4-H Discovery Challenge
4-H Discovery Challenge is an in-school 4-H program that provides structure and assistance to children in grades 3-6 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.Day #1 Video Guide For Mentors
Parent Guide: Discovery Challenge
3rd Grade 4-H Discovery Challenge Mentor Notes (03/25)
Day #1, 3rd Grade Discovery Challenge Rubric
Day #1, Scientist Master Sign-Up Sheet
Day #1, National Park Master Sign-Up Sheet
Day #1, How A Good Presentation Looks Video
Day #2, Video Guide For Mentors
Day #2 Scientist Research Sheets
Day #3, Video Guide For Mentors
Day #3 How To Build A Presentation
Day #3 Presentation Structure Table
Day #4, Video Guide For Mentors
Day #4 Designing My Slides (PDF)
Day #4 Designing My Slides (PPT Option)
Day #4 Designing My Slides (Google Slides Link)
Day #5 Discovery Challenge Scorecard
Day #5, Optional Scoring Worksheet
Indiana State Standards Covered
Parent Guild: Discovery Challenge
4th Grade 4-H Discovery Challenge Mentor Notes 03/35
Day #1 Narrowing Your Topic, Visual Aid by Sarah Pate
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 How To Build A Presentation
Day #3 Introductions That Get Attention
Day #3 Presentation Structure Table
Day #4 Bad Slides (PPT Version)
Day #4 Bad Slides (Google Slides Link)
Day #4 Visual Aid Draft Worksheet
Day #5, Optional Scoring Worksheet
Indiana State Standards Covered
Parent Guide: Discovery Challenge
5th Grade 4-H Discovery Challenge Mentor Notes (03/25)
Day #1 Narrowing Your Topic, Visual Aid by Sarah Pate
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, It Is On The Internet, (Google Slides Link)
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 Three Conclusion Paragraphs
Day #4 Draft Visual Aid Slides
Day #4 Project Rubric, Grades 4/5
Day #5, District Judging Helpful Thoughts
Day #5, Judging Project Scorecard
Day #5, Optional Scoring Spreadsheet
Indiana State Standards Covered
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