4-H Horticulture & Plant Sciences

The 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative is the 4-H program’s response to our nation’s and state’s concern for improving human capacity and workforce abilities in the areas of science, engineering, and technology (SET). It combines non-formal education with hands-on inquiry-based learning, in a youth development context, to increase literacy and engage youth in improving their knowledge, skills and abilities in science, engineering and technology. 4-H SET combines the strengths of 4-H non-formal experiential-based delivery modes and strong youth-adult partnerships to address SET content as defined by the National Science Education Standards.

The 4-H Youth Development Program engages youth in the scientific study of plant life. The 4-H Program teaches youth …

• Applied biological/agricultural sciences including production of all plants.
• Insight into agriculture and develop understanding of the basic principles of plant physiology as they relate to plant growth and development.
• An understanding of the methods and values of scientific research and its influence on plants and soils.
• The use of biotechnology as it pertains to the development of new and improved plant varieties.
• The role of plant nutrients, water and soil in plant growth and the geographic areas suited for plant growth growth.
• The use of integrated pest management practices (IPM) as part of an overall crop production system.
  

2008 State 4-H Horticulture Contest Results (Word) (PDF)

The State 4-H Horticulture Contest is offered to all 4-H members during the State 4-H Field Day at UC Davis. Plant science activities provide opportunities and potentially motivate youth to increase their knowledge of horticultural plants, and horticultural/plant science techniques and knowledge, greatly expands their ability to identify various plants and allows for interaction with other youth interested in plant science.

Contest Coordinators
Alex Culp, Orange County, aculp@datahunter.com
Daniel Berke, Yolo County, berke.daniel@gmail.com