation Structure Table
Day #3 The Heroic Journey of Firefighters
Day #3 Three Conclusion Paragraphs
Day #3 What It Takes To Be An Astronaut
Day #4 Draft Visual Aid Slides
Day #4 Project Rubric, Grades 4/5
Day #5, Judging Project Scorecard
Day #5, Optional Scoring Spreadsheet
4-H Discovery In The Classroom
As part of our Discovery programming, 4-H is providing in-classroom lesson plans for 4-H educators, classroom instructors, aids, and parents of home-school students. Primary supplies for these activities and demonstrations are available. In some cases, it will be possible to arrange for a 4-H educator, or volunteer, to present this material in your classroom. Contact Bill Decker, at wdecker@purdue.edu, in order to arrange for materials and possible scheduling of classroom presenters. This program is currently funded through a grant, supplies will be free of charge; however, we ask users to keep track, and share with 4-H, how many children are reached by these lessons.
Lesson Plans
For more information about 4-H Discovery Challenge, please reach out to Bill Decker, Educator, 4-H Discovery Programs.
email Bill