Beginner (grades 3-5 suggested)

Construct a rocket of your choice designed for a new model rocket enthusiast with a difficulty level that is appropriate for the suggested grade level, or a poster or display board on any topic in the manual. Similar topics not included in the manual are permissible. Rockets cannot be ready-to-fly (RTF) or have plastic fins. Cluster engine rockets and rockets that take an engine D or above are not permitted in this level.

Remote control aircraft or drone of your choice that is age/grade appropriate and compliant with FAA regulations, federal and state laws, and local ordinances. This exhibit choice is to include a notebook or poster including how the aircraft/drone was used and aerospace skills learned. Displaying the aircraft or drone is optional. Other topics could include how a quadcopter operates, controls used to fly a quadcopter, UAV regulations administered by Federal Aviation Administration, commercial and emergency uses of UAVs, and more.

Construct a rocket of your choice designed for a model rocket enthusiast with some experience and with a difficulty level that is appropriate for the suggested grade level, or a poster or display board on any topic in the manual. Similar topics not included in the manual are permissible. Rockets cannot be ready-to-fly (RTF) or have plastic fins. Cluster engine rockets and rockets that take an engine E or above are not permitted in this level.

Remote control aircraft or drone of your choice that is age/grade appropriate and compliant with FAA regulations, federal and state laws, and local ordinances. This exhibit choice is to include a notebook or poster including how the aircraft/drone was used and aerospace skills learned. Displaying the aircraft or drone is optional. Other topics could include interviewing a certified UAV pilot who works in law enforcement, EMS, fire, Purdue Extension, commercial or other application. Other options could include creating a flight plan or interfacing with other computer software.

Construct a rocket of your choice designed for an experienced model rocket enthusiast and with a difficulty level that is appropriate for the suggested grade level, or a poster or display board on any topic in the manual. Similar topics not included in the manual are permissible. Rockets cannot be ready-to-fly (RTF) or have plastic fins. Cluster engine rockets and rockets that take an engine G or above are not permitted in this level.

Remote control aircraft or drone of your choice that is age/grade appropriate and compliant with FAA regulations, federal and state laws, and local ordinances. This exhibit choice is to include a notebook or poster including how the aircraft/drone was used and aerospace skills learned. Displaying the aircraft or drone is optional. Other topics could include using “stitching” software to produce an orthomosaic map for a research purpose, identifying Department of Transportation Aeronautical Chart features and explain how these are important to drone pilot, how to obtain a drone pilot license, or more. If 16 years of age or older the member could obtain a license by completing and passing the official FAA Part 107 UAV licensing test.

Poster Guidelines

All poster exhibits must be 22" x 28", displayed horizontally, and have a stiff backing (corrugated cardboard or foam core board preferred) and be covered with clear cellophane, plastic or in poster bag unless otherwise stated in project requirements. Quiz Boards are not considered posters and do not require a clear covering. Leave space in the lower right hand corner of poster for project label affixed outside of covering. (Poster board, foam core board, and poster bags are available at the Extension Office at cost.) 

Leave space on exhibit for label. Label size is 2 7/8” wide x 5 ½” long and will be attached in readily visible position.

References:  All posters, notebooks, display boards must include a reference list indicating where information was obtained, giving credit to the original author, to complete the 4-H member’s exhibit.  This reference list should/might include web site links, people and professionals interviewed, books, magazines, etc.  It is recommended this reference list be attached to the back of a poster or display board, be the last page of a notebook, or included as part of the display visible to the public.  The judge will not discredit an exhibit for the manner in which references are listed.

All pictures and wall hangings, etc. should be ready to hang or display. Use strong hangers (not can tabs) attached with nails or screws (not glue or tape) or provide a suitable stand. Label the stand with your name.

Exhibit labels supplied by the office are to be attached securely. There may be specific other instructions for certain projects. See individual project requirements for these instructions. Be sure all exhibit items can be identified with 4-H member name and 4-H club. i.e. notebooks, exhibits with multiple items, etc. Be sure all parts of your exhibit have your name on them.

Secrets of a Successful Poster
A successful poster will:
· Catch the eye of the passerby
· Be simple and clear
· Impress an idea or a fact upon the viewer
· Stimulate the viewer to support your idea, get more information, or take appropriate action.
· Have space left over—Posters that are uncluttered are easier to read.

An effective poster: attracts attention, focuses on a main interest or idea, and motivates you.

Planning A Poster
A poster should have one main idea. Have the reason clearly in mind before you start.
· Consider who your viewer will be
· Decide what you want them to know
· Decide what you want them to do
· Think of a clever theme or slogan
· Limit your effort to one main idea
· Make a small rough sketch
· Visual communication is an aid to what you are trying to teach with your project.

Choosing Colors
Color combinations affect how easily the message is read and the overall appearance of the poster.
· Consider the Contrast: This means you use dark letters on a light background, and light letters on a dark background.
· Let the most important items be the most important color.
· Colors that are close to the background shade will not show up well and cannot be read at a distance.
· Avoid using too many different colors. Two or three should be sufficient. You don’t want to overwhelm your main point!
· Avoid putting red and green next to each other—this is hard to focus on if a person is colorblind.
· Avoid bright neon colors—they may catch the eye, but they are hard to focus on.

Lettering
· Lower case letters are easier to read than all CAPITALS. Use capitals only for emphasizing an important phrase or word to give variety.
· Save fancy or script lettering for catching the attention of the viewer.
· When hand lettering, always use guidelines. Using a ruler, lightly pencil in straight lines that can be erased when your poster is complete.
· Letters may be cutout and glued on, or precut letters may be purchased.
· Keep written material to a minimum. Use only headings, captions and signs necessary to tell the story.

Use different size lettering for items of varying importance.
· Allow margins to keep things from running together and looking too cluttered.
· Below is a table of letter sizes and their effectiveness:

*Ask your parents, 4-H Leader, or older 4-H member to look at your poster and tell you what they think.

Revise-Re-Do-Rearrange
1. Cut out all your letters, pictures and graphics.
2. Draw guidelines and place or draw in letters.
3. Lay all your pieces of your poster out on the poster board.
4. Ask yourself, “How does it look?”
5. Revise and rearrange as needed. Re-Do anything that should be a different size or color.
6. Move things around until you are happy with the overall effect and message of your poster.
7. Glue everything in place.
9. Remember—NEATNESS COUNTS!